Next month’s roster of activities at Northwest Regional Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:

ADULTS

English Caf

10:30 a.m., Thursdays,

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Practice your English with English Cafe, a free, conversation session for adult ESOL and ESL students. Each 90-minute session provides adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking English with native speakers. Participants may start at any time. Advanced registration is not necessary.

Operation S.O.S. (Spay Our Strays) Community Cat Trap-Neuter-Return Program

3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15

6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 21

2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25

This program was implemented to prevent the continuing problem of cat overpopulation and the shelter intake of feral or stray community cats in Lee County for euthanasia. In the past, all feral cats entering Lee County Domestic Animal Services were euthanized. Now, a non-lethal, more humane solution is offered “Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR).” This method is considered to be the most effective way to improve the quality of life for feral cats; reduce their numbers; and address wildlife, public health, and environmental issues attributed to feral cats. This program is provided in support of the Ernest Hemingway Exhibit and will be held in our Interactive Demo Zone in the exhibit area.

Around the World

with Ernest Hemingway

6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 28

Join us for a virtual trip to various locations and points in time, using Hemingway’s books and stories as a guide. Drive an ambulance in Italy during World War I, run with the bulls in Spain and languish on the African savanna. Closer to home, hang out with a smuggler in the 1930’s Florida Keys, cruise the “Islands in the Stream,” or battle a legendary fish in the warm waters off the coast of Cuba. When did you first discover Hemingway, or would you like to find out more about him? This is your chance to learn more about Ernest Hemingway, as we view and talk about his life, in print and in the movies. This program is provided in support of the Ernest Hemingway Exhibit and will be held in our Interactive Demo Zone in the exhibit area.

FAMILY

Baby-Parent Rhyme Time

10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Aug. 22, 29

Be prepared to tickle, jump and fly with your baby! These rhymes and songs are for infants, up to 24 months, accompanied by an adult. This 20-minute program is filled with songs designed to introduce rhyming and movement to infants. Registration is required.

Family Storytime

10:30 a.m., Thursdays, Aug. 23, 30

This program is for the whole family and lasts about 30 minutes. Registration is required.

CHILDREN

Kids Read Down Fines

10 a.m. 12 p.m., Saturdays, Aug. 4, 18

5 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14

Children and teens can earn a $2 coupon for every 15 minutes of reading during the allotted time in the designated area of the library. For ages 18 and younger. Coupons may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only.

Reading Academy

4:30 p.m., Thursdays, Aug. 16, 23, 20

Reading, spelling, puppets and games! Get a reading boost with this fun-filled program. For kids in grades K-5. Registration begins August 6th. Please register online or in person at the library before the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Northwest Regional Library.

Lego Story Lab

6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 21

Visit the library for Lego fun! Lego Story Lab, a program for grades K-5, incorporates hands-on activities and literacy. With Legos, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Story Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with Legos! We provide the Legos, just bring your creativity. This program is being sponsored by the Friends of the Northwest Regional Library. The Lego Story Lab is free and open to the public.

Why Legos in the library? Hands-on play improves concentration, scientific logic and reasoning, problem solving and creativity – skills that go hand in hand with reading, literacy and learning. Registration is required.

TEENS

Kids Read Down Fines

10 a.m. 12 p.m., Saturdays, Aug. 4, 18

5 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14

Children and teens can earn a $2 coupon for every 15 minutes of reading during the allotted time in the designated area of the library. For ages 18 and younger. Coupons may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only.

It’s Where? — Scavenger Hunt

1 6 p.m., Wednesdays,

Aug. 15, 22, 29

The challenge: find all the answers to the Back-to-School photo scavenger hunt. The prize: awesome headphones. Test your library knowledge, find the answer and then take a photo on your cell. Winners will be selected by random drawing from those with the correct answers. Headphones provided by the Northwest Regional Library Friends.

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The Northwest Regional Library is located at 519 Chiquita Blvd., N., in Cape Coral. For more information about a program or to register, call the library at 239-533-4700. A sign language interpreter is available with 5 business days notice to library staff. Assistive listening system available; request at desk.

Check the Lee County Library System’s Web site at www.lee-county.com/library, or pick up an events calendar on your next visit, to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239-479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.