SUMMER READING JUNE 1 - AUGUST 1
SUMMER READING IS HERE!
Read books, enjoy events, and win prizes all summer long! Join our 2024 Summer Reading Program — it’s easy to participate, and all ages can join in on the fun.
Read at least 20 minutes every day this summer (June 1 - August 1) and keep track of your minutes to earn prizes along the way! Earn extra points by attending library events and finding secret codes (like the one hidden in this newsletter!).
This year’s theme - Adventure Begins at Your Librarycelebrates how new worlds can open up when you read.
SUMMER READING KICK-OFF
Sat | June 1 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM Sat | June 1 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with us! Stop by to sign up for the program and get excited for a summer filled with fun!
Can’t make it to kick-off? online at: maricopacountyreads.org. You can register as early as May 1!
Sign up for Summer Reading at the library or online at: maricopacountyreads.org.
Learn more about Mesa’s program at: mesalibrary.org/summerreading
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
Some events at Mesa Express Library are held outdoors; please come prepared for the elements.
Need a library card? Scan this code to apply online!
Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard
information, visit mesarecycles.org
June 2024
♻ News & Events
KIDS
BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB
Mon | June 10, 24 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Sat | June 15 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Sat | June 29 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
LIBRARY AT THE MCC PLANETARIUM ☑
Tues | June 4 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | OFFSITE
Join the Mesa Public Library at the Mesa Community College Planetarium for a trip through the stars and galaxies beyond our own! Registration is required as seating is limited (one registration per seat). Take & Make craft kits will be available for all participants ages 5-11.
STORYTIMES
BABY LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
MESA PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRESENTS: STICK 2 READING
Mon | June 24 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm | RM
Tues | June 25 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm | DR
Wed | June 26 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm | MN
Join us for a fantastic evening of reading fun for the whole family. There will be free books, interactive storytelling, and reading activities for all ages. Don’t miss this opportunity to spark the love for reading in your family! Presented by Mesa Public Schools.
POLYNESIAN DANCING
Wed | June 5 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Come learn about Polynesian culture through hula and Tahitian dance. Ages 5-11.
LITERACY THRU DRAMA WITH MESA ARTS CENTER
Fri | June 7 | 10:30am – 11:00am | DR Fri | June 14 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN Fri | June 28 | 10.30am – 11:00am | RM
STEAM WITH THE CITY OF MESA BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN PROGRAM ☑
Wed | June 12 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Join members of the City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program for bike and road safety crafts and activities.
TAKE-HOME PROGRAM
Mondays | 8:00am – 12:00pm | MEL
Enjoy the entertainment of Summer Reading in the comfort of your own home. Come by the Mesa Express Library to pick up a take-home program, complete the tasks, and earn summer reading points.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: MESA ARTS CENTER
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Wednesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Jump into adventure and ignite imagination in this storytime presented by Mesa Arts Center. Each week is a new book with an exciting story journey! Ages 3-5.
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
DESIGN TIME STORYTIME
Sat | June 22 | 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.
FAMILY STORYTIME ��
Sat | June 1 | 10:30am – 11:30am | MEL Bring the whole family for stories, songs, and literacy-boosting activities. Birth-5.
LET’S MOVE
Sat | June 8 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Get your morning started right with fun music and instruments.
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.
LUNCHTIME TALES ��
Wed | June 26 | 12:30pm – 1:00pm | MEL
Bring a lunch, listen to a story, and create something all your own. Ages 5-12.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN Tuesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.
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.
TINKERING FOR TODDLERS
Fri | June 14 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR
A STEAM-based storytime that gives toddlers the opportunity to explore, be curious, and practice independent thinking. Ages 2-4.
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
BIKE TO BOOKS DESIGN CONTEST
Mesa Public Library and the City of Mesa Bicycle and Pedestrian Program invite kids to design bike lane art for Mesa’s streets! Contest entries will be collected through July 31. Ages preK to 12th grade. Visit mesalibrary.org/biketobooks for details.
LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 11:30am – 12:30pm | DR Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30am – 12:30pm | MN
Fuel up with healthy food and enjoy an activity provided by the library. Meals must be eaten on-site. Supplies are limited. Birth-18. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and sponsored by Arizona Department of Education in association with St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.
TWEENS
ages 8-12
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Tues | June 11 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Join us for a storytime with a twist. The fate of the characters is up to you!
CREATIVE WRITING CLUB
Wed | June 26 | 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.
TEENS ages 12-18
AFTER HOURS MINI GOLF
Fri | June 14 | 5:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
EARLY ADOPTERS SUMMER CAMP ☑
Mon-Fri | June 3-14 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR
The Compudopt Early Adopters Program is an in-depth exploration of today’s cuttingedge technologies for upper elementary students (grades 3-5). Learn how to use technology to enhance a story. You’ll design your own virtual reality world using CoSpaces Pro and bring your creations to life using coding in the Scratch and MakeCode programs.
FANTASY READERS UNITE!
Wed | June 19 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Love fantasy books? Join us for this monthly group! This month we will discuss Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | June 5 | 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.
TEEN TIME ⚙
Tues | June 4 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | DR ☑
VACATION TILE COASTER
Tues | June 11 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Wonder what the library is like after it closes? Come join us for after hours mini golf! We will have a full 18-hole mini golf course inside the library courtesy of Mini Golf on the Go.
FAFSA WORKSHOP PRESENTED BY ACCESS ASU
Sat | June 8 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | MN
Sat | June 15 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
Sat | June 29 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
This workshop will give you the help you need to complete your 2024-25 FAFSA application. Presented by Access ASU.
Tues | June 11 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Thurs | June 20 | 1:00pm – 2:30 pm | DR
Thurs | June 27 | 1:00pm – 3:00 pm | DR
Hang out and learn something new!
June 4 - Glowforge keychain
June 11 - Gaming
June 20 - Neon signs
June 27 - Gaming
TILE PAINTING WITH AS YOU WISH ☑
Wed | June 26 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | RM
An As You Wish staff member will give step-by-step instructions on painting a rocket ship hanging wall tile to remind you of the adventure you can have when reading. Acrylic paint will be used so project can be taken home same day. Paint
Make a keepsake coaster about your travels or one about where you want to go.
VINYL STICKERS
Tues | June 25 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Learn about our Cameo Vinyl Cutter and the free Silhouette Studio software that you can use to create designs. You’ll walk away with a cool sticker.
ONE-SENTENCE BOOK REVIEWS
Share a one-sentence review of a book you read this summer and be entered to win a Downtown Mesa gift card! Review as many books as you’d like (one book review equals one entry). The more you read, the more chances to win! All ages. Submit your reviews at:
mesalibrary.org/onesentencebookreviews
ARIZONA HUMANITIES PRESENTS:
BLACK WALL STREET: THEN AND NOW
Tues | June 18 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Tulsa Oklahoma’s Greenwood District was coined “Black Wall Street.” This thriving African American community boosted hospitals, churches, shopping centers, schools, and banks. But all that changed on May 31, 1921 when a mob stormed the town and burned it to the ground. Learn what made Black Wall Street so important, and the complicated truth about that day that makes it worth reinvestigating. Presented by educator and business consultant Dr. Tamika Sanders. This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Sat | June 8 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are certified volunteers who will answer questions about gardening and landscaping.
COLORING CLUB
Thurs | June 6 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM Relax and color your stress away.
CRAFT NIGHT
Wed | June 19 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll make hummingbird feeders.
FUSHICHO TAIKO DRUMS
Sat | June 15 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM
Taiko drumming was historically used as a means of communication or on the battlefield, but today its purpose is more spiritual and celebratory. Join us for this performance by Fushicho Daiko, Arizona’s longest running professional performing Taiko group.
KNIT AND CROCHET FLAGS ⚙
Tues | June 18 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN
In celebration of Pride Month, learn to knit or crochet your favorite flag. Supplies are limited.
LEGAL INFORMATION AND NAVIGATION CLINIC (LINC)
Tues | June 25 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm | MN
The Legal Information and Navigation Clinic (LINC) offers free, walk-in English and Spanish court forms assistance. Forms include divorce, paternity, estate administration, guardianship, child support, and more. Provided by the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County Law Library Resource Center (superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc).
ADULTS
RPG AT THE LIBRARY ⚙
Sat | June 22 | 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.
SHORT STORY WRITING WORKSHOP
Sat | June 1 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM
Author Marilyn June Janson, M.S. Ed., will provide expert instruction on short story structure, dialogue, mood/tone, and visual imagery at this interactive workshop. Ms. Janson’s short story writing technique is perfect for fiction, memoir, and family history.
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME
MONSOON GARDENING IN THE SONORAN DESERT
Thurs | June 20 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Sat | June 8 | 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.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN Practice English listening and speaking skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
EXPLORING ARIZONA’S NATIONAL PARKS
Sat | June 22 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Self-avowed National Park lovers Darryl and Kathleen Toupkin have visited all of America’s National Parks and National Park Units (rivers, monuments, battlefields, and more). This presentation is for all ages and will include a special segment about the Junior Ranger program for children ages 5-13.
The monsoon season offers a chance to grow many warm-season crops. Learn about traditional O’odham farming techniques as well as the indigenous planting and harvest calendar. We will also discuss weather patterns, how to protect your garden, and what to plant during this season. Presented by master gardener Melissa Kruse-Peeples.
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.
