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December 2024 News & Events
WINTER READING
December 1-31
Take part in our Winter Reading challenge this month, available through our Beanstack platform! The goal is to read 30 minutes a day, and complete fun challenges for a chance to win prizes! Download the Beanstack app (available in the Android or iOS app stores), or use the web-based version at: mesapl.beanstack. com to log your minutes.
NEW AND LIKE-NEW BOOK SALE
Mon, Dec 2 to Sat, Dec 28 | MN
Get gift-quality books at amazing prices! Our New & Like-New Book Sale runs Monday, December 2 to Saturday, December 28 at the Main Library. All money raised from book sales goes to supporting library programs, improvements, and services.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Tues | Dec 24 | CLOSED Wed | Dec 25 | CLOSED Tues | Dec 31 | Libraries close at 5pm Wed | Jan 1 | CLOSED HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE:
Tickets are handed out 30 min prior to program start.
† Prerequisite
Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.
⚙ THINKspot program
Make and create in our THINKspot makerspace. To learn more about equipment and training visit: mesalibrary.org/thinkspot
�� Outdoor program
Some events, and most at Mesa Express Library, are held outdoors; please come prepared for the elements.
Need a library card? Scan this code to get one!
mesalibrary.org/getacard
KIDS
BIKE RODEO
Sat | Dec 7 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR
Learn safe cycling tips and get fitted for a helmet (while supplies last) by an Injury Prevention Specialist from Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Then practice your safety skills on our bicycle rodeo course. We’ll have kids’ bikes available to use, but feel free to ride/bring your own.
BUILD IT TO WIN IT ⚙
Sat, Dec 28 to Fri, Jan 3 | RM
Drop into THINKspot during its open hours to create a bridge with materials provided. The bridge that can carry the most weight will win a prize!
BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB
Mon | Dec 9, 23 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Sat | Dec 21 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Sat | Dec 21 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
“DRIVE-IN” MOVIE: THE POLAR EXPRESS
Wed | Dec 4 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Watch The Polar Express (rated G) in a train car! Decorate a box at home to look like a car, train car, or sleigh. Please use only one box per child; do not use oversize boxes, such as refrigerator boxes, as space is limited. Pick up a decorating kit starting November 20, while supplies last.
EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATRE BRAVO
Sat | Dec 14 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR
Join us for Holiday Haste: Waiting for the Rush Call – a new holiday show has just been greenlit, and the actors are excited for the rush-call audition. But the director is running late. Will the actors be able to keep their audition nerves at bay?
EVCT JUNIOR JOKESTERS
Wed | Dec 18 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
In this improv theatre troupe for kids ages 8-13 years, students develop and rehearse skills to tour improvised performances around the East Valley.
EVCT ON THE SPOT
Thurs | Dec 12 | 5:00pm – 5:45pm | RM
Thurs | Dec 19 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
EVCT On the Spot is an improv theatre troupe for teens. Each semester, students develop and rehearse skills to tour improvised performances around the East Valley.
GNOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Tues | Dec 3 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
Make a festive gnome friend for the holidays. Supplies are limited. Ages 3-5.
HOLIDAY MOVIE MARATHON
Sat | Dec 21 | 11:30am – 4:30pm | MN
Enjoy warm cocoa and all the Christmas classics with your family.
HOLIDAY STEAM
Thurs | Dec 19 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR Get in the holiday spirit and stretch your imagination! We’ll do hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, or math. Grades 1-6.
JAN SANDWICH AS MRS. SANTA CLAUS ��
Wed | Dec 11 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MEL
Beloved children’s performer Jan Sandwich will appear as Mrs. Santa Claus, with stories, songs and magic to get you into the holiday spirit.
STORYTIMES
BABY LAPSIT
Wed | Dec 4, 11, 18 | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Fri | Dec 6, 13 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Fri | Dec 6 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MEL ��
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
HOLIDAY STORYTIME AT MERRY MAIN STREET
Fri | Dec 6, 13, 20 | 5:00pm – 5:30pm | OFFSITE
Join us for a special storytime that will get the whole family into the holiday spirit.
