NEWS & EVENTS
SUMMER READING CONTINUES
It’s not too late to sign up for Summer Reading! Earn points by reading, finding secret codes, and completing challenges! You’ll earn prizes along the way.
LEGO® CLUB
Sat | July 1 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Sat | July 15 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Mon | July 3, 17 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN Explore your creative side with LEGO®
LEGO®: BUILD THE CHANGE SUMMER CAMP
We’ve teamed up with the Arizona Science Center to offer two summer : Build The Change. Learn more in the tweens and teens section of this newsletter.
HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE:
☑ Registration required
Ticketed event
Tickets are handed out 30 minutes prior to the program start.
⚙ THINKspot Program
Look for this icon to make and create in THINKspot —a makerspace inside our libraries. THINKspot has the technology and equipment for all your projects. To learn more about available equipment and training visit mesalibrary.org/thinkspot
apply online!
Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard
HOLIDAY HOURS
Tues | July 4 | CLOSED
This newsletter is recyclable. For recycling information, visit mesarecycles.org
KIDS
FANTASY QUEST
Wed | July 12 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Become an honorary Library Wizard by performing five quests. Complete your adventure with friends and family.
FRIENDSHIP CHAIN
Wed | July 5 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Let’s make a friendship paper chain together! Add a paper link with kind words or pictures.
LET’S PLAY
Sat | July 8, 22 | 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.
LIBRARY FAMILY TREE
Wed | July 19 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Come together and add your handprint to our Library Family Tree mural.
STORYTIMES
BABY LAPSIT
Fri | July 7 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Wednesdays | 9:00am – 9:30am | MN
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
BEDTIME STORIES
Thurs | July 20 | 5:30pm – 6:00pm | MN
Enjoy an evening of stories and songs that get your little one ready for bed. Jammies and stuffed animals are welcome!
DESIGN TIME STORYTIME ⚙
Sat | July 15 | 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.
BIKEto BOOKS
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. 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. Birth-18. Note: no lunch Tues, Jul 4 (library closed)
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.
LITERACY THRU DRAMA WITH MESA ARTS CENTER
Fri | July 7 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR Fri | July 14 |10:00am – 11:00am | MN 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 | July 21 | 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
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: KIDS NEED TO READ
Wed | July 5 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Wed | July 5 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM
Join us for a superhero-themed storytime. Costumes welcome! Children will receive an activity book courtesy of Kids Need to Read. Ages 3-5.
TODDLERTIME
Mon | July 3 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Mon | July 3 | 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.
Tues | July 11, 18, 25 | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR
Tues | July 11, 18, 25 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Tues | July 11, 18, 25 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Join us for songs, stories, words, letters, numbers, and general silliness in this storytime designed to get children ready for kindergarten. Ages 3-5.
ages 8-12
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® ⚙
Wed | July 5 | 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. New players are welcome.
NASA ASTRO CAMP® ☑
TWEENS TEENS
Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14 11:00am – 4:00pm | RM
LIBRARY PEN PALS ☑
Thurs | July 27 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
The Red Mountain Library is partnering with the Cathedral City Library in California in a pen pal letter-exchange program. Practice the art of letter writing with us and possibly make a new friend! All letters will be collected at the program and sent via mail.
Calling all future space explorers! Campers will experience authentic NASA science experiments to discover our solar system and beyond with NASA ASTRO CAMP®. This program is for grades 4-8, for the 2023-2024 academic year. Space is limited. This program was made possible by the Arizona Science Center.
STEAM FOR TWEENS
Tues | July 18 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Stretch your imagination using science! Each month we’ll do hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, or math. This month’s theme is states of matter.
LEGO®: BUILD THE CHANGE ☑
Monday, July 17 through Friday, July 21
11:00am – 4:00pm | RM
Campers will complete real-life-inspired engineering challenges with innovation and creativity, enhancing their imagination and teamwork skills. This program is for grades 4-8, for the 2023-2024 academic year. Space is limited. This program was made possible by the Arizona Science Center.
Please note: students may only register for one summer camp.
ages 12-18
ANIME YOUR WAY: STUDIO GHIBLI EDITION
Sat | July 8 | 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 Ponyo and making a Shrinky Dink® keychain.
GAMING AT THE LIBRARY
Thursdays | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | MN
Fri | July 14 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm | DR
Mon | July 24 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm | DR
Play Nintendo Switch, Xbox One S, or choose to play one of our many board and card games.
FAMILY FUN
ARIZONA BIG TRAIN OPERATORS
Mon | July 24 | 10:00am – 7:00pm | RM
Tues | July 25 | 10:00am – 7:00pm | RM
Wed | July 26 | 10:00am – 7:00pm | RM
Thurs | July 27 | 10:00am – 7:00pm | RM
Fri | July 28 | 10:00am – 4:00pm | RM
Sat | July 29 | 10:00am – 2:00pm | RM
The Arizona Big Train Operators pull into the depot at Red Mountain Library. The model railroad display is moving full steam ahead with showcases of G-scale track, model towns, and several running trains. Model train operators will be onsite to answer questions and show how the model railroad is constructed.
MUSIC BINGO ⚙
Mon | July 10 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | DR
Put your music knowledge and karaoke skills to good use! Identify songs to mark your bingo card. Winners will get a special prize from THINKspot.
TEEN TIME AT DOBSON RANCH ⚙
Thurs | July 20 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | DR
Thurs | July 27 | 2:30pm – 4:00pm | DR Hang out, create, and have fun! Supplies are limited.
July 20 – Paint Party
July 27 – THINKspot Open Lab
GIANT GAME DAY
Wed | July 26 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
It’s time to celebrate the end of summer reading. We will have a variety of large board games and mini golf.
