Mesa’s Annual Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign provides supplies of water to people in need. The City works with nonprofit agencies and businesses to collect bottles of water which are distributed through United Food Bank to numerous agencies in the valley. Drop off cases of water at collection points around Mesa, including the Main, Red Mountain, or Dobson Ranch libraries, or donate money online. Learn more at: mesaaz.gov/H2OMesa
HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE
☑ Registration required
�� Ticketed event
Tickets are handed out 30 min prior to program start.
† Prerequisite Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.
⚙ THINKspot program
Make and create in our THINKspot makerspace. To learn more about equipment and training visit: mesalibrary.org/thinkspot
�� Outdoor program
August 2024 News & Events
Need a library card? Scan this code to apply online!
FILL YOUR LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
Are you a Little Free Library (LFL) steward? During the month of August, pick up a prepacked box for your LFL at the Main Library! Each box will have a mixture of books, spanning multiple genres. Just stop by the service desk, fill out a donation form, and you’ll receive your box of books. You will also have an option to add your LFL to the roster of registered little libraries throughout Mesa (mesaaz.gov/littlelibraries).
This newsletter is recyclable. For recycling information, visit mesarecycles.org
Some events at Mesa Express Library are held outdoors; please come prepared for the elements.
Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard
KIDS
BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB
Sat | Aug 17 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Mon | Aug 19 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Sat | Aug 24 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
FAMILY MATINEE
Sat | Aug 3 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Each month, we will show a different familyfriendly movie. This month’s movie is A Bug’s Life (rated G)
JUNIOR DETECTIVE BOOK CLUB
Wed | Aug 14 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Join us for a discussion about mouse detective Geronimo Stilton. This month we will be reading The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid. Ages 6+.
CARDBOARD FORT BUILD-AND-BREAK
Wed | Aug 21 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN
Unleash your imagination and building
STORYTIMES
BABY
LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
FAMILY STORYTIME ��
Sat | Aug 10 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MEL Bring the whole family for stories, songs, and literacy-boosting activities. Birth-5.
LITERACY THRU DRAMA WITH MESA ARTS CENTER
Fri | Aug 2 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR
Fri | Aug 9 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN Bring picture books to life by going on an imaginative adventure in this dramafocused 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 PARACHUTE FUN! ��
Sat | Aug 3 | 8:30am – 9:00am | OFFSITE
Join us just outside Basis Charter School - Mesa (5010 S. Eastmark Pkwy) for fun parachute activities.
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.
1000 books before kindergarten
Take part in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge available through our new Beanstack platform! The goal is to read 1000 books with your newborn, infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child before kindergarten, setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading. Download the Beanstack app (available in the Android or iOS app stores), or use the desktop version at: mesapl.beanstack.com
SUNRISE STORIES AT THE TOT LOT ��
Fridays | 8:00am – 8:30am | MEL
Start your day with a story and playtime at the Tot Lot playground next to the library.
Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.
summer reading wrap-up
Thanks to our participants and sponsors for making this year’s Summer Reading program our best yet! Please take note of the following dates: August 1 - last day to enter points into your MaricopaCountyReads.org account. August 15 - last day to order your free book September 15 - last day to pick up your free book
TWEENS ages 8-12
CREATIVE WRITING CLUB
Wed | Aug 28 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Expand your creative writing skills each month with prompts, exercises, and games. You can also bring your own writing to share.
FANTASY READERS UNITE!
Wed | Aug 21 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Love fantasy books? Join us for this monthly group! This month we will discuss The Unwanteds (book 1) by Lisa McMann.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | Aug 7 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons® with an experienced player. Already know how to play? Come in and use the space to lead your own campaign.
TEENS ages 12-18
GRANNY SQUARES 101
Mon | Aug 26 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Teens eager to learn crochet, come by and start with a granny square! Supplies provided.
PEER TUTORING
Sat | Aug 10, 17, 24, 31 | 11:00am – 1:00pm | DR
Teen volunteers from Dobson Ranch will help with math, science, and writing for students in grades K-12.