K-CODE ⚙
Sat | Dec 7 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN
Introduces basic coding concepts to families through songs, stories, games, and interactive plugged and unplugged activities. Ages 3-5.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Tues | Dec 3, 10, 17 | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR
Tues | Dec 3, 10, 17 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Tues | Dec 3, 10, 17 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Wed | Dec 4, 11 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Wed | Dec 4, 11 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: WONDERLAND��
Tues | Dec 10 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Tues | Dec 10 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM
Mesa Art Center teaching artist Rachel Hutzenbiler will lead a reimagined, interactive Alice in Wonderland preschool storytime, where children provide feedback to help shape a play performed by ASU students. An encore performance for families will follow in January.
JUNIOR DETECTIVE BOOK CLUB
Wed | Dec 11 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Join us for a discussion on everyone’s favorite mouse adventurer, Geronimo Stilton. This month we will be reading Four Mice Deep in the Jungle. Ages 6+.
NOON YEAR’S DAY CELEBRATION
Tues | Dec 31 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Tues | Dec 31 | 11:30am – 12:00pm | DR
Tues | Dec 31 | 11:30am – 12:00pm | MEL ��
Tues | Dec 31 | 11:30am – 12:15pm | MN
Who says you need to stay up until midnight to celebrate? Help us ring in the “Noon Year” with a party just for kids!
OUTDOOR CRAFTS
Tues | Dec 3 | 3:30pm – 4:15pm | MEL
Create a unique pinecone snowman. craft inspired by the great outdoors.
PAWS & PEERS:
READ TO A THERAPY DOG
Tues | Dec 10 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM
Dogs like reading and stories too! Come read to a certified therapy dog from the Paws & Peers program. Ages 4-17.
PAPER SNOWFLAKES
Wed | Dec 4 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Celebrate the season by making paper snowflakes.
SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY STORY & CRAFTS
Wed | Dec 11 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | RM
Learn about Wilson Bentley’s journey to become the first person to photograph a snowflake and make some snowflakethemed crafts of your own. Ages 5+.
TORTOISE AND THE HARE STEM ACTIVITY
Wed | Dec 18 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | RM
We will read The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney and then do an activity and craft related to the story. Ages 5-9.
TODDLERTIME
Mon | Dec 2, 9 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM �� Mon | Dec 2, 9 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Thurs | Dec 5, 12, 19 | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR
Thurs | Dec 5, 12, 19 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Thurs | Dec 5, 12, 19 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Thurs | Dec 5 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE
Fri | Dec 13 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MEL
Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.
TWEENS
APP ARTIST ⚙
ages 8-12
Tues | Dec 3, 17 | 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 | Dec 10 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
We’ll make cute sock snowman decorations. Supplies are limited. Ages 10-12.
TEENS
ages 12-18
ADVENTURES IN VR ⚙☑
Thurs | Dec 5 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | 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 Beat Saber!
CROCHET SCRUNCHIE DIY ⚙☑
Mon | Dec 2 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Learn to crochet a scrunchie. Supplies provided. All skill levels welcome.
LUNAR LANDER BLOCK BUILD
Wed | Dec 11 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Stop by the Teen Zone and help build our Lunar Lander LEGO® kit.
LET’S EAT! ⚙☑
Thurs | Dec 12 | 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 culinary enthusiast librarians. This month we will be making sugar cookies. Bon appétit!
CREATIVE WRITING CLUB ⚙
Wed | Dec 18 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
RPG AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | Dec 4 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
crafting magazines from press reader
Come join our tween creative writing club. Each month, we’ll share different creative writing prompts, exercises, and games. You can also bring your own writing to share.
