DAY
BOOKDONATIONDR
Sat | Feb 15 | 9:00am – 12:00pm | RM Donate books, magazines, movies, and music hassle-free! Just drive up, and our volunteers will unload for you. Can’t make it? Drop off donations at the Main Library. Learn more at mesalibrary.org/donate.
MESA READS
MESA MARATHON: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Join us in a year-long celebration of reading! We’re encouraging everyone to read at least 15 minutes a day to build a strong but lasting habit. Join in by reading, taking on fun challenges and attending events. Log your minutes in the Beanstack app to be eligible for monthly prize drawings. For details, visit: mesalibrary.org/mesareads
VALENTINES FOR SENIORS
Drop in and make Valentine’s Day cards for the library’s Homebound Program patrons and seniors in assisted living around Mesa. Supplies will be provided, or bring your own.
The Mesa Marathon will impact traffic and parking around the Main Library. Some traffic barricades and street closures will be up the night before the race. The marathon starts at 6:30am and goes until around 2pm. Streets will re-open as runners finish the race. For more information, visit mesamarathon.com
open upworldyour Tues | Feb 4 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | RM ⚙ Wed | Feb 5 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | DR ⚙ Thurs | Feb 6 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | MN ⚙
HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE: February 2025 News & Events
☑ Registration required
�� Ticketed event
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.
reducesReading stress
Need a library card? Scan this code to get one! Mon | Feb 17 | CLOSED
mesalibrary.org/getacard
KIDS
BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB
Tues | Feb 11, 25 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Sat | Feb 15 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Sat | Feb 22 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
CRAFT-IN MOVIE: LADY AND THE TRAMP
Wed | Feb 5 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Watch Lady and the Tramp (rated G) and do themed crafts.
GROWING WORDS INTO READERS, ONE WORD AT A TIME ☑
Wed | Feb 26 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Calling all beginning readers! Come play simple card and board games with us to become more confident with your sight words while having fun and making new friends. Ages 5-9.
HEART WINDSOCK CRAFT
Mon | Feb 10 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Make a heart-themed windsock using recycled materials to keep for yourself or give to someone special. Ages 5+.
KIDS’ KITCHEN
Wed | Feb 19 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Join us in the kitchen to create fun, interesting, and tasty treats. This month we will be making ice cream. Ages 6-12.
STORYTIMES
BABY LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Fri | Feb 7, 21 | 9:30am – 10:00am | MEL ��
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
FAMILY STORYTIME PRESENTS:
BILINGUAL STORYTIME WITH THE I.D.E.A. MUSEUM
Sat | Feb 8 | 10:30am – 11:15am | MEL ��
Join the i.d.e.a. Museum for a special bilingual storytime.
K-CODE ⚙
Tues | Feb 11 | 11:30am – 12:30pm | MN
Introduces basic coding concepts to families through songs, stories, games, and interactive plugged and unplugged activities. Ages 3-5.
LOVABLE MONSTERS STORYTIME
Fri | Feb 14 | 10:00am – 10:45am | MN
Monsters need love, too! Join us for songs, stories, and a craft this Valentine’s Day. Ages 3-5.
OUTDOOR CRAFTS
Tues | Feb 4 | 3:30pm – 4:15pm | MEL ��
Create a unique craft inspired by the great outdoors. This month we’ll make soda bottle bird feeders.
POLAR BEAR FORK PAINTING & A STORY
Tues | Feb 11 | 10:00am – 10:30am | RM
Come listen to some winter stories and create a winter-themed polar bear painting using a fork as the paintbrush.
QUIRKY ART
Wed | Feb 12 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Paint and create your own unique masterpiece. Limited supplies. Ages 6-12.
ROBOT BASH ⚙
Sat | Feb 15 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | RM
Explore our different robots designed to teach the basics of coding through fun, hands-on activities. Activities are geared towards ages 6-12.
ROBOT BASH: HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT ⚙
Tues | Feb 18 | 12:30pm – 2:00pm | RM
Our second Robot Bash of the month, but this time for homeschoolers! Learn social and coding skills while playing with robots. Activities are geared towards ages 6-12.
PAJAMA STORYTIME
Tues | Feb 4 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm | MN
SHADOW PUPPET THEATER
Mon | Feb 3 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
With black construction paper and empty cereal boxes, children can unleash their imaginations and create their own shadow puppet theater and characters.
SHAVING CREAM HEART ART
Tues | Feb 4 | 10:00am – 10:30am | RM
Little hands will create unique, swirly designs on hearts with shaving cream and paint. Ages 3-5.
STORY SCHOOL WITH MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS ☑
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Jan 21– Feb 27 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Story School is a bilingual, two-generation program where children and parents learn together twice a week for 11 sessions. Children engage in books and activities that build literacy, language, and socialemotional skills, while parents gain tools to support their child’s development. Families receive two books per session to grow their child’s library. Register by Jan 21.
VALENTINE STEAM
Wed | Feb 12 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by doing STEAM activities. Ages 6-12.
TODDLERTIME
Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal to an evening storytime. Ages 0-5.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN Tuesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Wed | Feb 5, 19, 26 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Wed | Feb 5, 19, 26 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: WONDERLAND��
Wed | Feb 12 | 10:00am – 10:30am | RM
Mesa Art Center teaching artist Rachel Hutzenbiler will lead a reimagined, interactive, preschool-friendly performance based on Alice in Wonderland.
SLAPJACK STORYTIME
Fri | Feb 28 | 10:00am – 10:45am | MN
Join us for a fun-filled National Pancake Day storytime with pancake-packed books and a craft. Ages 3-5.
Mon | Feb 3, 10, 24 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM �� Mon | Feb 3, 10, 24 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN Thursdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Thurs | Feb 6 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE Fri | Feb 14, 28 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MEL Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.
TINKERING FOR TODDLERS
Fri | Feb 7 | 10:00am – 10:45am | DR
A STEAM-based storytime that gives toddlers the opportunity to explore, be curious, and practice independent thinking. Ages 2-3.
VALENTINE’S STORYTIME
Sat | Feb 1 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE
Enjoy a special storytime about Valentine’s Some books feel like a warm hug
Reading helps you grow
APP ARTIST ⚙
Tues | Feb 4 | 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 | Feb 18 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Learn how to weave a bracelet using straws. Supplies are limited. Ages 10-12.
CREATIVE WRITING CLUB ⚙
Wed | Feb 26 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
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.
POCKET MONSTERS UNITE
Thurs | Feb 27 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Join us to celebrate National Pokémon Day with crafts, activities, and manga.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | Feb 5 | 4:00pm – 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.
TWEEN TIME: NO-SEW TIED FLEECE HEART PILLOW
Wed | Feb 12 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Tie knots to make a fleece heart pillow for yourself or to give as a gift. Supplies provided but are limited. Ages 8-12.
ADULTS
3D SCULPTING ⚙ ☑
Wed | Feb 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to create a 3D sculpture to print on our 3D printer.
AROMATHERAPY BRACELETS ⚙ ☑
Wed | Feb 19 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | RM
Make a traditional beaded bracelet with an aromatic twist!
BEGINNER ART JOURNALING ⚙☑
Fri | Feb 21 | 11:00am – 12:30pm | RM
An art journal can be a low stress way to integrate creativity into your daily life. We’ll introduce some tips, crafts, and projects to get you started.
COLORING CLUB ⚙
Thurs | Feb 6 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Relax and color your stress away.
COSPLAY MEET UP ⚙
3D SCULPTING ⚙
Wed | Feb 13 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Learn how to create a 3D sculpture to print on the 3D printer.
ADVENTURES IN VR ⚙☑
Tues | Feb 11 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Tues | Feb 25 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Join us as we venture into virtual reality. We’ll test out apps and explore new virtual places.
ANIME ADVENTURES
Sat | Feb 15 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Come watch anime and create some animethemed crafts! We will be watching The Wonderland. Ages 13-18.
BASQUIAT-STYLE SELF-PORTRAITS
Wed | Feb 5 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM
Use paint and tape to create a self-portrait styled like the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
BLACK POET ZINE-MAKING
Thurs | Feb 6 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Celebrate Black History Month and dive into creating poetry zines. Supplies (including poetry for inspiration) provided.
