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A dog can be a forgiving audience for a new reader. A laptop can turn a Saturday morning into a first coding lesson. And a fruit tree does not have to tower over the backyard to produce a crop. All three turn up on Turlock Library’s November 2026 calendar.
The month’s programs are free, but two worth planning around require registration: Read to a Dog on November 7 and beginner Scratch coding on November 14. Later in the month, Master Gardeners will explain a way to keep newly planted fruit trees small. There are also art projects, a Pokémon afternoon and a mystery book discussion.
Two Saturdays to Reserve Now
Read to a Dog: Saturday, November 7, at noon. This is for independent readers up to age 12. Children read aloud to certified therapy dogs, giving them a chance to practice with an unusually patient listener. It is a different experience from sitting in a group while an adult reads a story.
Space is limited. Use the library’s Read to a Dog listing to register a reader. The age limit alone does not tell you whether this is the right fit: the program specifically calls for children who already read independently.
Learn Coding With Scratch: Saturday, November 14, at 11 a.m. The beginner-friendly MakerSpace session is for ages 9-18. Scratch uses visual coding blocks, offering a way into programming without starting with a page of typed commands.
Registration is required, and the library asks that each person attending be registered individually. Follow the official Scratch session listing, rather than assuming one reservation covers siblings or a whole group. If the form is full or you have questions about participation, call the library at 209-664-8100.
Fruit Trees for a Smaller Backyard
Backyard Orchard Fruit Trees: Wednesday, November 18, at 6 p.m. UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County will introduce the Fruit Bush Method. The class addresses keeping newly planted apple, apricot, peach, plum, cherry and other fruit trees under five feet tall while still producing fruit.
That is a useful subject for anyone who wants fruit without devoting most of a yard to a full-size tree. The important distinction is newly planted: the listing is not a promise that an established, mature tree can simply be cut down to five feet. Questions about choosing a tree, allowing enough room and starting its training would fit the session well.
The Master Gardeners’ class listing gives the program details. Unlike the two Saturday programs above, it does not currently display a registration button.
More November Dates to Put on the Fridge
- Tuesday, November 3, 4 p.m.: Copper Foil Art. Ages 9 and older can make art with supplied materials.
- Wednesday, November 4, 2-4 p.m.: Pokémon Party. An all-ages afternoon; children under 4 need direct adult supervision. Trading cards or a Nintendo Switch are optional things to bring.
- Monday, November 9, 10:30 a.m.: Mystery Lovers Book Club. The selection is The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware.
- Tuesday, November 10, 4 p.m.: Stop-Motion LEGO. Ages 9 and older can experiment with animation.
The county’s November library calendar has the full schedule and individual event details. Choose Turlock when browsing; the calendar also includes programs at other branches. The Turlock Journal’s November roundup is another useful overview.
Getting There and Avoiding a Closed Door
Turlock Library is at 550 Minaret Avenue, Turlock. Its regular hours are:
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday: noon-8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday: closed.
All county library facilities close November 11 for Veterans Day and November 26-27 for Thanksgiving. Friday is normally an open day in Turlock, but the Friday after Thanksgiving is an exception. The county’s hours and holiday calendar lists both the regular schedule and those closures.
The branch has a parking lot, Wi-Fi and public computers. If you are considering the bus, our first-time Turlock Transit guide explains routes, fares and boarding. For the story behind the building and its expansion, read our Turlock Library guide.
Which November Library Program Would You Try?
Reading with a therapy dog, learning to code or growing backyard fruit? Join other local readers in the discussion on our Facebook post.