LITTLE MAKERS PLAYTIME ⚙
Tues | July 11, 18, 25 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Bring your little makers for a family-friendly hour of parent and child maker time. We will have STEAM coloring crafts, electronic toys, coding board games, and electronic learning kits for older children. Ages 3-10.
TEEN TIME AT THE MAIN LIBRARY
Tues | July 11 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Tues | July 18 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Tues | July 25 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Hang out, create, and have fun! Supplies are limited.
July 11 – Tile Painting with As You Wish
July 18 – Water Bottle Stickers
July 25 – Juice Jam
Special summer events draw large crowds and some require tickets, which are handed out 30 minutes prior to the program start. Be prepared to wait in line. Please note: we are unable to accommodate non-family groups of 5 or more children.
MINI GOLF ⚙
☑
ADULTS
BASICS OF DNA TESTING
Sat | July 15 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM
Genealogist Ken Waters will explain the basics of DNA tests. Attend in person or register for a Zoom link.
BUYING YOUR FIRST HOUSE
Sat | July 22 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR
Buying a house can be intimidating. This seminar will help you prepare for crucial aspects of the process.
CRAFT NIGHT
Thurs | July 6 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Wed | July 19 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stress craft night.
July 6 – Watercolors ⚙☑
July 19 – Yarn-wrapped letters
DOBSON RANCH NEIGHBORHOOD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Thurs | July 13 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm | DR
Celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Dobson Ranch Neighborhood with special guest speakers.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Practice basic English listening and speaking skills. Open to all non-native English speakers. Bring a notebook and pencil.
GLOWFORGE KEYCHAIN⚙☑
Wed | July 26 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn how to make a keychain on the Glowforge.
GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO ⚙☑
Wed | July 12 | 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 neces sary.
LET’S PLAY WITH PAPER ⚙
Tues | July 18 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | RM
Join us for an hour of paper crafting. This month we’ll create paper beads.
LINC (LEGAL INFORMATION AND NAVIGATION CLINIC)
Tuesday | July 11 | 12:00pm – 2:30pm |
MN
The Legal Information and Navigation Clinic will provide walk-in Spanish and English-speaking assistance with court forms for divorce, paternity, estate administration, guardianship, child support, and more.
OPEN MIC NIGHT ☑
Tues | July 25 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Bring your poetry, music, and spoken word to the Library. Performers are allowed two songs or two poems not to exceed 10 minutes total (includes set-up and take-down).
WATER BOTTLE STICKERS ⚙☑
Wed | July 19 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Make water bottle stickers using THINKspot’s vinyl cutter.
Psst!
Enter this secret code in your Summer Reading account for extra points: JustKeepReading
BOOK GROUPS
CHEER READERS
Tues | July 25 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V.E.
NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | July 10 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Sing, Unburied, Sing – Jesmyn Ward
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!
Submit your reviews at: mesalibrary.org/onesentencebookreviews
CULTURE PASSES
A Culture Pass gives library users two free tickets to participating local cultural institutions. Each household can check out one pass at a time (maximum of two a month).
Learn more at mesalibrary.org/culturepasses
IS FOR ALL AGES SUMMER READING
PRE-READERS
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Lou Malnati’s free personal pizza coupon + snack + Wayne Drop bookmark
Peter Piper Pizza free personal pizza coupon + Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
Lou Malnati’s free personal pizza coupon + snack + Wayne Drop bookmark
Peter Piper Pizza free personal pizza coupon + Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon + pencil
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets + Uptown Jungle Jump Pass
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
Lou Malnati’s free personal pizza coupon + snack + Wayne Drop bookmark
Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
ReStoried Bookstore coupon + Wayne Drop bookmark
Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
Finish the program with 1000 points and be entered in raffles for amazing prizes, including:
• Black Rock Coffee gift cards
• Childsplay family 4-pack & bag of books
• Childsplay tickets
• Cobblestone Car Wash vouchers
• Commemorative Air Force Museum passes
• Musical Instrument Museum prize bundle
• POGO passes
• Skateland passes
• Trader Joe’s gift basket
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.
Thank you, Summer Reading Sponsors!
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KIDS TEENS ADULTS 250
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Employee Engagement | Environmental and Sustainability | Bicycle and Pedestrian Education and Workforce | Diversity and Community Engagement
† Prerequisite: Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.
COMPUTER BASICS †
Thursdays | 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.
July 6 & 13 – Microsoft PowerPoint
July 20 & 27 – Microsoft Excel
DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING
Wed | July 5 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | DR
Tues | July 18 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Fri | July 14, 28 | 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-on-one assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.
INTERMEDIATE/ ADVANCED EXCEL ⚙
Wed | July 12 | 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.
USING LIBRARY APPS TO DOWNLOAD
EBOOKS
Sat | July 8 | 10:30am – 11:30am | 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.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE: MARK ATHITAKIS
Mesa Public Library is hosting author Mark Athitakis as our very own Writer in Residence through July. 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.
WRITER
IN RESIDENCE CONSULTATION HOURS☑
Tues | 11, 18, 25 |12:00pm – 2:00pm | RM
Fridays | 12:00pm – 2:00pm | RM
Author Mark Athitakis is offering 30-minute consultation sessions for aspiring writers. Choose a time slot online.
HOW TO TELL YOUR OWN STORY
Sat | July 8 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM
We’ll discuss the elements of a powerful personal story and how to identify the details that will make it stand out. Bring a notebook for brief writing exercises.
ARIZONA IN LITERATURE, THEN AND NOW
Sat | July 15 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Explore the state’s literary history and influence, from literary and genre fiction to poetry, with plenty of suggestions for your next read.
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.
COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY
