SUMMER READING JUNE 1 - AUGUST 1
SUMMER READING IS HERE!
Read books, enjoy events, and win prizes all summer long! Join our 2023 Summer Reading Program - it’s easy to participate and all ages can join in on the fun.
Read at least 20 minutes every day this summer (June 1 - August 1) and keep track of your minutes to earn prizes along the way! Earn extra points by attending library events and finding secret codes (like the one hidden in this newsletter!).
This year’s theme - All Together Now - focuses on friendship and unity.
Sign up for Summer Reading at the library or maricopacountyreads.org.
Learn more about Mesa’s program at: mesalibrary.org/summerreading
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
SUMMER READING KICK-OFF
Thurs | June 1 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR
Thurs | June 1 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
Thurs | June 1 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with us! Stop by to sign up for the program, contribute to a community art project, meet special guests, and get excited for a summer filled with fun!
Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard
This newsletter is recyclable. For recycling information, visit mesarecycles.org
Need a library card? Scan this code to apply online!
JUNE 2023 NEWS & EVENTS
KIDS
BABIES MAKE MUSIC
Tues | June 20 | 10:00am – 10:45am | RM
Let your baby explore the world of music with pots, shakers, bells, and other musical instruments.
FLOWER POT DECORATING ��
Wed | June 28 | 2:00pm – 2:45pm | MN
Wed | June 28 | 3:00pm – 3:45pm | MN
Decorate a flower pot to add a special plant to your home. Supplies are limited.
LEGO® CLUB
Sat | June 3 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Mon | June 5, 19 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Sat | June 17 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
LET’S PLAY!
Sat | June 10, 24 | 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.
LITTLE MAKERS PLAYTIME ⚙
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
Bring your little makers for an hour of parent and child maker time. We will have STEAM coloring crafts, electronic toys, coding board games, and electronics learning kits for older children. Ages 3-10.
MICRO MINI MASTERPIECES ��
Wed | June 21 | 2:00pm – 2:45pm | MN
Wed | June 21 | 3:00pm – 3:45pm | MN
Paint a mini masterpiece on a tiny canvas. Supplies are limited.
STEAM AT THE PLANETARIUM ☑
Mon | June 5 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | OFFSITE
Join the Mesa Public Library at the Mesa Community College Planetarium for an out of this world show featuring the planets in our solar system! Registration is required as seating is limited (one registration per seat). Take & Make craft kits will be available for all participants ages 5-11.
STEAM WITH THE CITY OF MESA
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PROGRAM ⚙
Tues | June 20 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Join members of the City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program for bike and road safety crafts and activities. Ages 5-11.
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. 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.
Storytimes
BABY LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:00am – 9:30am | MN
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
BEDTIME STORIES
Thurs | June 15 | 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 | June 17 | 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.
LITERACY THRU DRAMA WITH MESA ARTS CENTER
Fri | June 2 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR
Fri | June 16 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN
Fri | June 23 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM 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 | June 9 | 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
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Tuesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Wednesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.
TODDLERTIME
Mondays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Mondays | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Thurs | June 8, 15, 22, 29 | 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.
YOGA STORYTIME
Thurs | June 15 | 10:00am – 10:30am | RM ��
Join us for stories with movement, singing, mindfulness, and easy yoga poses. Ages 3-5.
TWEENS ages 8-12
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® ⚙
Wed | June 7 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | MN
Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons® with an experienced player. New players are welcome. Already know how to play? Come in and use the space to lead your own campaign.
LIBRARY PEN PALS ☑
Thurs | June 29 | 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. Come 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.
TEENS
ages 12-18
MAGIC TREE HOUSE TAKE & MAKE KIT
All Day | June 1 – 30 | RM
Come pick up a Magic Tree House Take & Make kit, available at the Red Mountain Library, while supplies last. Each kit contains a craft and activities. This month we are reading Tigers at Twilight by Mary Pope Osborne. Books are not included in the packet.
STEAM FOR TWEENS: BUBBLES
Tues | June 13 | 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 bubbles.
TINTAS Y PINTAS / TINTS & PRINTS ☑
Fri | June 23 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Explore the history, science and art behind natural dyes that are native to Latin America. Extract beautiful colors from plants onto fabric and create a Papel Picado to take home.
Psst!