HAND-MADE PET TOYS ⚙☑
Wed | Dec 4 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | RM
Craft unique toys from everyday items found around the house, turning simple materials into festive toys for your furry friends. For ages 10-16.
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.
MATH TUTORING FOR TEENS
Tues | Dec 3, 10, 17 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
Former math teacher Mr. Rogowski will help with homework, tests, and notes.
PEER TUTORING
Sat | Dec 7, 14 | 11:00am – 1:00pm | DR
Teen volunteers from Dobson Ranch will help with math, science, and writing for students in grades K-12.
SEWING - FOR TEENS ⚙☑
Thurs | Dec 19 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Learn how to use the Brother sewing machines by creating your own sewing project. Instruction and materials are provided.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Sat | Dec 14 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will answer questions about gardening and landscaping.
BOOK ORNAMENT
Sat | Dec 7 | 2:30pm – 4:00pm | DR
Create your own custom book ornament so you can remember all your favorite reads.
COLORING CLUB
Thurs | Dec 5 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Relax and color your stress away.
CRAFT NIGHT
Wed | Dec 11 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll be making macramé trees. Ages 14+.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Practice English listening and speaking skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
EAST VALLEY NEW HORIZONS SENIOR ORCHESTRA
Mon | Dec 9 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | MN
Enjoy this Winter Holiday Concert, which will present selected traditional and mixed winter specials musical pieces. Suitable for all ages.
EXPLORING VR ⚙☑
Tues | Dec 17 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Explore the world of VR with us through different apps, games, and short films that will engage the user in a variety of ways. This month we will relax and make 3D jigsaw puzzles of Snowy Sights through the game Puzzling Places. This program was made possible by Mesa West Rotary District 5495.
EXTRAORDINARY FILMS AND EXCELLENT DIRECTORS: THE BISHOP’S WIFE
Wed | Dec 18 | 5:45pm – 7:45pm | RM
Come Christmastime, Bishop Brougham finds his life in tatters: he can’t come up with the funds for a new cathedral, and his wife seems to be losing faith in their marriage. Enter Dudley, an angel who has been sent down in answer to the prelate’s prayers—but is this divine being getting a little too close to the bishop’s wife? The Bishop’s Wife (1947) was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Henry Koster. This film is not rated. Ages 18+.
ADULTS
SMART CYCLING FOR OLDER ADULTS ☑
Wed | Dec 18 | 11:00am – 12:30pm | DR
Join the City of Mesa’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Program staff for this class on bicycle basics. You’ll get practical tips geared toward older adults on how to plan your ride and how you can stay safe on the streets. All participants will receive a free bicycle safety kit that includes a helmet, bicycle lights, and more (while supplies last). Recommended for ages 50+.
Book Groups
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | Dec 10 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Instructions for Dancing – Nicola Yoon
Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
CHEER READERS
Tues | Dec 17 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm | OFFSITE
Check our website for book titles.
GETTING YOUR BEST SHOT WITH YOUR PHONE ⚙☑
Thurs | Dec 12 | 9:30am – 10:30am | RM
Create engaging photos with just your phone. This class will highlight some basics of photography and how your iPhone or Android can take its best photo or video.
HAND-MADE PET TOYS ⚙☑
Wed | Dec 11 | 10:30am – 11:30am | RM
Craft unique toys from everyday items found around the house, turning simple materials into festive toys for your furry friends.
HOLIDAY CARD MAKING ⚙
Wed | Dec 11 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to make festive holiday cards using cut pieces from the Cameo.
INTRO TO VIRTUAL REALITY ⚙☑
Fri | Dec 13 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
This class will offer a brief introduction to virtual reality technology (VR), including demonstrating some games and apps.
ONE STITCH AT A TIME ⚙
Tues | Dec 3, 10, 17 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
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.
SEWING - FOR ADULTS ⚙☑
Wed | Dec 18 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to use the Brother sewing machines by creating your own sewing project. Instruction and materials are provided.
