Mesa Public Library August 2023 Newsletter

Back-to-School Resources

What’s the most valuable school supply? Your library card!

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Remember, we’re here to help you have a great school year!

KIDS

BABIES MAKE MUSIC

Tues | Aug 29 | 10:00am – 10:45am | RM

Let your baby explore the world of music with pots, shakers, bells, and other musical instruments.

KIDS’ KITCHEN ADVENTURES

Wed | Aug 30 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

Calling all little chefs! Explore new recipes, taste new foods, and discover a culinary talent in the library. Ages 5-11. Supplies are limited. This month we will be making The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Fruit Salad.

LEGO® CLUB

Sat | Aug 5 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM Mon | Aug 7, 21 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.

LET’S PLAY!

Sat | Aug 5, 19 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN

Join us for a morning of play. Your young child will learn a variety of skills exploring different interest areas. A materials kit with the theme will be available for check out. Ages 3-5.

LETTERS TO BELOVED CHARACTERS: WILLY WONKA

All day | Aug 1-19 | RM

If you have a burning question for Willy Wonka, now is your chance to ask! This activity will be available at the Red Mountain children’s desk August 1-19. Children can pick up “their mail” at the desk beginning August 31. Ages 4-7.

LITTLE MAKERS PLAYTIME ⚙

Sat | Aug 19 | 10:30am – 11:30am | RM

Bring your little makers for an hour of parent and child maker time. We will have STEAM coloring crafts, electronic toys, coding board games, and electronics learning kits for older children. Ages 3-10.

MY FAMILY GHIBLI PRESENTS: THE CAT

Sat | Aug 5 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN

Bring the family in to watch The Cat Returns, the Japanese animated fantasy film. Make a craft while you enjoy the movie.

PAW PATROL-PALOOZA ��

Thurs | Aug 10 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM

Come join us for Paw Patrol crafts and stories. Ages 3-5.

SLIME TIME

Tues | Aug 29 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM

Mix up an ooey, gooey slime creation to take home! Ages 6-12.

SUPERHERO TRAINING ACADEMY

Tue | Aug 15 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM

Create your own superhero emblem and tackle the super challenges. Costumes are encouraged. Ages 3-5.

TREBUCHET FLASH CHALLENGE

Tues | Aug 15 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM

Challenge your ingenuity and creativity! In the first 45 minutes, you’ll create a miniature trebuchet. Then, we will launch marshmallows with your trebuchet to see how far they go.

WALK-IN WEDNESDAYS

Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Make a craft, listen to a story, or conduct an experiment. Something fun will be happening on Wednesday afternoons in the Youth Activity Room.

Storytimes

AROUND THE WORLD STORYTIME

Fri | Aug 4, 18 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN

Learn about the people and animals of various countries with songs, stories, maps, and crafts. This month we will learn about Japan and Ecuador. Ages 3-7.

BABY LAPSIT

Wednesdays | 9:00am – 9:30am | MN

Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN

Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR

Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM

Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.

BEDTIME STORIES

Thurs | Aug 17 | 5:30pm – 6:00pm | MN

Enjoy an evening of stories and songs that get your little one ready for bed. Jammies and stuffed animals are welcome!

DESIGN TIME STORYTIME ⚙

Sat | Aug 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN

This storytime introduces the creative process of art and design to families through songs, stories, games and interactive plugged and unplugged activities. Ages 3-6.

LITERACY THRU DRAMA WITH MESA ARTS CENTER

Fri | Aug 4 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR

Fri | Aug 11 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN

Fri | Aug 25 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM

Bring picture books to life by going on an imaginative adventure in this drama-focused storytime. Children will deepen early literacy skills as they explore magical worlds, problem-solve, and become characters in the story. Presented by Mesa Arts Center.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR

Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN

Tuesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN

Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��

Wednesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��

Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.

TODDLERTIME

Mondays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��

Mondays | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��

Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR

Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN

Thursdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN

Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.

YOGA STORYTIME

Thurs | Aug 17 | 10:00am – 10:30am | RM ��

Join us for stories with movement, singing, mindfulness, and easy yoga poses. Ages 3-5.

TWEENS ages

APP ARTIST ⚙

8-12

Tues | Aug 8, 22 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

Learn vector graphics, raster graphics, pixel graphics, animation, and how to take your work to the next level. This program is limited to the first 8 participants.

CRAFT-ISH ⚙

Tues | Aug 15, 29 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

We’ll cut, glue, and draw away the afternoon! Supplies are limited.

Aug 15 – Jar Painting

Aug 29 – Tile Painting

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® ⚙

Wed | Aug 2 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | MN

Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons® with an experienced player. New players are welcome. Already know how to play? Come in and use the space to lead your own campaign.