Enter this secret code in your Summer Reading account for extra points: MPLbestie
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
AFTER HOURS MINI GOLF
Fri | June 23 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm | RM
Wonder what the library is like after it closes? Join us for after hours mini golf! We will have a full 18-hole mini golf course inside the library courtesy of Mini Golf on the Go.
ANIME YOUR WAY: STUDIO GHIBLI EDITION
Sat | June 10 | 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 The Tale of Princess Kaguya and making origami kimonos.
ARIZONA CURRICULUM THEATER
PRESENTS: POE FEST
Tues | June 6 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Arizona Curriculum Theater presents Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven, Cask of Amontillado, and The Masque of the Red Death
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® ⚙
Wed | June 14 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm | RM
Participate in a game of Dungeons & Dragons®.
GAMING AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | June 7 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | DR ⚙
Come unwind with games in THINKspot. Play Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or choose to play one of our many board or card games.
SWAP IT: PAINT PARTY FOR TEENS ☑
Wed | June 28 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Grab a canvas and start painting—but get ready to swap your canvas every 10 minutes with someone else in the room!
TEEN TIME AT THE MAIN LIBRARY
Tues | June 13, 20 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Tues | June 27 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN
Hang out, create, and have fun! Supplies are limited.
June 13 – Leather Keychain
June 20 – Painting with Bob Ross
June 27 – Wood Burning Art
TEEN TIME AT DOBSON RANCH
Thurs | June 15, 22 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Thurs | June 29 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Hang out, create, and have fun! Supplies are limited.
June 15 – THINKspot Open Lab ⚙
June 22 – Upcycled Art Challenge
June 29 – Temporary Henna Workshop
THINKSPOT FASHION RUNWAY ⚙ ☑
Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, June 2 1:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Unleash your inner fashion designer! Learn how to use a sewing machine and follow a pattern. Show off your creations with a fashion show and photo shoot at the end of the week.
ADULT COLORING CLUB
Thurs | June 1 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Relax and color your stress away. Coloring pages and colored pencils, markers, and crayons will be provided, or bring your own.
BUYING YOUR FIRST HOUSE
Sat | June 24 | 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 | June 8 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN ⚙ ☑
Wed | June 21 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stress craft night. June 8 (MN) - As You Wish Canvas Painting June 21 (DR) - Painted Pinwheels
GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO ⚙ ☑
Wed | June 7 | 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 necessary.
LEATHER KEYCHAIN WORKSHOP ⚙ ☑
Wed | June 14 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Design your very own custom leather keychain. We will provide dye, laser engraving, designer stamps, and leather-working tools.
LET’S PLAY WITH PAPER ⚙
Tues | June 20 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | RM
Join us for an hour of paper crafting. This month we’ll create a summer flag banner.
MARSHALL SHORE PRESENTS: ARIZONA IN THE MOVIES
Tues | June 13 | 6:30pm – 7:15pm | DR
The landscape across Arizona has made it a prime location for classic Western movies, Walt Disney, Andy Warhol, and others. Learn about Arizona’s unique connection to films from the Hip Historian, Marshall Shore.
MEDICARE 101
Thurs | June 29 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN Learn about Medicare from Connie Health agent Rita Bancroft. This seminar will cover the different aspects of the program and will help prepare you to make informed decisions about coverage.
MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS
Mon | June 5 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR Learn the basics of meditation with simple yet powerful techniques that will help you deal with stress wherever you are. We will be seated in chairs, so you do not need a mat. You may wish to bring a pillow to support your back.
ADULTS
PUZZLE COMPETITION ⚙☑
Sat | June 10 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | DR Brush off your jigsaw puzzle skills and join us in our first-ever puzzle competition. Teams of 2-3 will go head-to-head in completing a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle in 2 hours. Find your team members and have 1 person from your team register online. The winning team will get a special creation from THINKspot!
SMALL BUSINESS SERIES ☑
Wednesdays | May 3 – June 7
6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
SCORE, a non-profit funded by the SBA, will present this Small Business Series that focuses on growing and sustaining your business, goal setting, and managing your time, resources, and finances.
SUMMER SURVIVAL FOR PLANTS
Sat | June 10 | 11:30am – 12:30pm | RM
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are certified volunteers who answer questions about gardening, landscaping, plant identification, and plant problems. In this class, they will provide recommendations for protecting your plants from heat and monsoon stress.
