Mesa Public Library July 2024 Newsletter by City of Mesa, AZ

HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE:

☑ 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 at Mesa Express Library are held outdoors; please come prepared for the elements.

Need a library card? Scan this code to apply online!

Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard

It’s not too late to join the Summer Reading adventure! Earn points by reading, uncovering secret codes and conquering challenges. Attend events and collect prizes as you reach 250, 500, 750, and 1000 points!

Learn more at: mesalibrary.org/summerreading

We’re creating a master plan to guide the library’s future, and we need your input! Share what you love, what you’d change, and what you’d add. Keep reading to learn how to participate.

HOLIDAY HOURS Thurs | July 4 | CLOSED

This newsletter is recyclable. For recycling information, visit mesarecycles.org

ARTFUL TALES WITH THE I.D.E.A. MUSEUM

Thurs | July 11 | 9:30am – 10:30am | RM

Join us for storytime with the i.d.e.a. Museum as they read a book, show artwork, and provide a craft for children to enjoy!

BABY LAPSIT

Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR

Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN

Fri | July 5, 12, 19 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM

Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.

DESIGN TIME STORYTIME

Sat | July 20 | 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.

FAMILY STORYTIME ��

Sat | July 6 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MEL

Bring the whole family for stories, songs, and literacy-boosting activities. Birth-5.

LET’S MOVE

Sat | July 6 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN

Get your morning started right with fun music and instruments. Ages 0-5.

BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB

Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.

GERONIMO STILTON BOOK CLUB

Wed | July 10 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR

Join us for a discussion about mouse detective Geronimo Stilton. This month we will be reading The Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye. Ages 6+.

TAKE-HOME PROGRAM

Mondays | 8:00am – 12:00pm | MEL

Enjoy the entertainment of Summer Reading in the comfort of your own home. Come by the Mesa Express Library to pick up a take-home program, complete the tasks, and earn summer reading points.

LITERACY THRU DRAMA WITH MESA ARTS CENTER

Bring picture books to life by going on an imaginative adventure in this dramafocused 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 STORYTIME

Wed | July 31 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��

Wed | July 31 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��

Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: WONDER WOMAN

Tues | July 2 | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR ��

Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime with special guest, Wonder Woman! Ages 3-5.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: MESA ARTS CENTER

Wed | July 3, 10, 17 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��

Wed | July 3, 10, 17 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM �� Jump into adventure and ignite imagination in this storytime presented by Mesa Arts Center. Each week is a new book with an exciting story journey! Ages 3-5.

SUNRISE STORIES AT THE TOT LOT �� Fridays | 8:00am – 8:30am | MEL

Start your day with a story and playtime at the Tot Lot playground next to the library.

TINKERING FOR TODDLERS

Fri | July 12 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR A STEAM-based storytime that gives toddlers, ages 20-36 months, the opportunity to explore, be curious, and practice independent thinking.

TODDLERTIME

Thurs | July 11, 18, 25 | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR

Thurs | July 11, 18, 25 | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN

Thurs | July 11, 18, 25 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN

Thurs | July 25 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.

ages 8-12

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB

Wed | July 24 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR

Expand your creative writing skills each month with prompts, exercises, and games. You can also bring your own writing to share.

FANTASY READERS UNITE!

Wed | July 17 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR

Love fantasy books? Join us for this monthly group! This month we will discuss Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui Sutherland

RPG AT THE LIBRARY

Wed | July 10 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | 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.

LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 11:30am – 12:30pm | DR

Tuesdays and Thursdays (excluding July 4) 11:30am – 12:30pm | MN

Fuel up with healthy food and enjoy an activity provided by the library. Meals must be eaten on-site. Supplies are limited. Birth-18.

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.

ages 12-18

PAINTING BEST BOOK COVERS OF THE SUMMER

Tues | July 23 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Use your painting skills to recreate your favorite summer read on a tiny canvas.

PAINTING WITH BOB ROSS

Tues | July 9 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Enjoy a fun painting session by following along with a Bob Ross tutorial to create your own masterpiece. Relax, have fun, and unleash your inner artist!

TEEN TIME ⚙

Tues | July 9 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | DR

Fri | July 19 | 1:00pm – 3:00 pm | DR

Wed | July 24 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | DR

Hang out and learn something new!

July 9 - Sew a Drawstring Pocket

July 19 - Gaming

July 24 - Painting Party

BACK TO SCHOOL HELMET POP-UP

Tues | July 30 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN

Tues | July 30 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR

Wed | July 31 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm | RM

City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program wants to help kids ride back to school safely. Staff will be distributing free helmets and fit guides while supplies last.

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. Ages preK to 12th grade. Visit mesalibrary.org/biketobooks for details.

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! All ages. Submit your reviews at: mesalibrary.org/ onesentencebookreviews

WOOD BURNING ART

Tues | July 16 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN

Feeling creative and crafty? Create your own design on wood pendants using wood-burning pens. We’ll provide instructions and supplies, you bring the creativity.

COLORING CLUB

Thurs | July 11 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM

Relax and color your stress away.

CRAFT NIGHT

Wed | July 17 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR

Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll be doing paper quilling.

ESL CONVERSATION CLASS

Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN

Practice English listening and speaking skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.

EMBROIDERY MACHINE DEMONSTRATION

Thurs | July 18 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR

Learn how to operate our Brother SE1900 embroidery machine and find out what it can do.

HAUNTED PLACES TO EXPLORE IN ARIZONA

Thurs | July 18 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN

Learn about haunted hotels, restaurants, and other places in Arizona where ghosts have been encountered!