SEWING REUSABLE GIFT BAGS ⚙☑
Wed | Dec 4 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn how to use our sewing machines to make simple reusable gift bags. Must have knowledge of basic sewing machine operation.
SCRAPBOOKING NIGHT ⚙
Wed | Dec 4 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
If you’ve never done scrapbooking before, come in and see what it’s all about. Scrapbooking materials will be available to create new pages.
COZY MURDER MYSTERIES ��
Tues | Dec 17 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | MEL
Come with a blanket and your favorite cozy sweater to talk cozy mystery books.
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | Dec 12 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm | DR Planning Meeting
Mon | Dec 9 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE The Sentence – Louise Erdrich
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | Dec 3 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE A Long Petal of the Sea – Isabel Allende
Facility Updates
MAIN LIBRARY SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION
Construction of eight solar covered parking canopies is expected to begin at the Main Library in the coming months. Work will be phased in sections to maintain parking for library patrons, but parking will be limited throughout construction. Mesa City Council approved a plan to install almost 3,000 kW of solar panels over parking lots at four city owned buildings in downtown Mesa, including the Main Library. Besides boosting Mesa’s renewable energy portfolio, the solar arrays will also provide shade for about 660 parking spaces downtown.
DOBSON RANCH LIBRARY PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION
Our Place, Our Possibilities, a public art piece by Troy Neiman and Maxie Adler, is expected to be installed soon on the Dobson Ranch Library’s concrete pillars. The design will integrate with the shapes, structures, materials, and colors of the library.
Please visit mesalibrary.org for the most up-to-date facility information.
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.
mesa reads
COMING IN 2025!
Join us in a year-long celebration of reading! We’ll use the Beanstack app to work toward a collective goal. Along the way, you’ll complete fun challenges for a chance to win prizes! Visit mesalibrary.org/ mesareads for details.
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 | Dec 5 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | MN
Fri | Dec 6 | 9:30am – 12:00pm | MN
Fri | Dec 6 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Thurs | Dec 12 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | MN
Fri | Dec 13 | 9:30am – 12:00pm | MN
Fri | Dec 13 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Sat | Dec 14 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Sharon Skinner is offering 30-minute oneon-one consultation sessions. To book a time, visit: mesalibrary.org/writerinresidence.
INSIDE OUT:
EMOTION & SENSORY DETAIL
Sat | Dec 14 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | MN
Author Sharon Skinner will present on how to create emotion and sensory details in your work that engage the reader while providing relatable characters and experiences. The first half of this workshop will focus on infusing the story with emotion. The second half of the workshop will provide exercises for including sensory details in your fiction, using all five (six) senses.
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY art magazines from press reader
COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING
Mon | Dec 9 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Use interactive training from Northstar’s Digital Literacy program to build your email, internet, social media, and software skills.
DIGITAL SKILL BUILDER WORKSHOPS ☑
Wed | Dec 4, 11, 18 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN
Thurs | Dec 5, 12 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR
Learn how to get started with your computer! These workshops will cover computer basics, internet use and safety, and email basics. The program will be presented by Compudopt and is made possible by Google Fiber.
HOTSPOT DIGITAL HELP DESK
Wed | Dec 4, 11, 18 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MEL
Sat | Dec 7, 21 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
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.
EMBROIDERY MACHINE DEMONSTRATION ⚙
Tues | Dec 3 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Learn how to operate our new Brother SE1900 embroidery machine and find out what it can do.
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 three full-service locations are open Mon-Sat 9am–10am, for self-service. Additional self-service hours are available at the Dobson Ranch Library (Mon-Sat 7am–9am) with Expanded Access technology.
Mesa Express Library (MEL) is open Mon-Sat 7am–8pm using Expanded Access technology. MEL hold lockers are available during park hours (sunrise–10pm).
To sign up for Expanded Access, see a staff member.
LOCATIONS
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.
MESA EXPRESS LIBRARY (MEL) 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.