Book Groups
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | June 4 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
The Rosie Project – Graeme Simsion Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
CHEER READERS
Tues | June 25 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE
The Plague of Doves – Louise Erdrich
TALK SCIENCE WITH AZMNH: EXPLORING THE MANY ROLES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL DOGS IN THE AMERICAS
Thurs | June 6 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Learn how archaeological examination has taught us about the many roles of domestic dogs in human communities throughout time. Presented by Dr. Martin Welker, an archaeologist specializing in the analysis of animal bone (aka zooarchaeology). Sponsored by the Arizona Museum of Natural History Foundation.
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | June 13 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR Black Cake – Charmaine Wilkerson
NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | June 10 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE
Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | June 4 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE
Nine Perfect Strangers – Liane Moriarty
SUMMER READING IS FOR ALL AGES!
Invite your friends and family to participate in the Summer Reading Program to earn prizes all summer long!
PRE-READERS KIDS
TEENS ADULTS
250 points
500 points
750 points
1000 points
250 points
500 points
750 points
1000 points
250 points
500 points
750 points
1000 points
250 points
500 points
750 points
1000 points
Bookmark + sticker
Peter Piper Pizza free personal pizza coupon + Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon
Phoenix Mercury tickets
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
Bookmark + sticker
Peter Piper Pizza free personal pizza coupon + Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets + Uptown Jungle jump pass + Main Event pass
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
Bookmark + sticker
Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets + Main Event pass
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
ReStoried Bookstore coupon
Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets + Main Event pass
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
Finish the program and you’ll be entered in raffles for more prizes, including:
• Childsplay prize basket
• Childsplay tickets
FAMILY FUN
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE COURSE ��
Wed | June 5 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Participate in an indoor obstacle course adventure with games and riddles.
FAMILY BOOK SWAP
Sat | June 1 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR
Bring a book, take a book. Swap your good condition books for something new to read. Kids Need to Read will be onsite with new copies of books for ages prereader through high school. Mesa Public Library will provide gently used books for adults to choose from (limit 5).
FAMILY MINI GOLF ��
Wed | June 12 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Mini Golf on the Go will provide a portable 9-hole golf course for your enjoyment!
• Harkins prize pack
• Minecraft LEGO set
FAMILY MOVIES ��
Join us for a family-friendly movie!
Tues | June 4 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Lilo and Stitch (rated PG) + a craft
Wed | June 5 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (rated PG)
Sat | June 8 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
The Princess and the Frog (rated G)
Wed | June 12 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
The Little Mermaid (2023) (rated PG)
Fri | June 14 | 3:00pm – 4:30 pm | MN
Raiders of the Lost Ark (rated PG)
Wed | June 19 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Wonka (rated PG)
Thurs | June 20 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Finding Nemo (rated G) + a craft
All prizes and coupons are subject to availability/while supplies last. Raffle prizes may vary by location and age group. Get the most up-to-date prize information at mesalibrary.org/summerreading.
KPOP DANCE PARTY ��
Thurs | June 27 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Learn how to dance like the Kpop idols! Then we’ll make a craft and play a game inspired by the Kpop music phenomenon.
OUTDOOR FAMILY NIGHT ��
Saturdays | 7:00pm – 8:00pm | MEL
Play at the park with items from our Stuffbrary.
TINY WONDERS: HUMMINGBIRDS
Sat | June 15 | 10:00pm – 11:00am | DR
Discover the fun and amazing lives of nature’s smallest birds. Best for ages 5+.
VIRTUAL NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION ��
Wed | June 19 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Take a virtual trip through the Everglades!
WILDLIFE ADVENTURE WITH WILDMAN PHIL ��
Tues | June 18 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM
Tues | June 18 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | RM
See live animals from around the world!
�� Special summer events often draw large crowds and most require tickets, which are handed out 30 minutes prior to the program start. Be prepared to wait in line. Where back-to-back sessions are scheduled, please plan to attend only one. Please note: we are unable to accommodate non-family groups of 5 or more children.
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER BASICS †
Wed | June 19, 26 | 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.
June 19 – Excel basics part 1
June 26 – Email basics part 2
COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING
Thurs | June 6 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Tues | June 19 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm | 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 3D PRINTER DESIGN AND PRINTING⚙☑†
Wed | June 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Learn how to create your own simple design and prepare it to print on our 3D printer.
Enter this secret code in your Summer Reading account for extra points: MPLAdventure Psst!
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.
MESA EXPRESS LIBRARY (MEL) AT MONTEREY PARK 7045 E. Monterey Ave. 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.
LOCATIONS
MAIN LIBRARY (MN) & THINKSPOT @ MAIN 64 E. 1st St.
DOBSON RANCH LIBRARY (DR) & THINKSPOT @ DOBSON RANCH 2425 S. Dobson Rd.
RED MOUNTAIN LIBRARY (RM) & THINKSPOT @ RED MOUNTAIN 635 N. Power Rd.
☑ Indicates registration required. Visit mesalibrary.org or call to register. Check our online calendar for the most up-to-date information.
480-644-3100 mesalibrary.org