BOOK GROUPS
LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK FAIR: CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG ADULT AUTHORS
Sat | June 3 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm | MN Meet local writers of c hildren’s and young adults’ books. Books will be available for sale and signing.
CHEER READERS
Tues | June 27 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE
Demon Copperhead – Barbara Kingsolver
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | June 8 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
The Henna Artist – Alka Joshi
NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | June 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
The Personal Librarian – Marie Benedict
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | June 6 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | RM
Tues | June 27 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | RM
June 6 - Case Histories – Kate Atkinson
June 27 - Deacon King Kong – James McBride
Summer reading is for all ages!
Invite your friends and family to participate in the Summer Reading Program to earn prizes all summer long!
PRE-READERS KIDS
250 points
500 points
750 points
1000 points
250 points
500 points
750 points
1000 points
Lou Malnati’s free personal pizza coupon + snack
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
Peter Piper Pizza free personal pizza coupon + Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon + Kumon pencil & eraser
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
TEENS
250 points
500 points
750 points
1000 points
Lou Malnati’s free personal pizza coupon + snack
Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
ADULTS
250 points
500 points
750 points 1000 points
ReStoried Bookstore coupon
Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets
Free book
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
FAMILY FUN
BIRDS OF PHOENIX AND MARICOPA COUNTY ��
Wed | June 7 | 9:00am – 9:45am | MN
Wed | June 7 | 10:15am – 11:00am | MN
Sat | June 24 | 10:00am – 11:30am | RM
Learn how to identify bird species by appearance and sound - you’ll be amazed by the diversity of birds that inhabit Phoenix and Maricopa County! Presented by Maricopa Audubon Society.
DINO CREW:
DINOSAUR ENTERTAINMENT ⚙ ��
Wed | June 14 | 2:00pm – 2:45pm | MN
Wed | June 14 | 3:15pm – 4:00pm | MN
This interactive dinosaur program will be a roaring good time for all ages!
• 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.
JOLLY ROGER ��
Tues | June 27 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Entertainer Jolly Roger will take us on an adventure full of books and magic!
MY FAMILY GHIBLI PRESENTS: KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE
Sat | June 24 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Bring the family in to watch Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service, the Japanese animated fantasy film. Enjoy the film while making a craft.
RADICAL REPTILE ��
Thurs | June 15 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Learn about the world of reptiles with this radical reptile experience!
REACTION ACTION PRESENTED BY SCIENCE MATTERS ��
Tues | June 20 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | RM
Tues | June 20 | 2:15pm – 3:00pm | RM
Chemical reactions abound in this captivating program. See a MicroGrain Silo and a phoenix rising from the ashes. Learn about the importance of scientists working together in collaboration to achieve their goals with group challenges following the program.
Special summer events draw large crowds and 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.
COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER BASICS †
Thurs | June 8, 15, 22, 29
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.
June 8 & 15 – Keyboard & typing basics
June 22 & 29 – Microsoft Word basics
DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING
Fri | June 2, 16, 30 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Wed | June 14 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR ⚙
Wed | June 28 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | DR ⚙
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.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE
WRITER IN RESIDENCE CONSULTATION HOURS ☑
Wednesdays | 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.
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.
INTRO TO THE 3D PRINTER ⚙ ☑ †
Mon | June 26 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn how to use the 3D printer with downloaded designs.
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL ⚙ ☑ †
Tues | June 6 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR Learn the foundations of Microsoft Excel, including how to create, edit, and format data in a spreadsheet.
INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED MICROSOFT EXCEL ⚙ ☑ †
Wed | June 7 | 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 | June 24 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | 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.
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.
From May through July, Mesa Public Library is hosting author Mark Athitakis as our very own Writer in Residence. 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.
YOU’VE WRITTEN A BOOK, NOW WHAT?
Sat | June 10 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM
If you’re in the home stretch of your manuscript, you have a lot of decisions to make. This session will explore the process of finding the best place for your writing, identifying and querying agents, and more.
† Prerequisite: Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard. 480-644-3100
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR WRITERS AND READERS
Sat | June 17 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM
What online tools should writers use to find their audience? We’ll talk about best practices for engagement and how to use your time online efficiently. Plus we’ll discuss the best tools for helping readers find their next favorite book.
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.
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.
