STORYTIMES
HALLOWEEN CRAFTS
Wed | Oct 16 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Get in the Halloween spirit by making themed crafts. Ages 6+.
HALLOWEEN STEAM
Wed | Oct 30 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Stretch your imagination using science! We’ll do Halloween-themed activities in science, technology, engineering, art, or math. Grades 1-6.
KIDS’ KITCHEN ADVENTURES
Thurs | Oct 24 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Calling all little chefs! Explore new food and recipes. This month we will be making spooky berry parfaits. Ages 5-11.
LUCHA LIBRE AT THE LIBRARY
Thurs | Oct 10 | 10:00am – 11:30am | RM
Decorate your own luchador mask while visiting with real life wrestlers from Lucha Voz. You’ll even get to see some of their famous moves! Ages 6-12.
LUCHA LIBRE MASK CRAFT
Tues | Oct 29 | 10:30am – 11:30am | RM
We will read Sumo Libre by Joe Cepeda and then create our own lucha libre masks with tissue paper. Ages 3-5.
AUTUMN FAMILY STORYTIME ��
Sat | Oct 5 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE
Come to The Great Park (5010 S. Eastmark Pkwy), listen to a story about autumn, and create a craft.
BABY LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Fri | Oct 11, 25 | 8:00am - 8:30am | MEL ��
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
FAMILY STORYTIME ��
Sat | Oct 12 | 10:30am – 11:30am | MEL
Bring the whole family for stories, songs, and literacy-boosting activities. Birth-5.
K-CODE ⚙
Sat | Oct 12, 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN
Introduces basic coding concepts to families through songs, stories, games, and interactive plugged and unplugged activities. Ages 3-5.
MONSTER FINGER PUPPET RINGS
Tues | Oct 15 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Create a monster ring using pipe cleaners, pom poms, and googly eyes. Ages 6+.
SPOOKTACULAR
Wed | Oct 23 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN
Welcome all ghosts and goblins! Enjoy games and candy at this family-friendly event.
STRAW ROCKET LAUNCHERS
Wed | Oct 9 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | RM
Blast off into World Space Week by crafting straw rocket ships and competing to see whose creation can soar the farthest! Ages 5-9.
STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER
Tues | Oct 1 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
Bring your stuffed animal for a sleepover at the library. You’ll decorate a shoebox bed and blanket for your stuffy and then leave them for the night. Then pick up your friend the next day and hear about their overnight adventure!
THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF STEAM ACTIVITY
Wed | Oct 23 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | RM
After reading The Three Billy Goats Gruff we will create bridges using clothespins and craft sticks to help the goats cross the water without waking the troll. Ages 5-9.
LITERACY THRU DRAMA WITH MESA ARTS CENTER
Fri | Oct 4 | 10:30am – 11:00am | DR Fri | Oct 25 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM
Bring picture books to life 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 STORYTIME
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Tuesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Wed | Oct 2, 9, 16, 23 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Wed | Oct 2, 9, 16, 23 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: MUSICAL BILINGUAL STORYTIME
Tues | Oct 1 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Tues | Oct 1 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Tues | Oct 15 | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR
Author Marlene Davis will present a musical storytime in English and Spanish. Ages 3-5.
halloween boo EVENT details are on page 1
CUENTOS EN ESPANOL:
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Sat | Oct 26 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM
Local author Marlene Davis presents Cuentos en Español celebrating Día de los Muertos.
TINKERING FOR TODDLERS
Fri | Oct 11 | 10:00am – 11:45am | DR
A STEAM-based storytime that gives toddlers the opportunity to explore, be curious, and practice independent thinking. Ages 2-3.
TODDLERTIME
Mon | Oct 7, 21, 28 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Mon | Oct 7, 21, 28 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Thurs | Oct 3, 10, 17, 24 | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR
Thurs | Oct 3, 10, 17, 24 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Thurs | Oct 3, 10, 17, 24 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Thurs | Oct 24 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE
Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.
APP ARTIST ⚙
Tues | Oct 1, 15 | 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 | Oct 29 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
We will create spooky luminaries using upcycled jars.
CREATE YOUR OWN ROBOT ⚙☑
Sat | Oct 5 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Using our LEGO® Mindstorms kits, create and then code your own robot inspired by the movie and book Wild Robot. Ages 10-14.
CREATIVE WRITING CLUB
Wed | Oct 23 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | 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
EARLY ADOPTERS FALL CAMP ⚙☑
Mon-Thurs | Oct 7-25 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm | MN
Fridays | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | MN
The Compudopt Early Adopters Program is an in-depth exploration of today’s cutting edge 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. After registering through the library’s website, registrants will be sent a pre-camp Compudopt questionnaire via email. Please note: there is no class on Monday, Oct 14.