TEEN TIME: GLOWFORGE PENCIL
ENGRAVING ⚙☑
Tues | Aug 13 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | DR
Hang out and learn something new! Get started using THINKspot’s Glowforge and engrave your own message on pencils.
TEEN MOVIE MATINEE
Thurs | Aug 1 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | MN
Enjoy an afternoon movie and a snack! We’ll watch Spiderman: No Way Home (rated PG-13)
ZINES FOR TEENS
Thurs | Aug 22 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Learn how to make zines (underground self-published magazines) with Wasted Ink Zine Distro. Supplies provided.
STUFFBRARY
Did you know you can check out more than just books and movies with your library card? Our Stuffbrary is filled with household items, play equipment and more. Stuff is available at all locations, though some items are branch specific. To see what’s available, visit: mesalibrary.org/stuffbrary
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Sat | Aug 10 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will answer questions about gardening and landscaping.
AUTOMOTIVE 101
Thurs | Aug 15 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Learn the basics of car components, maintenance routines, and automotive care in this 4-part series. This month we will discuss air conditioning. Presented by Thomas Mundo from Network Automotive.
BIKE SUMMER ☑
Wed | Aug 21 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
This class will help you to be prepared for the unusual problems that can come up when you’re riding a bike in hot weather conditions. Learn tips and tricks to help you stay cool and have fun! All participants will leave the class with free safety gear. Presented by City of Mesa Bicycle & Pedestrian Program. Ages 12+.
COLORING CLUB
Thurs | Aug 1 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM Relax and color your stress away.
CRAFT NIGHT
Tues | Aug 20 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll make photo holders.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Practice English listening and speaking skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
GLOWFORGE PENCIL ENGRAVING ⚙☑
Mon | Aug 5 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Get started using THINKspot’s Glowforge and engrave your own message on pencils.
HOW TO USE THE MESA ROOM
Sat | Aug 24 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Learn about the treasure trove of Mesa history in the Mesa Room and how to dive in with your own research projects.
Book Groups
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | Aug 13 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
The Seamstress of Sardinia – Bianca Pitzorno
Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
ONE STITCH AT A TIME ⚙
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Hang out with us at this relaxed, social crochet circle. Instructor-led lessons and materials will be available to beginners. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
PEOPLE-FRIENDLY DRIVER ☑
Wed | Aug 7 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
This class will address sharing the road with all road users, traffic safety and responsibilities, how to avoid common crashes, and how to navigate bicycle and pedestrian related infrastructure. Presented by City of Mesa Bicycle & Pedestrian Program. Ages 15+.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY ⚙
Sat | Aug 17 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | MN
Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons® with an experienced player. Already know how to play? Come in and use the space to lead your own campaign.
SMALL SPACE GARDENING: CONTAINERS, GROWBAGS, AND COMPACT BED GARDENS
Thurs | Aug 22 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
We will discuss gardening in containers, grow bags, and compact garden beds, as well as the soil and nutrient considerations, sunlight, watering, and varieties recommended for smaller garden spaces. This workshop is targeted for those who need a portable garden, but is also useful to those looking to supplement larger growing spaces. Presented by Master Gardener Melissa Kruse-Peeples.
ADULTS
SUMMER MOVIE MATINEE
Fri | Aug 23 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Join us for a summer matinee of Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade (rated PG - 13).
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME
Sat | Aug 10 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR
Buying or selling a house can be intimidating. This seminar will help you prepare for crucial aspects of the process.
WEEKEND WELLNESS: YOGA FOR BEGINNERS
Sat | Aug 3 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Join us for a 90-minute yoga lesson for beginners. This session includes physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation suitable for all fitness levels. Presented by Vamsi Krishna from the Isha Foundation.
WEEKEND WELLNESS: MEDITATION ON TWIN HEARTS
Sat | Aug 31 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Experience this short and simple meditation while comfortably seated in a chair. The twin hearts symbolize healing yourself and sending blessings to heal the world. Presented by Carol Crooker.
