September 2023 News & Events
SHOW YOUR CARD AND SAVE
It’s Library Card Sign-Up Month! To celebrate, we’ve partnered with businesses throughout Mesa to offer cardholders a special discount on goods and services. See inside for details.
DINOSAUR DISCOVERIES
Get ready to travel back in time! The Arizona Museum of Natural History will offer stories, crafts, and more at the Main Library.
Need a library card? Scan this code to apply online!
Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard
HOLIDAY HOURS
Mon | Sept 4 | CLOSED
This newsletter is recyclable. For recycling information, visit mesarecycles.org
APPLE PICKIN’ PARTY
Tues | Sept 12 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
Jump start the fall season with applethemed crafts and activities. Ages 3-5.
BABIES MAKE MUSIC
Tues | Sept 26 | 10:00am – 10:45am | RM
Let your baby explore the world of music with pots, shakers, bells, and other musical instruments.
BOOK SWAP FOR KIDS
Sat | Sept 9 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Sat | Sept 30 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Bring your gently used books to swap with other readers. New books will be supplied courtesy of Kids Need to Read.
HAPPILY EVER CRAFTER
Thurs | Sept 21 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Hear a story and make an inspired craft that includes recycled materials. Ages 4-9.
KIDS’ KITCHEN ADVENTURES
Wed | Sept 27 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Calling all little chefs! Explore new recipes, taste new foods, and discover a culinary talent. Ages 5-11. Supplies are limited. This month we will make pizza inspired A Pizza with Everything On It
LEGO® CLUB
Sat | Sept 16 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Sat | Sept 16 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Mon | Sept 18 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
LETTERS TO BELOVED CHARACTERS:
PEPPA PIG
All Day | Sept 1 – 20 | RM
Have a burning question for Peppa Pig? Now is your chance to ask! This activity will be available at the Red Mountain children’s desk September 1-20. Children can pick up “their mail” at the desk beginning September 30. Ages 4-7.
LET’S PLAY!
Sat | Sept 2, 16, 30 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Join us for a morning of play. Your young child will learn skills by exploring different interest areas. Ages 3-5.
LITTLE MAKERS PLAYTIME
Sat | Sept 16 | 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.
MAGICAL MOUSE DANCE PARTY
Thurs | Sept 28 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
We’re hosting a Magical Mouse Dance Party! This program is all about music, movement, and merrymaking. Costumes are encouraged. Ages 3-5.
MY FAMILY GHIBLI PRESENTS: MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO
Sat | Sept 30 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Bring the family to watch My Neighbor Totoro, the Japanese animated fantasy film. Make a craft while you enjoy the movie.
READ TO POPPY THE THERAPY DOG
Sat | Sept 23 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR Dogs like to read, too! Come read to Poppy, a certified Pet Partners therapy dog.
WALK-IN WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN Make a craft, listen to a story, or conduct an experiment.
WALK-IN WEDNESDAYS: ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Wed | Sept 20 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Discover fossils and create a dino-tastic craft.
AROUND THE WORLD STORYTIME
Fri | Sept 1 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Fri | Sept 29 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Learn about Pangea, the land where dinosaurs roamed, with songs, stories, and maps. Ages 3-7.
BABY LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Wednesdays | 9:00am – 9:30am | MN
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.
DESIGN TIME STORYTIME
Sat | Sept 23 | 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 | Sept 1 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR
Fri | Sept 8 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN
Fri | Sept 22 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Go 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 | Sept 8 | 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
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.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Tues | Sept 19 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Tues | Sept 19 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN Learn about dinosaurs with a story and craft from our friends at the Arizona Museum of Natural History.
TODDLERTIME
Mon | Sept 11, 18, 25 | 9:30am – 10:00am |
Mon | Sept 11, 18, 25 | 10:30am – 11:00am |
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.
| MN
RM RM
APP ARTIST ⚙
Tues | Sept 5, 19 | 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.
CLOTHESPIN AND POPSICLE STICK BUILDING CHALLENGE
Mon | Sept 18 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM Complete building challenges using clothespins and popsicle sticks.
CRAFT-ISH ⚙
Tues | Sept 12, 26 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN We’ll cut, glue, and draw away the afternoon! Supplies are limited. Sept 12 (MN) – Salt Dough Fossils Sept 26 (MN) – Build a Dinosaur
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® ⚙
Wed | Sept 6 | 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.