GLOWFORGE WOODBLOCK PRINTS
Thurs | Feb 20 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Use the Glowforge to carve your own designs into wood block prints and make prints for your friends, family, or portfolio. Supplies provided.
MATH TUTORING FOR TEENS
Tuesdays | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
Former math teacher Mr. Rogowski will help with homework, tests, and notes.
PEER TUTORING
Sat | Feb 1, 8, 22 | 11:00am – 1:00pm | DR Teen volunteers from Dobson Ranch will help with math, science, and writing for students in grades K-12.
SEWING: STUFFED TEDDY BEARS ⚙ ☑
Wed | Feb 26 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Learn how to use our Brother sewing machines by creating a stuffed bear. Instruction and materials are provided.
TEEN ART GALLERY OPENING
Fri | Feb 14 | 3:45pm – 4:45pm | MN
Teens: submit your artworks at the Main Library circulation desk from Monday, Feburary 10 to Friday, Feburary 14. Then, all are invited to come admire the teen-made art at our gallery opening in the Teen Zone.
TEEN TIME: PAPER ROLLER COASTERS
“‘We lose ourselves in books. We find ourselves there too.’
Wed | Feb 12 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | RM
Join fellow cosplayers to share tips, get help, and find inspiration for your next project. THINKspot equipment is available with completed training, a signed waiver, and age-appropriate guidelines.
CRAFT NIGHT
Wed | Feb 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll be making hearts out of a variety of materials. Ages 14+.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Sat | Feb 1, 8, 15, 22 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN Saturdays | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | RM Practice English listening and speaking skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
GRASS TO XERISCAPE: SUSTAINABLE, WATER-SMART LANDSCAPING
Tues | Feb 25 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Create a beautiful and practical landscape that reduces water usage, provides cooling shade, and is easy to maintain. City of Mesa staff will present information about Mesa’s Grass-to-Xeriscape Landscape Program, which offers up to $1,100 for qualifying conversions. Then, Noelle Johnson (a.k.a. the AZ Plant Lady), will discuss options for grass removal and design concepts for new landscapes. Noelle is the author of two desert gardening books: Dry Climate Gardening: Growing Beautiful, Sustainable Gardens in Low-Water Conditions and The Water-Smart Garden: Techniques and Strategies for Conserving, Capturing, and Efficiently Using Water in Today’s Climate… and Tomorrow’s. Books will be available for purchase at the presentation. Attendees will have a chance to win one of Noelle’s books and a $50 gift card to a local nursery.
LEARN TO CROCHET ⚙☑
Tues | Feb 11 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | RM
Learning to crochet can be intimidating. Get guidance from an expert in how to start with a simple project.
LET’S EAT! ⚙☑
Tues | Feb 18 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Thurs | Feb 20 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Learn to make Scottish Shortbread Cookies with step-by-step guidance from our culinary enthusiast librarian. Please register for only one of the programs to ensure others can participate. Bon appétit!
LEGAL INFORMATION AND NAVIGATION CLINIC (LINC)
Wed | Feb 19 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm | MN
The Legal Information and Navigation Clinic (LINC) offers free, walk-in assistance with court forms in English and Spanish. Forms include divorce, paternity, estate administration, guardianship, child support, and more. Provided by the Maricopa County Law Library Resource Center (a division of the Superior Court of Arizona).
MORNING CRAFTS ⚙
Wednesdays | 10:00am – 11:30am | RM
Explore new and easy projects with other crafters. Let’s make something beautiful!
MUSIC BINGO
Tues | Feb 11 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Play BINGO with a fun twist: we’ll listen to portions of songs and mark them off our cards.
ONE STITCH AT A TIME ⚙
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Thurs | Feb 6 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Hang out with us at this relaxed, social crochet circle. Instructor-led lessons and materials will be available to beginners.
Books are conversationgreat starters
“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”
-Mason Cooley
RPG AT THE LIBRARY ⚙
Sat | Feb 15 | 3:30pm – 4:45pm | 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.
SEWING: STUFFED TEDDY BEARS ⚙ ☑
Wed | Feb 19 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to use our Brother sewing machines by creating a stuffed bear.