CHEER READERS
Tues | Aug 27 | 5:00pm - 6:30pm | OFFSITE The Lincoln Highway – Amor Towles
Tues | Aug 6 | 10:30pm – 12:00pm | OFFSITE Manhattan Beach – Jennifer Egan
Check out up to 70 items to divedeepinto any topic.
What's the most valuable school supply? Your library card!
We’re here to help you have a great school year!
Use our computers, printers,and studyroomsto gethomework done.
HOMEWORK HELP
mesalibrary.org/research
Use our online resources on your tablet, computer, phone, or other mobile device. Discover the world with AtoZ The USA and Global Road Warrior. Learn about any subject with Gale In Context (Elementary, High School, Opposing Viewpoints).
READING RECOMMENDATIONS
mesalibrary.org/find/reading-recommendations
Get grade-appropriate reading suggestions, hand-picked by our librarians.
Download library apps to your device mesalibrary.org/downloadables
BEANSTACK
Track your reading, join reading challenges, and compete with friends!
CLOUD LIBRARY
Download popular titles of ebooks and audiobooks.
iVOX
Children’s books for ages 3-8, with the latest in storytelling technology.
FREEGAL
Stream and download music. Choose from 15M+ songs.
KANOPY / KANOPY KIDS
Movies, TV series, animated storybooks, live action and animated favorites.
Can’t figureout?something
Ask our friendly staff for help findingresources!
LIBBY (aka Greater Phoenix Digital Library)
Large selection of ebooks and audiobooks, plus magazines and movies.
PRESS READER
unlimited access to thousands of magazines and newspapers from around the world
ROCKET LANGUAGES
Learn a new language with interactive lessons.
TEEN BOOK CLOUD
Ebooks, graphic novels, videos, and audiobooks for teens.
TUMBLEBOOKS
Animated, talking online picture books for children.
FACILITY UPDATES
DOBSON RANCH RESTROOM REMODEL
During the month of August the outdoor restrooms at the Dobson Ranch Library are scheduled to get a makeover and will be closed. This project will require work on the adjacent program room. August programs may be held in THINKspot or may have to be cancelled - please check our online events calendar for the most up-to-date information!
MAIN LIBRARY SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION
Mesa City Council approved a plan to install almost 3,000 kW of solar panels over parking lots at four cityowned buildings in downtown Mesa, including the Main Library. Besides boosting Mesa’s renewable energy portfolio, the solar arrays will also provide shade for about 660 parking spaces downtown. Construction in the Main Library parking lot is scheduled to begin in early Fall 2024.
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
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 7 & 14 – Microsoft Word Aug 21 & 28 – Microsoft PowerPoint
COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING
Thurs | Aug 8 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Wed | Aug 21 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | DR
Use interactive training from Northstar’s Digital Literacy program to build your email, internet, social media, and software skills.
HOTSPOT DIGITAL HELP DESK
Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MEL
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 THE 3D PRINTER ⚙☑†
Wed | Aug 14 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Thurs | Aug 29 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | DR
Learn how to start using the 3D printer with downloaded designs.
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL ⚙☑†
Tues | Aug 6 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR
Learn the foundations of Microsoft Excel, including how to create, edit, and format data in a spreadsheet.
INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED EXCEL⚙☑†
Wed | Aug 7 | 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.
USING LIBRARY APPS TO DOWNLOAD EBOOKS ⚙
Mon | Aug 12 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Use the Libby and CloudLibrary apps to download ebooks and audiobooks from the Library to your smartphone or tablet. Please bring your library card, device, email address, and password. If you are using a Kindle, please bring your Amazon account information.
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact us.
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 three full-service locations are open Mon-Sat 9am–10am, for self-service. Additional self-service hours are available at the Dobson Ranch Library (Mon-Sat 7am–9am) with Expanded Access technology.
Mesa Express Library (MEL) is open Mon-Sat 7am–8pm using Expanded Access technology. MEL hold lockers are available during park hours (sunrise–10pm).
To sign up for Expanded Access, see a staff member.
LOCATIONS
MAIN LIBRARY (MN) & THINKSPOT @ MAIN 64 E. 1st St.