LIBRARY PEN PALS

Wed | Aug 30 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM

The Red Mountain Library is partnering with the Cathedral City Library in California in a pen pal letter exchange program. Come practice the art of letter writing with us and possibly make a new friend! All letters will be collected at the program and sent via mail.

MAGIC TREE HOUSE TAKE & MAKE KIT

All Day | Aug 1 – 31 | RM

Come pick up a Magic Tree House Take & Make kit, available at the Red Mountain Library, while supplies last. Each kit contains a craft and activities. This month we are reading Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne. Books are not included in the packet.

MACHINE: IMPOSSIBLE ⚙

Wed | Aug 23 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

Sat | Aug 26 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | MN

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create a machine that can solve a problem and maybe even save the world.

PERCY JACKSON UNIVERSE BOOK CLUB

Wed | Aug 23 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM

Each month we will read a book from the world of Percy Jackson and enjoy trivia, games, and crafts. This month’s book is Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian.

TEENS

ages 12-18

BUILD YOUR OWN VR WORLD ⚙ ☑

Wed | Aug 16 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN

Step into a world of boundless creativity as you design and explore your very own virtual reality environment, where the only limits are those of your imagination.

CALM CAFÉ

Thurs | Aug 10 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN

Take a break from your studies and relax with an hour of mindful play. At the Calm Café, you can play with LEGO® blocks, break out a board game, or color to your heart’s content.

CRAF-TEEN

Thurs | Aug 24 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

This isn’t your ordinary craft program, it’s a cool craft program. Stop by Teen Zone and make your own 3Doodle Art into a keychain.

DIY BOOK EDGE ART

Mon | Aug 28 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

Beautify your favorite books! Join us in the Teen Zone to paint the edges of books any way you can think of. Participants can use provided books or bring their own.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® ⚙

Wednesdays | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | RM

Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons® with an experienced player. New players are welcome. Already know how to play? Come in and use the space to lead your own campaign.

GAMING AT THE LIBRARY

Thurs | Aug 3, 17, 31 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | MN

Sat | Aug 19 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm | DR Come unwind with games! Play Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or choose to play one of our many board or card games.

LET’S EAT: BREAKFAST BURRITOS ⚙ ☑

Wed | Aug 2 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN

Join us on a delicious journey as we explore the art of cooking with step-by-step guidance from our foodie librarians. Bon appétit!

MATH TUTORING FOR TEENS

Tues | Aug 22, 29 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | RM Former math teacher Mr. Rogowski will help with homework, tests, and notes.

SEW A BOWL COZY ⚙

Wed | Aug 9 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN

Learn to use a sewing machine to make a bowl cozy.

TEEN TIME ⚙

Sat | Aug 19 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm | DR Thurs | Aug 31 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR ☑

Hang out, create, and have fun! Supplies are limited.

Aug 19 – Gaming at the Library

Aug 31 – Glowforge Pencil Engraving

BRASS CATS MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

Sat | Aug 5 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM

Comprised of 6 local well-practiced players, the Brass Cats perform a wide range of musical styles such as swing, polkas, jazz, ragtime, Broadway show tunes, Big Band favorites, and Tijuana Brass selections!

BRIGHT IDEAS TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY AT HOME

Sat | Aug 5 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM Salt River Project (SRP) and City of Mesa will present this session that will teach you how to be truly energy efficient in order to reduce your costs and, more importantly, greenhouse gas emissions. The City of Mesa will provide a short overview of the Mesa Climate Action Plan to make our city a greener community. Attendees will receive a unique code for the “Summer of Savings” giveaway, along with other surprises! The first 25 SRP customers that arrive and sign up will qualify to receive a smart thermostat and LED bulbs shipped directly to their home.

BUILD YOUR OWN VR WORLD ⚙ ☑

Wed | Aug 30 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN

Step into a world of boundless creativity as you design and explore your very own virtual reality environment, where the only limits are those of your imagination.

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOUSE

Sat | Aug 19 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR

Buying a house can be intimidating. This seminar will help you prepare for crucial aspects of the process.

CRAFT NIGHT

Thurs | Aug 3 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN ⚙

Wed | Aug 16 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR

Try your hand at a low-stress craft night.

Aug 3 (MN) - Glass Bottle Painting

Aug 16 (DR) - Quirky Cork Magnets

BOOK GROUPS

DNA Q&A ☑

Sat | Aug 12 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM

Have you taken a DNA test but still have questions about the results? Genealogist Ken Waters will help you solve those mysteries. If you are unable to attend in person, please register and the Zoom link will be provided.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® ⚙

Sat | Aug 19 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN

Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons® with an experienced player. New players are welcome. Already know how to play? Come in and use the space to lead your own campaign.

ESL CONVERSATION CLASS

Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN

Practice English listening and speaking skills while learning about American culture. Please bring a notebook and pencil.

GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO ⚙ ☑

Wed | Aug 2 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN

Create projects using different apps. Learn vector graphics, raster graphics, pixel graphics, animation, and how to take your work to the next level. No iPad or graphic design experience is necessary.

LET’S EAT: BREAKFAST BURRITOS ⚙ ☑

Thurs | Aug 10 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN

Join us on a delicious journey as we explore the art of cooking with step-bystep guidance from our foodie librarians. Bon appétit!

LET’S PLAY WITH PAPER ⚙

Tues | Aug 15 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | RM

Join us for an hour of paper crafting. This month we’ll create paper flower decor.

ADULTS

Learn to sew a zippered pencil case!

Prerequisites: basic sewing/sewing machine knowledge, including general knowledge of how to operate THINKspot’s Brother CS6000i sewing machines.

MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Sat | Aug 19 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | RM

Learn the basics of meditation with simple yet powerful techniques that will help you deal with stress wherever you are. We will be seated in chairs, so you do not need a mat. You may wish to bring a pillow to support your back.

SEW A BOWL COZY ⚙ ☑

Wed | Aug 16 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN

Learn to use a sewing machine to make a bowl cozy.

SEWING MACHINE BASICS ⚙ ☑

Wed | Aug 23 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR

Learn the basics of using our Brother sewing machines in THINKspot.

SMART CYCLING FUNDAMENTALS ☑

Wed | Aug 16 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN

Join us for an introductory workshop on how to start bicycling. You’ll get practical tips on how to plan your ride and what you can do to stay safe on the streets. All participants will receive a free “Get Started Safely” kit that includes a helmet, bicycle lights, and more. Ages 12+.

VINYL STICKERS ⚙ ☑

Sat | Aug 5 | 10:00am – 11:30am | DR

Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn to make stickers for your laptop or water bottle on our Cameo vinyl cutter.

CHEER READERS

Tues | Aug 29 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

FICTION FOLKS

No meeting in August

NOVEL APPROACH

Mon | Aug 14 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM

The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?

Tues | Aug 1 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | RM

Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

3D PRINTER TRAINING ⚙ ☑ †

Wed | Aug 9 | 1:30pm – 4:00pm | RM

Learn the basics of using our Ultimakers. Once you complete the training and sign a waiver, you can start reserving our 3D printers during THINKspot business hours. Prerequisite: must be able to operate a laptop and access the internet.

COMPUTER BASICS †

Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN

If you are new to the computer or just want to know more about how it works, then Computer Basics is the place to start! Laptops and mice are provided to the first 11 participants to use in class.

Aug 2 – Internet basics

Aug 9 – Email basics

Aug 16 – Mousing basics

Aug 23 & 30 – Keyboard/typing basics

DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING

Tues | Aug 8, 22 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | DR

Fri | Aug 11, 25 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Use interactive training from Northstar’s Digital Literacy program to build your email, Microsoft Word, social media, and internet skills.

GLOWFORGE TRAINING⚙ ☑ †

Wed | Aug 30 | 1:30pm – 4:00pm | RM

Learn the basics of using our Glowforge. Once you complete the training and sign a waiver, you can start reserving the Glowforge during THINKspot business hours.

Prerequisite: must be able to operate a laptop and access

HOTSPOT DIGITAL HELP DESK

Thursdays | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM

Curious about downloading ebooks, movies, music, magazines, and more from the library with your laptop, mobile device, or ereader?

Drop in during these sessions for one-on-one assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.

INTRODUCTION TO

MICROSOFT EXCEL ⚙ ☑ †

Tues | Aug 1 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR

Learn the foundations of Microsoft Excel, including how to create, edit, and format data in a spreadsheet.

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED MICROSOFT EXCEL ⚙ ☑ †

Wed | Aug 2 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR

Learn how to sort, filter, freeze panes, conduct basic math, and create charts. Then learn advanced Excel topics like pivot tables, how to use multiple spreadsheets, absolute references, vlookup, and other techniques. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel is required.

† Prerequisite: Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.

The

library makes every effort

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday 10:00am – 8:00pm

Tuesday 10:00am – 8:00pm

Wednesday 10:00am – 8:00pm

Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm

Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sunday Closed

All locations are open 9:00am – 10:00am, Monday through Saturday, for self-service.

480-644-3100

MAIN LIBRARY (MN) & THINKSPOT @ MAIN 64 E. 1st St.

DOBSON RANCH LIBRARY (DR) & THINKSPOT @ DOBSON RANCH 2425 S. Dobson Rd.

Coming Soon: Mesa Express Library at Monterey Park

The expansion of Monterey Park (northeast of Power and Guadalupe) is underway and will include baseball and softball fields, pickleball courts, ramadas, and...an express library! The Mesa Express Library at Monterey Park will feature new technology to allow for various self-service options. It is scheduled to open in fall 2023. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest updates.