Mesa Public Library May 2023 Newsletter

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

Thurs | May 4 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM

Thurs | May 4 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR

Thurs | May 4 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

Celebrate this unofficial Star Wars holiday with activities and snacks. While you’re at it, dive into summer by being one of the first to sign up for our Summer Reading Program.

MAY THE FOURTH CONTINUE: PERLER BEADS ⚙

Thurs | May 4 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | MN

The Fourth is strong with this Perler Bead craft! Choose your side, with options to make Yoda, Darth Vader, or a Storm

News & Events

REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER READING

OPENS MAY 1

Read books, enjoy events, and win prizes! mesalibrary.org/summerreading

Join our 2023 Summer Reading Program! It’s easy to participate and the adventures are endless. Read at least 20 minutes every day this summer (June 1 - August 1) and keep track of your minutes with a printed or online tracker until you reach 1,000 points. We’ll be hosting fun and educational events and giving away prizes along the way, including food coupons, Arizona State Parks passes, Phoenix Mercury tickets, and more! For all ages.

Tues | May 9 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM

Bring a book, take a book! Swap your good condition books for something new to read. Kids Need to Read will be there with new books, too. Best for kids prereader through elementary school.

FIRST 5 PAGES BOOK CLUB

Mon | May 22 | 4:00pm – 4:30pm | MN

We’ll read the first five pages of the book of the month and follow up with a related activity. This month we will be reading The House with Chicken Legs by S. Anderson and creating mini-house books. Ages 6-11.

HAPPILY EVER CRAFTER

Thurs | May 25 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

Hear a story and make an inspired craft that includes recycled materials. Ages 4-9.

LEGO® CLUB

Mon | May 1, 15 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

Sat | May 6 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM

Sat | May 20 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR

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

LET’S PLAY!

Sat | May 13, 27 | 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.

LITTLE MAKERS PLAYTIME ⚙

Tues | May 30 | 10:00am – 11:00am | 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.

LETTERS TO BELOVED CHARACTERS:

OLIVIA THE PIG

All day | May 1-20 | RM

If you have a burning question for Olivia the Pig, now is your chance to ask! This activity will be available at the Red Mountain children’s desk May 1-20. Children can pick up “their mail” at the desk beginning May 31. Ages 4-7.

LITTLE CRAFTERS

Wed | May 10, 24 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Create pieces of art using different types of techniques and mediums. Be prepared to get a little messy! Ages 3-8.

Storytimes

Red Mountain’s storytimes are ticketed events. Tickets will be handed out 30 minutes prior to program start.

AROUND THE WORLD STORYTIME

Fri | May 12 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN

Learn about the people and animals of various countries with songs, stories, maps, and crafts. This session we will learn about Iran. 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.

LITERACY THRU DRAMA WITH MESA ARTS CENTER

Fri | May 5 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR

Fri | May 19 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN

Fri | May 26 | 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 LAB

Fri | May 19 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR

A STEAM-based storytime with hands-on explorations that introduce computational skills to help kids get ready for kindergarten. Ages 3-5.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: ARTFUL TALES WITH THE i.d.e.a. MUSEUM

Wed | May 3 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM Let your creativity grow! The i.d.e.a. Museum will bring art from their latest “Desert Roots” exhibit. We’ll read a story, then imagine and create. Ages 3-5.

LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY

Thurs | May 25 | 11:30am – 12:30pm | MN

Tues | May 30 | 11:30am – 12:30pm | MN

Fuel up with healthy food and enjoy an activity provided by the library. Meals must be eaten on site. 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. Ages birth-18.

SATURDAY MOVIE AND A CRAFT

Sat | May 13 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | RM

Come and make a craft while we watch Disney’s The Princess and The Frog.

STEAM AT THE LIBRARY

Wed | May 3, 17 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Each session we’ll do hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, or math. Ages 5-10.

May 3 - Chinese Tangram Puzzle May 17 - Canoe Building

Parenting

PARENTING WORKSHOP:

RAISING A READER® ☑

Thursdays | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM

In this 4-part series, you’ll learn how to excite your child with books and a home reading routine. Learn to foster language and early literacy development, how book sharing promotes healthy brain development, and how to make helpful connections with your local library.

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

Mon | May 1, 8, 15, 22 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM

Mon | May 1, 8, 15, 22 | 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

Fri | May 12 | 11:00am – 11:30am | RM

Fri | May 26 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN

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

APP ARTIST ⚙

Tues | May 9, 23 | 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 | May 2, 16 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

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

May 2 – Cereal Box Organizers

May 16 – Felt Stuffed Bear

in and use the space to lead your own campaign.