I AM AN ARTIST: FRIDA KAHLO ⚙ Thurs | Sept 28 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN Artists of all skill levels can try their hand at the artist of the month’s signature style. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will create self-portraits inspired by Frida Kahlo.
MACHINE: IMPOSSIBLE ⚙
Wed | Sept 20 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN Sat | Sept 23 | 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.
MAGIC TREE HOUSE TAKE & MAKE KIT
All Day | Sept 1 – 30 | RM
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 Good Morning, Gorillas by Mary Pope Osborne. Books not included.
PERCY JACKSON UNIVERSE BOOK
Wed | Sept 27 | 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 we will read The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle
BUILD YOUR OWN VR OBJECTS ⚙☑
Wed | Sept 13 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Step into a world of boundless creativity as you design and explore your own virtual reality environment.
CRAF-TEEN
Thurs | Sept 14 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Get creative and transform everyday items into works of art.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS®
Wednesdays | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | RM
Participate in a campaign of Dungeons & Dragons®
GAMING AT THE LIBRARY
Thurs | Sept 7, 21, 28 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm Unwind with games in the Teen Zone. Play Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or play one of our many board and card games.
K-POP PARTY!
Sat | Sept 16 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Did someone say K-pop? Bring your friends for a fun afternoon of K-pop activities.
LET’S EAT: HUMMUS AND PITA CHIPS
Wed | Sept 6 | 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
Tuesdays | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
Former math teacher Mr. Rogowski will help with homework, tests, and notes.
READ IT AND WATCH IT MANGA CLUB
Thurs | Sept 7 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
Each month we will read manga and watch anime. This month we will be discussing Spy X Family, Volume 1.
STEM-MING ARIZONA
Wed | Sept 6, 20 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | RM
Teen volunteers from Red Mountain’s Teen Advisory Board will lead sustainable activities and projects using the 3 R’s— reduce, reuse, recycle.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOPS
Mon | Sept 11, 18, 25 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
| MN
Your mental well-being matters. Discover how mental health shapes your life, recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness, and learn techniques and coping mechanisms.
Sept 11 – “Ending the Silence” with NAMI
Sept 18 – Creative Writing and Journaling
Sept 25 – Understanding Depression & Anxiety with Stories Counseling
TEEN TIME ⚙
Sat | Sept 9, 23 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Wed | Sept 13 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR ☑
Wed | Sept 27 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR ☑
Hang out and have fun with friends!
Sept 9, 23 – Gaming at the Library
Sept 13 – Vinyl Stickers
Sept 27 – Sew a Fabric Bookmark
TEEN CRAFT HOUR
Tues | Sept 19 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
Each month we will work on a new craft project. This month’s craft is paper quilling.
THRILL OF QUILL ⚙
Wed | Sept 27 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Learn the art of paper quilling, a spinning technique that blends strips of recycled paper and creativity.
⚙☑
| MN
ADOPT A DESERT TORTOISE
Tues | Sept 12 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM
Meet a live tortoise and learn from Arizona Game and Fish how you can welcome one to your yard.
ADULT COLORING CLUB
Thurs | Sept 7 | 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.
ARIZONA HUMANITIES PRESENTS:
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS STORYTELLING
Sat | Sept 30 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Join playwright Zarco and his unique masked characters as they celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with humor and engaging storytelling. This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities. All ages.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Sat | Sept 9 | 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.
BUILD YOUR OWN VR OBJECTS ⚙☑
Wed | Sept 27 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Step into a world of boundless creativity as you design and explore your own virtual reality environment.
CRAFT NIGHT
Thurs | Sept 7 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN ⚙
Wed | Sept 20 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stress craft night. Sept 7 (MN) - Coloring Pages
Sept 20 (DR) - Watercolors
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS®
Sat | Sept 2 | 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.
EMBROIDERY MACHINE DEMONSTRATION
Wed | Sept 13 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Take a look at THINKspot’s new embroidery machine.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Sat | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Practice English listening and speaking skills while learning about American culture. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
GLOWFORGE PENCIL ENGRAVING ⚙☑
Tues | Sept 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR Get started using THINKspot’s Glowforge and engrave a message on pencils.
GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO ⚙☑
Wed | Sept 6 | 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.
GRASS-TO-XERISCAPE: SAVING MORE THAN WATER
Sat | Sept 9 | 10:00am – 11:30am | DR
Get all the information needed to transition your yard with Mesa’s Grass-toXeriscape program that now offers up to $1,100. AZ Plant Lady, Noelle Johnson, will provide grass removal options and design concepts to consider for the new landscape. Includes book signing and a raffle of two $50 gift cards to local nurseries.
LET’S EAT: HUMMUS AND PITA CHIPS
Wed | Sept 13 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Join us on a delicious journey as we explore the art of cooking with step-bystep guidance from our culinary enthusiast librarians. Bon appétit!
LET’S PLAY WITH PAPER
Tues | Sept 19 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | RM Learn the art of paper quilling.
MEDITATION
Thurs | Sept 21 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR Thurs | Sept 28 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR Sat | Sept 30 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | RM
Still the mind and expand your awareness through guided meditations.
Sept 21 (DR) – Meditation on Twin Hearts
Sept 28 (DR) – Intro to Pranic Healing
Sept 30 (RM) – Meditation for Beginners
DINOCINEMA WITH THE ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Sat | Sept 9 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Take a look at what Hollywood has gotten right and wrong (mostly wrong) about dinosaurs and other historic beasts. Presented by the Arizona Museum of Natural History.
NAMI PRESENTS: ENDING THE SILENCE
Tues | Sept 5 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) presents “Ending the Silence,” a presentation for adults with middle or high school-aged youth that includes warning signs, facts and statistics, and how to talk to children about mental health issues.
ONE STITCH AT A TIME
Tues | Sept 12, 19, 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Hang out with us at this relaxed and social crochet circle. Instructor-led lessons and materials will be available to beginners. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
SEWING MACHINE BASICS ⚙☑
Sat | Sept 30 | 1:30pm – 4:00pm | RM
Learn the basics of 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.
SHRED DAY
Sat | Sept 16 | 11:00am – 1:00pm | MN
Get your sensitive documents shredded for free by ProShred® at this drive-up event. You can bring paper, file folders, hanging files, notepads, and junk mail (Limit 4 standard-size bankers’ boxes).
THRILL OF QUILL ⚙☑
Wed | Sept 20 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn the art of paper quilling, a spinning technique that blends strips of recycled paper and creativity.
VEGETABLE GARDENING IN ARIZONA
Thurs | Sept 28 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Learn how to grow a successful and productive vegetable garden with Master Gardener Angela Judd.
WORKING WITH DNA MATCHES
Sat | Sept 23 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM Genealogist Ken Waters will discuss a methodology for grouping and filtering your DNA matches to add to your family tree.
| RM | RM ⚙☑
Libraries across the country are celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month! Take advantage of books, videos, our wide range of free electronic resources, and many other services available to you as a cardholder.
Not yet a member? Visit us with your current photo ID and sign up today or apply online. Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in Maricopa County.
Need more reasons to love your library card? During the month of September, show your library card at participating businesses for a special deal. To learn more, visit mesalibrary.org/save.
Promotions vary and exclusions may apply. Contact businesses directly for more information.
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.
CARD MAKING WITH THE CAMEO ⚙☑†
Wed | Sept 27 | 1:30pm – 4:00pm | RM
Fri | Sept 29 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | DR
Create a greeting card with the Cameo vinyl cutter and free Silhouette Studio® software.
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; you are welcome to bring your own device.
Sept 6, 13 – Microsoft Word
Sept 20, 27 – Microsoft PowerPoint
DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING
Wed | Sept 13, 27 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Fri | Sept 8, 22 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
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.
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-onone assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.
† Prerequisite: Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL
Tues | Sept 5 | 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 | Sept 6 | 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.
VINYL CUTTING WITH THE CAMEO ⚙☑†
Wed | Sept 6 | 1:30pm – 4:00pm | RM
Learn about the Cameo vinyl cutter and the free Silhouette Studio® software to create your own designs.
CHEER READERS
Tues | Sept 26 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | Sept 14 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
The Four Winds – Kristin Hannah
NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | Sept 11 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Apples Never Fall – Liane Moriarty
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | Sept 5 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | RM
Unsheltered – Barbara Kingsolver
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
480-644-3100
Indicates registration required. Visit mesalibrary.org or call to register. Check our online calendar for the most up-to-date information.
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.
⚙☑† ⚙☑† | DR
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 accomodations, please contact us.