SEWING FABRIC ENVELOPES ⚙ ☑
Mon | Feb 10 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn how to use our sewing machines to make simple fabric envelopes for gift giving. Basic sewing machine knowledge required.
SMALL BUSINESS SERIES - MESA BUSINESS BUILDER AND FREE RESOURCES ☑
Wed | Feb 5 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Learn about the Mesa Business Builder Program and free resources available to Mesa’s small businesses, including: professional advising, online training and education, college classes, and more. Presented by Kelley Keffer, Project Manager from the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development.
SMART CYCLING FUNDAMENTALS ☑
Wed | Feb 26 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Join us for an introductory workshop on how to start bicycling. You’ll get practical tips on how to plan your ride and what you can do to stay safe on the streets. All participants will receive a free “Get Started Safely” kit that includes a helmet, bicycle lights, and more. Ages 12+.
STILL LIFE DRAWING ⚙☑
Thurs | Feb 13, 20, 27 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Practice your basic drawing skills using still-life objects during this studio time. Art materials will be provided.
BOOK GROUPS
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | Feb 11 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
The Princess Bride - William Goldman Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
CHEER READERS
Tues | Feb 25 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm | OFFSITE
James - Percival Everett
COZY MURDER MYSTERIES ��
Tues | Feb 18 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | MEL
Come with a blanket and your favorite cozy sweater to talk cozy mystery books.
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME
Sat | Feb 8 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR Buying or selling a house can be intimidating. This seminar will help you prepare for crucial aspects of the process.
VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) PROGRAM ☑
Tues – Friday | Jan 28 – Apr 11 | RM VITA offers free tax help those who generally make $67,000 or less annually, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. IRScertified volunteers from Mesa United Way will provide basic income tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Appointments (10am – 12pm): book online at rmlib-vita.bookafy.com or call 480834-2122. No walk-ins during this time. Walk-ins (12pm – 2:30pm): first come, first served. For more information and locations, visit prepareandempower.org
WRITING INTO THE DARK
Mon | Feb 24 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | RM
Award-winning local author Dan Baldwin discusses his process for writing novels, a process he calls “writing into the dark.”
XERISCAPING IN ARIZONA
Thurs | Feb 20 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | MEL ��
Join the City of Mesa’s Environmental Management and Sustainability to learn about Xeriscaping with plants that are found in Arizona.
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | Feb 13 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club - Helen Simonson
NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | Feb 10 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE Planning Meeting
SILENT BOOK CLUB ⚙
Wed | Feb 26 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | RM
Bring a book of your choice and read in companionable silence with others. Then, stick around to discuss your reading.
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | Feb 4 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE Planning Meeting
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.
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.
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING ⚙
Thurs | Feb 6 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM ☑
Wed | Feb 12 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Thurs | Feb 27 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Use interactive training from Northstar’s Digital Literacy program to build your email, internet, social media, and software skills.
EXPLORING VR: GRAFFITI ART ⚙ ☑
Thurs | Feb 6 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Explore the world of VR through different apps and games. This month we will get creative in a safe place for street art using the Kingspray Graffiti app.This program was made possible by Mesa West Rotary District 5495.
HOTSPOT DIGITAL HELP DESK
Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MEL
Thursdays | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Sat | Feb 15 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
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.
HOW TO USE CANVA ⚙ ☑
Thurs | Feb 13 | 9:30am – 10:30am | RM
Get to know Canva, a free graphic design software with lots of practical uses!
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL⚙☑ †
Tues | Feb 4 | 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 | Feb 5 | 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.
Reading helps you learn new skills
There’s a book on just about every topic under the sun (and over it, too)
INTRODUCTION TO THINKSPOT
Tues | Feb 25 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
If you’ve ever wanted to use our makerspace but aren’t sure how to get started, this session is for you. Learn what equipment we have and what it can do. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and do demonstrations.
INTRO TO VIRTUAL REALITY ⚙
Fri | Feb 7 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
This class will offer a brief introduction to virtual reality technology (VR), including demonstrating some games and apps.
† Prerequisite: Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.
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.