FURRY MONSTER GOOGLY EYE WRIST CUFF
Wed | Oct 16 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM Make a cute monster you can wear on your wrist! Ages 8+.
ADVENTURES IN VR ⚙☑
Thurs | Oct 17 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Join us as we venture into virtual reality. We’ll test out apps and explore new virtual places. This month we will be playing virtual mini golf!
AMIGURUMI GHOST DIY⚙
Mon | Oct 28 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | MN
Learn to crochet a ghost stuffie. Supplies provided. All skill levels welcome.
BLOSSOM PROJECT: A MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP FOR YOUTH
Sat | Oct 12 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Based upon BLOOM365 (Bring Love On Others More 365 days a year), the Blossom Project educates young people on healthy versus unhealthy relationships and helps build skills to avoid controlling, abusive, and violent behaviors now and later in life. Peer-presented, this program is geared toward ages 12-18.
LET’S EAT! ⚙☑
Thurs | Oct 3 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Join us on a delicious journey as we explore the art of cooking with step-bystep guidance from our culinary enthusiast librarians. This month we’ll make toaster pastries. Bon appétit!
MACRAMÉ GHOSTS AND PUMPKINS ⚙☑
Wed | Oct 16 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Add some extra oomph to your Halloween decorations this season. We’ll decorate embroidery hoops with macramé cord and vinyl cutouts.
MATH TUTORING FOR TEENS
Tuesdays | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
Former math teacher Mr. Rogowski will help with homework, tests, and notes.
OPEN CHESS FOR TWEENS
Sat | Oct 19 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Meet fellow chess players and challenge yourself with new opponents at the library.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | Oct 2 | 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.
TWEENS
ages 8-12
NaNoWriMo WRITE-IN
Wed | Oct 30 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | MN
Celebrate National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) with writing games, snacks, advice, and encouragement for your works-in-progress!
PEER TUTORING
Saturdays | 11:00am – 1:00pm | DR
Teen volunteers from Dobson Ranch will help with math, science, and writing for students in grades K-12.
SEW A HALLOWEEN COASTER ⚙
Thurs | Oct 31 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Learn how to sew a fabric coaster. Beginners welcome!
TEEN TIME: FANDOM CRAFTING ⚙
Mon | Oct 7 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | DR
Wear your favorite cosplay and celebrate your chosen fandom with themed art projects.
VR TOURNAMENT ⚙
Wed | Oct 9 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | RM
Participate in a round-robin style tournament to find out who is the best at Beat Saber.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Sat | Oct 12 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Tues | Oct 15 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MEL ��
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will answer questions about gardening and landscaping.
AUTOMOTIVE 101
Thurs | Oct 10 | 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 suspension and repair. Presented by Thomas Mundo from Network Automotive.
BICYCLE MAINTENANCE ☑
Wed | Oct 2 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Wed | Oct 30 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
An intro to bicycle mechanics that is designed to help get your bicycle ready to ride. We will focus on maintenance that can easily be done at home, including: basic bicycle anatomy, how to fix a flat tire, break and shifter adjustment, and chain lubrication. All participants will leave the class with a free patch kit! Ages 14+.
COLORING CLUB
Thurs | Oct 3 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Relax and color your stress away.
COMMUNITY ALTAR
All Day | Oct 1-Nov 2 | RM
Día de Los Muertos, a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, is a time where families honor loved ones who have passed on. Home altars are decorated in memory of these loved ones by adding photos, favorite foods, mementos, sugar skulls, candles, and more. Celebrate your family with us this month on our community altar by the service desk.
CORSI-ROSENTHAL BOX ⚙☑
Sat | Oct 19 | 10:00am – 11:30am | RM
Learn how to create and utilize CorsiRosenthal (C-R) boxes—simple and effective DIY air purifiers designed to improve indoor air quality. Presented by Tanya Palit, Research Project Manager at Arizona State University.
Book Groups
CRAFT NIGHT
Wed | Oct 16 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll make papel picado, Mexican folk art paper banners. Ages 14+.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Practice English listening and speaking skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
EXPLORING VR: SHORT FILMS
Tues | Oct 22 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Explore the world of VR through different apps, games, and short films. This month we will view multiple short films. This program is made possible by the Mesa West Rotary Club.
EXTRAORDINARY FILMS AND EXCELLENT DIRECTORS
Tues | Oct 29 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm | RM
Directed by Oscar Award-winning filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola comes one of his very first feature films, Dementia 13 (1963). This film is not rated.
FAMILY GARDEN DAY
Sat | Oct 19 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MEL ��
Bring the whole family to learn how to do container gardening.
HEAT TRANSFER VINYL DESIGNS ⚙☑
Wed | Oct 23 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Learn how to use THINKspot’s Silhouette Cameo cutter to cut iron-on vinyl for a custom canvas gift bag.
MASTER YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE WITH LIFEFOLIO
Tues | Oct 15 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Tues | Oct 15 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
LifeFolio is a powerful organizational tool that helps you keep track of your financial documents, both digitally and on paper. Get organized, get informed, and get ahead. Presented by local New York Life Agents Darren Wallace and Kaysie Hudson.
ONE STITCH AT A TIME ⚙
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | Oct 8 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
The Maidens – Alex Michaelides
Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
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.
MEDICARE 101
Thurs | Oct 3 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Fri | Oct 4 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | DR
Tues | Oct 15 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | DR
Thurs | Oct 24 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65+ years old and for those with certain disabilities. We will discuss the different aspects of Medicare and how to make informed decisions about coverage. Presented by local Medicare Agent Rita Bancroft of Connie Health, a team of licensed Medicare experts.
SEW A HALLOWEEN COASTER ⚙☑
Wed | Oct 30 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to sew a fabric coaster. Beginners welcome!
SUGAR SKULLS AND CANDLES
Tues | Oct 29 | 3:00pm – 5:30pm | RM
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, make sugar skulls and votive candles to represent loved ones. Then place them on our community altar or take your ofrenda home.
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME
Sat | Oct 5 | 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.
VR EQUIPMENT OPEN HOUSE
Thurs | Oct 10 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN
Join us to celebrate Mesa Public Library’s newly acquired Virtual Reality (VR) headsets for all of our THINKspot locations. Explore how virtual reality can help you discover new worlds, build professional skills, or find calm + zen. There will be demonstrations with the new equipment and light refreshments will be served. VR headsets, VR apps, and this program were made possible by the Mesa West Rotary Club.
CHEER READERS
Tues | Oct 29 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm | OFFSITE Bright Young Women – Jessica Knoll
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | Oct 10 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
What We Kept to Ourselves – Nancy Jooyoun Kim
The Lincoln Highway – Amor Towles WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
The House of the Spirits – Isabel Allende
MESA LIBRARY FANDOM
Tues | Oct 8 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Wed | Oct 9 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Join us for Mesa Public Library Fandom! We will have an artist alley with local vendors, costume contest for all ages, gaming, crafts, and panels. It is open to all ages for a day of family fun. Don’t forget to wear your favorite cosplay!
TEEN TIME: FANDOM CRAFTING
Mon | Oct 7 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | DR
Wear your favorite cosplay and celebrate your chosen fandom with themed art projects. Ages 12-18.
Mesa family resource center
In partnership with First Things First, the Mesa Family Resource Center, located on the lower level of the Main Library, offers free programming, activities, workshops, and resources for families with children ages birth to five.
FANDOM EVENT: SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR A DYSTOPIAN WORLD
Mon | Oct 7 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | MEL
Would you survive The Hunger Games? Learn basic survival skills with the City’s park rangers so the odds will be in your favor. Activities include: archery, camouflage paint, knot tying, fishing, and more. Ages 12-18.
FANDOM PARTY
Thurs | Oct 10 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Join us for an afternoon of crafts and trivia, celebrating everyone’s favorite crimefighting canine, Dogman
WRITER IN RESIDENCE
Improve your writing with our Writer in Residence services.
From September to December, author Sharon Skinner will offer one-on-one consultations and engaging workshops at the Main Library to support both aspiring and established authors. 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. Learn more at: mesalibrary.org/writerinresidence.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE
CONSULTATION HOURS ☑
Thurs | Oct 3 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | MN
Fri | Oct 4 | 9:30am – 12:00pm | MN
Sat | Oct 5 | 9:30am – 12:00pm | MN
Sat | Oct 5 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Thurs | Oct 10 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | MN
Fri | Oct 11 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Sat | Oct 12 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Wed | Oct 16 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | MN
Fri | Oct 18 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Sat Oct 19 | 9:30am – 12:00pm | MN
Sat | Oct 19 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Sharon Skinner is offering 30-minute one-onone consultation sessions. To book a time slot, visit: mesalibrary.org/writerinresidence.
TICK, TICK, TICK: CONFLICT AND TENSION
Sat | Oct 12 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | MN
Learn about the elements that work together to create both internal and external conflict and rising tension.