LIBRARY PEN PALS ☑

Wed | May 24 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM 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 snail mail by the library.

MACHINE: IMPOSSIBLE ⚙

Sat | May 6 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | MN Wed | May 17 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | 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.

ages 12-1

ADVENTURES IN VR: ANNE FRANK’S HOUSE ⚙ ☑

Wed | May 10 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN

Join us as we test out apps and explore virtual places. This month we will take a tour of Anne Frank’s house.

ANIME YOUR WAY: STUDIO GHIBLI EDITION

Sat | May 13 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN

Watch a Studio Ghibli classic while enjoying activities related to the anime of the month. This month we are watching The Secret World of Arrietty and making mini borrower terrariums.

CALM CAFÉ

Thurs | May 19 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | 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 | May 11 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

This isn’t your ordinary craft program. Learn how to transform everyday items into works of art. In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we will be turning recycled book pages into a lei.

GAMING AT THE LIBRARY

Thurs | May 18, 25 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | MN

Fri | May 12 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | DR ⚙ Come unwind with games in the Teen Zone. Play Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or choose to play one of our many board or card games.

MATH TUTORING FOR TEENS

Tues | May 2, 9, 16 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | RM Former math teacher Mr. Rogowski will help with homework, tests, and notes.

& Make kit, available at the Red Mountain Library, while supplies last. Each kit contains a craft and activities. This month we are reading Buffalo Before Breakfast by Mary Pope Osborne. Books are not included in the packet.

PERCY JACKSON UNIVERSE BOOK CLUB

Wed | May 31 | 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 Battle of the Labyrinth

TEEN TIME ⚙ ☑

Thurs | May 25 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR

Hang out, create, learn, and have fun with other teens! This session we’ll learn how to make a keychain on the Glowforge in THINKspot.

THINKSPOT FASHION RUNWAY ⚙ ☑

Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, June 2 1:00pm – 4:00pm | MN

Unleash your inner fashion designer in this 4-day series. Learn how to use a sewing machine, follow a pattern and create a tailored outfit. Did we mention the fashion show and photo shoot at the end of the week? It’s time to become a THINKspot fashion star!

The Mesa College Promise is a commitment from the City of Mesa to its residents that all eligible graduating Mesa high school students can attend Mesa Community College for two years with Arizona resident tuition and fees fully funded. The Mesa College Promise provides financial support to students with demonstrated financial needs but who have not received enough Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funds or other scholarships to completely cover the cost of college. The priority deadline for applications is May 15, 2023

To learn more, visit: mesacc.edu/mesa-promise

ADULT COLORING CLUB

Thurs | May 4 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM

Relax and color your stress away. Coloring pages and colored pencils, markers, and crayons will be provided, or bring your own.

ADVENTURES IN VR: ANNE FRANK’S HOUSE ⚙ ☑

Wed | May 31 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN

Join us as we test out apps and explore virtual places. This month we will take a virtual tour of Anne Frank’s house.

ARIZONA HUMANITIES PRESENTS: ASIAN AMERICANS IN FILM AND MEDIA, THEN AND NOW

Thurs | May 18 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN

This talk will examine the visual history of Asian Americans in film and media and how these depections have influenced perceptions of Asian Americans in the U.S. since the early 20th century. Presented by Karen Kuo, Associate Professor of Asian Pacific American Studies in the School of Social Transformation at Arizona State University. This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities.

ASK A MASTER GARDENER

Sat | May 13 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM

Get your gardening questions answered by experts. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are certified volunteers who answer questions about gardening, landscaping, plant identification, and plant problems.

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOUSE

Sat | May 13 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR

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

CRAFT NIGHT

Thurs | May 4 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN ⚙

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.

FOR THE THRILL OF QUILL ⚙ ☑

Wed | May 10 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN

Learn the art of paper quilling.

GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO ⚙ ☑

Wed | May 3 | 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.

HOW WE USE WATER AND OUR TOP FIVE WAYS TO SAVE IT

Sat | May 20 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM

How can we reduce the amount of water we use or at least use it more efficiently? Donna DiFrancesco of the City of Mesa’s Environmental and Sustainability Department will discuss how to save water, cost-saving City programs for residents, and the latest news about the drought. Plus, during the month of May, you can see the Water – Use It Wisely Water Tower, a display that reminds us of the water that each of us uses daily.

LET’S PLAY WITH PAPER ⚙

Tues | May 16 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | RM

Join us for an hour of paper crafting. This month we’ll create a mini-book.