INTRO TO SEWING ☑

Mon | July 15 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR

Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn how to use our sewing machines. No previous sewing knowledge is required.

ONE STITCH AT A TIME ⚙

Tuesdays | 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.

PUZZLE COMPETITION ☑

Fri | July 12 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN

Sat | July 27 | 2:15pm – 4:30pm | DR

Brush off your jigsaw puzzle skills with a puzzle competition. Teams of 2-3 will go head-to-head in completing a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle in less than 2 hours. Find your team members and have 1 person from your team register. Ages 12+

PUZZLE SWAP

Sat | July 27 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR

Bring in your gently used jigsaw puzzle (please check to make sure all the pieces are there!) in its box and exchange it for a coupon for a puzzle at our upcoming puzzle swap. Puzzles may be dropped off at Dobson Ranch Library from Saturday, July 20 to Friday, July 26. On Jul 27 from 1 to 2pm you may come in and exchange your coupon for a new-to-you puzzle. Jigsaw puzzles for all ages welcome. Limit 5 puzzle coupons per family.

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE LIBRARY!

We’re creating a master plan to guide the future of your library, and we need your input! What do you currently love about the library? What would you change? What do you want to add? Here’s how to participate:

- Visit the library and let us know your thoughts using comment cards.

- Take a moment to fill out our short online survey. Scan this code for more information:

RPG AT THE LIBRARY ⚙

Sat | July 20 | 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.

SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME

Sat | July 13 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR

Buying or selling a house can be intimidating. This seminar will help you prepare for crucial aspects of the process.

Enter this secret code in your Summer Reading account for extra points: MPLExtreme

BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB

Tues | July 9 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN

Animal Dreams – Barbara Kingsolver

Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.

NOVEL APPROACH

Mon | July 8 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE The Red Lotus – Chris Bohjalian

WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?

Tues | July 2 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE A Conspiracy of Tall Men – Noah Hawley

ARIZONA

BIG TRAIN OPERATORS

Mon | July 22 | 10:00am – 5:00pm | RM

Tues | July 23 | 10:00am – 5:00pm | RM

Wed | July 24 | 10:00am – 5:00pm | RM

Thurs | July 25 | 10:00am – 5:00pm | RM

Fri | July 26 | 10:00am – 1:00pm | RM

All aboard! The Arizona Big Train Operators are returning to Red Mountain Library. See the model railroad display, complete with G-scale tracks, charming model towns, and several trains in action. Model train operators will be there to answer your questions

CARS DRIVE-IN MOVIE��

Tues | July 23 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR

Watch Cars from a DIY cardboard box car! Create your car at home then pick up a craft kit a week before the movie showing to decorate it. While supplies last. No large boxes please. Rated G.

FAMILY MOVIES

Join us for a family-friendly movie!

Tues | July 2 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR Emperor’s New Groove (rated G) + a craft

Wed | July 3 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM �� Toy Story 2 (rated G)

Sat | July 6 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN The Rescuers Down Under (rated G)

Wed | July 10 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM �� Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2007) (rated PG)

Wed | July 17 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM ��

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (rated PG)

Fri | July 26 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (rated PG)

Wed | July 31 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | RM �� Paw Patrol: The Movie (2021) (rated G)

INDOOR WOODS READ-IN

Wed | July 17 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Find your favorite book, sit back, and relax in our cozy camping setup.

OUTDOOR FAMILY NIGHT ��

Sat | July 13, 20, 27 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm | MEL

Play at the park with items from our Stuffbrary.

LOST DUTCHMAN ADVENTURE QUEST

Wed | July 31 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN

Discover the legend of the Lost Dutchman Park through fun crafts and challenging riddles. Complete all the tasks to earn a prize from the Lost Dutchman Miner!

PEEPS® CAMPING DIORAMA

Wed | July 24 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Create a camping diorama using PEEPS® Supplies are limited.

PHOENIX ZOO LIVE ON LOCATION

Wed | July 10 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN

Wed | July 10 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | MN

The Phoenix Zoo is coming to the library! Meet ambassador animals up close and hear stories from zoo staff.

Special summer events often draw large crowds and most require tickets, which are handed out 30 minutes prior to the program start. Be prepared to wait in line. Where back-to-back sessions are scheduled, please plan to attend only one. Please note: we are unable to accommodate non-family groups of 5 or more children.

It’s not too late to join the Summer Reading Program! Sign up now and reach 1,000 points by August 1 to win. Collect points by reading, attending events, discovering secret codes, and completing challenges.

If you sign up by July 1, you’ll only need to read about 31 minutes a day to hit the goal. Everyone who completes the program will win a free book and get to spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an additional prize!

Finish the program and you’ll be entered in raffles for more prizes, including:

• Harkins prize pack

• Minecraft LEGO set

• Childsplay prize basket

• Childsplay tickets

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.

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.

July 3 – Internet Basics

July 10 – Email Basics

July 17 – Mousing Basics

July 24, 31 – Keyboard Basics

COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING

Sat | July 13 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | DR

Thurs | July 25 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR

Use interactive training from Northstar’s Digital Literacy program to build your email, internet, social media, and software skills.

HOTSPOT DIGITAL HELP DESK

Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MEL

Thurs | July 11, 18, 25 | 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

INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL⚙☑†

Tues | July 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 | July 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.

CLOUD LIBRARY

Check out ebooks and audiobooks through the cloudLibrary app. Whether on the web, a tablet, or your mobile device, you can browse digital shelves curated by your library or filter by the genres that interest you.

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.

LOCATIONS

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.

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