† Prerequisite: Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.
January is National Hobby Month, making it a great time to pick up a new hobby or get back into an old one. Here are some tips to help you get started: RESEARCH AND BROWSE Start by researching potential hobbies that interest you. Find books and magazines that introduce you to different activities. Visit our online catalog or apps to search for materials related to your chosen hobbies.
CHECK OUT BOOKS AND MAGAZINES Books can provide detailed how-to guides or introductions to your chosen hobbies. Magazines can be a great source of inspiration, offering new ideas and the latest trends in different fields.
USE ONLINE RESOURCES The library has online databases and resources that you can access from home. The Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center is a database that offers how-to instructions and creative DIY ideas to meet the interests of nearly every hobby enthusiast. USE MAKERSPACE TOOLS THINKspot—a makerspace inside the Main, Red Mountain, and Dobson Ranch libraries—has the technology and equipment for all your projects. The collaborative environment is a great opportunity to engage with other patrons to share ideas and possibly find inspiration. JOIN CLUBS OR GROUPS Join one of our hobby-based groups like One Stitch at a Time (see Adults section for details) or the Busy Hands Book Club (see back for details). Joining a group will connect you with people who share similar interests, providing a sense of community and support.
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. Jan 3 – Microsoft Excel Jan 10 – Navigating the Internet Jan 17 – Email Basics Jan 24 – Computer Mouse Basics Jan 31 – Keyboard Basics COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING Fri | Jan 12, 26 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN Mon | Jan 8 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | DR Wed | Jan 24 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR Fri | Jan 19 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM Use interactive training from Northstar’s Digital Literacy program to build your email, Microsoft Word, social media, and internet skills.
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL
⚙Tues☑| Jan 9 | 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 | Jan 10 | 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.
CHEER READERS Tues | Jan 30 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE The Man in the High Castle – Philip K. Dick BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB Tues | Jan 9 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens Bring your needlework projects to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
ATTEND LIBRARY PROGRAMS The library offers workshops and programs related to different hobbies, providing hands-on experience and a chance to meet like-minded individuals. ACCESS TUTORIAL VIDEOS AND COURSES Access online courses or tutorial videos through the Great Courses, Universal Class and LinkedIn Learning. All you need is your library card!
USING LIBRARY APPS TO DOWNLOAD BOOKS Tues | Jan 16 | 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.
Build your computer skills with Northstar. Take assessments, no account needed, and access online modules with demonstration videos and interactive practice lessons categorized into three main topics: essential computer skills, essential software skills, and using technology in daily life.
FICTION FOLKS Thurs | Jan 11 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt NOVEL APPROACH Mon | Jan 8 | 4:30pm – 7:30pm | RM Planning Meeting WHO PICKED THIS BOOK? Tues | Jan 2 | 10:00am – 1:00pm | RM Planning Meeting
HALF-OFF BOOK SALE
Mon – Sat | Jan 2 – Jan 31 | MN Find some amazing deals — 50% off storewide at the Main Library.
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
MAIN LIBRARY (MN)
& THINKSPOT @ MAIN
64 E. 1st St.
DOBSON RANCH LIBRARY (DR) & THINKSPOT @ DOBSON RANCH 2425 S. Dobson Rd. RED MOUNTAIN LIBRARY (RM)
All locations are open 9:00am – 10:00am, Monday through Saturday, for self-service. Check our website for Mesa Express Library hours.
480-644-3100 mesalibrary.org
How to Read this Guide:
☑ Registration required
& THINKSPOT @ RED MOUNTAIN
Ticketed event
MESA EXPRESS LIBRARY (MEL)
⚙ THINKspot Program
635 N. Power Rd.
AT MONTEREY PARK
7045 E. Monterey Ave.
☑ Indicates registration required. Visit mesalibrary.org or call to register. Check our online calendar for the most up-to-date information.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Tickets are handed out 30 minutes prior to the program start. Look for this icon to make and create in THINKspot—a makerspace with technology and equipment for all your projects. To learn more about equipment and training visit: mesalibrary.org/thinkspot
Mon | Jan 1 | CLOSED Mon | Jan 15 | CLOSED Need a library card? Scan this code to apply online!
Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard
This newsletter is recyclable. For recycling information, visit mesarecycles.org