LOCAL AUTHOR TALK: JOSEPH VANZUTPHEN

Thurs | May 11 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN

Author Joseph VanZutphen will speak about his novel Child of Sonora, a story that follows two 7-year-old boys in the Sonoran Desert from two separate eras in time.

MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Mon | May 1 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR

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.

MESA ROOM OPEN HOUSE

Monday | May 8 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN

Explore Mesa Public Library’s historical archive. Learn about the books, maps, photos, newspapers, scrapbooks, and more that are housed in the Mesa Room.

SEWING MACHINE BASICS ⚙ ☑

Sat | May 13 | 1:30pm – 4:00pm | RM Learn the basics of using our Brother CS6000i sewing machines. Once we learn how to thread the needle and wind a bobbin, we will practice sewing straight stitches and make a simple sewing project.

SMALL BUSINESS SERIES

Wednesdays | May 3 - June 7

6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) will present this Small Business Series that will focus on growing and sustaining your business, goal setting, and managing your time, resources, and finances.

WOMEN OF THE WEST: UNTOLD STORIES FROM AMERICAN HISTORY

Sat | May 6 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM

Jana Bommersbach currently writes for True West magazine, digging up the true stories behind the popular myths, with an emphasis on Arizona’s real history and women of the Old West. Women finally get their due in this presentation that tells what history forgot to mention. Her books will be available for sale and signing after the presentation.

BOOKGROUPS

CHEER READERS

Tues | May 30 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE – Herve le Tellier

FICTION FOLKS

Thurs | May 11 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR – Geraldine Brooks

NOVEL APPROACH

Mon | May 8 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM

Harlem Shuffle – Colson Whitehead

WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?

Tues | May 2 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | RM

My Name is Lucy Barton – Elizabeth Strout

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 May 1 - August 1. Visit mesalibrary.org for details.

Writer in Residence

From May through July, Mesa Public Library is hosting author Mark Athitakis as our very own Writer in Residence. In 2017, he published the book The New Midwest: A Guide to Contemporary Fiction of the Great Lakes, Great Plains, and Rust Belt. He is a regular contributor of book reviews, essays, and interviews to the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Kirkus Reviews, and other publications. His work has also appeared in the New York Times, Phoenix Magazine, and Humanities. This program is supported by the Arizona State Library, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

SMART CYCLING FUNDAMENTALS

Wed | May 24 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM

At this introductory bicycling workshop, you’ll get practical tips on how to plan your ride and stay safe on the road. All registered participants will receive a Get Started Safely kit that includes a helmet, bicycle lights, and more. Ages 12+.

WRITER IN RESIDENCE CONSULTATION HOURS

Wed | May 3, 10, 17 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm | RM

Fri | May 5, 12 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm | RM

Author Mark Athitakis is offering 30-minute consultation sessions for aspiring writers. Choose a time slot online.

GETTING STARTED AS A FREELANCE WRITER

Sat | May 6 | 11:30am – 12:30pm | RM

What’s involved in researching, pitching, and writing articles for publication? This session will explore the basics of identifying outlets, connecting with editors, getting

READING LIKE A CRITIC

Sat | May 13 | 12:30pm – 1:30pm | RM

Discovering your next favorite read is easier if you know what draws you to the books you love, or deters you from the ones you don’t. Mark Athitakis, a veteran book reviewer, will discuss how critics read for theme, style, and character, and how you can apply those approaches to your own reading.

Computers & Technology

Wed | May 3, 17, 24, 31 | 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; you are welcome to bring

May 3 – Microsoft Excel basics

May 17 & 24 – Internet basics

May 31 – Mousing basics

CUSTOM CAKE TOPPERS ON THE CAMEO ⚙ ☑ † Mon | May 22 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR

Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn to make custom cake toppers on our Cameo.

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

DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING

Fri | May 5, 19 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Mon | May 8 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR ⚙

Fri | May 19 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM ⚙

Wed | May 24 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | DR ⚙

Measure your computer skills and use interactive training to build your email, Microsoft Word, social media, and internet skills. Work individually and at your own pace with Northstar’s Digital Literacy program.

USING LIBRARY APPS TO DOWNLOAD

EBOOKS

Thurs | May 18 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR

Learn how to 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.

mylibro

Get more from Mesa Public Library with our free app! Use the library 24/7/365 on your mobile device.

Save your whole family’s library card numbers in the barcode wallet Search the library’s entire collection Place holds Manage your library account

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 | May 2 | 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 | May 3 | 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.

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 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.

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.