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.
We’re roaring with excitement for Dinovember! Stop by the Main Library to see the Mymoorapelta, an armored, plant-eating dinosaur replica on display from the Arizona Museum of Natural History. A must-see for dino lovers of all ages!
Plus, don’t miss our dinosaur-themed programs happening at various locations throughout the month!
Need a library card? Scan this code to get one!
Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard
HOLIDAY HOURS
Mon | Nov 11 | Closed
Wed | Nov 27 | Close at 5pm Thurs | Nov 28 | Closed Fri | Nov 29 | Closed
KIDS
Sat | Nov 16 | 10:30am – 11:30am | MEL
Sat | Nov 23 | 9:00am – 11:00am | MN
Get cycling safety tips and helmet fittings from Phoenix Children’s Injury Prevention Specialist. Practice safety on a bike rodeo course—no bike needed. Bikes provided for kids 11 and under, or bring your own. Helmets available while supplies last.
BUILD IT TO WIN IT ⚙
Tue-Sat | Nov 19-23 | RM
Visit THINKspot this week during open hours to create a bridge with materials provided. The bridge that can support the most weight will win a prize.
BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB
Sat | Nov 16 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Mon | Nov 4 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Sat | Nov 23 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
CRAFT-IN MOVIE: THE GOOD DINOSAUR
Wed | Nov 6 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Watch The Good Dinosaur and do crafts.
FAMILY MATINEE
Sat | Nov 9 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Each month, we will show a different familyfriendly movie. This month’s movie is The Land Before Time. Rated G.
GOBBLE, GOBBLE TURKEY HEADBANDS
Wed | Nov 6 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | RM
Enjoy turkey themed stories and craft. Ages 5-9.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK STEM ACTIVITY
Mon | Nov 18 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | RM
Build a tower out of different materials to help rescue Jack from the Giant’s castle. Ages 5-9.
JUNIOR DETECTIVE BOOK CLUB
Wed | Nov 13 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Join us for a discussion on everyone’s favorite mouse adventurer, Geronimo Stilton. This month we will be reading I’m Too Fond of My Fur. Ages 6+.
MATEO THE DINOSAUR CRAFTS
Sat | Nov 2 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Celebrate Mateo, the life-sized dinosaur on display in the lobby, with crafts and activities.
BABY LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Fri | Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Fri | Nov 8, 22 | 9:30am – 10:00am | MEL��
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
Create a unique craft inspired by the great outdoors. This month’s craft is leaf painting.
NATIVE AMERICAN RIBBON SKIRT CRAFT
Mon | Nov 25 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Inspired by Native American Heritage Month, we will be making paper ribbon skirts, a symbol of cultural pride and tradition, used to honor important celebrations, ceremonies, and achievements.
PINECONE BIRD FEEDER
Mon | Nov 4 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Create a sustainable pinecone birdfeeder to help birds eat during the colder months. Ages 5+.
PARACHUTE DAY!
Wed | Nov 6 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MEL
Enjoy parachute activities that the whole family can enjoy.
PAWS & PEERS:
READ TO A THERAPY DOG
Tues | Nov 12 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM
Dogs like reading and stories too! Read to a certified therapy dog. Ages 4-17.
ROBOT BASH ⚙
Sat | Nov 30 | 10:30am – 11:30am | RM
Explore our different robots designed to teach the basics of coding through fun, hands-on activities. Ages 6-12.
Wed | Nov 6, 13, 20 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Wed | Nov 6, 13, 20 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY
Wed | Nov 27 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
TEN TURKEYS STORYTIME AND CRAFT
Local author Marlene Davis presents Cuentos en Español. Join us for songs, stories, words, letters, numbers, and general silliness in this storytime designed to get children ready for kindergarten. Ages 3-5.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS STORYTIME ��
Sat | Nov 2 | 10:30am – 11:15am | OFFSITE
Enjoy a storytime about Dia de Los Muertos and create a craft in honor of this holiday.
FAMILY STORYTIME ��
Sat | Nov 9 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MEL
Bring the whole family for stories, songs, and literacy-boosting activities. Birth-5.
K-CODE ⚙
Sat | Nov 9 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN
Introduces basic coding concepts to families through songs, stories, games, and interactive plugged and unplugged activities. Ages 3-5.
Celebrate Thanksgiving the New York way! We’ll read Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet, then design your own parade balloon and march around the library. For ages 3-5
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: WONDERLAND ☑
Tues | Nov 12 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM Tues | Nov 12 | 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.
Tues | Nov 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM We’ll read 10 Turkeys in the Road by Brenda Reeves-Sturgis and make a craft. Ages 4-6.
TINKERING FOR TODDLERS
Fri | Nov 8 | 10:00am – 11:45am | DR
A STEAM-based storytime that gives toddlers the opportunity to explore, be curious, and practice independent thinking. Ages 2-3.
TODDLERTIME
Mon | Nov 4, 18, 25 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Mon | Nov 4, 18, 25 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Thurs | Nov 7, 14, 21 | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR BIKE RODEO
East Valley Children’s Theatre (EVCT) is a non-profit that empowers young actors to develop creativity and confidence through performances across the East Valley.
EVCT BRAVO
Sat | Nov 2 | 10:00am – 10:45am | RM
This season’s musical production, Holiday Haste: Waiting for the Rush Call, follows actors awaiting a rush-call audition for a holiday show while the director is delayed. Can they manage their nerves?
TEENS
NaNoWriMo WRITE-IN
ages 12-18
Wed | Nov 6, 13, 20 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | MN
Celebrate National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a challenge to write a novel in November, with writing games, snacks, helpful advice, and encouragement for your ongoing writing projects!
PEER TUTORING
Saturdays | 11:00am – 1:00pm | DR
Teen volunteers from Dobson Ranch will help with math, science, and writing for students in grades K-12.
STUFFBRARY
EVCT JUNIOR JOKESTERS
Sat | Nov 16 | 2:00pm – 2:45pm | RM
Join us for a fun-filled session of unscripted storytelling and comedy with EVCT Jr. Jokesters, an improv troupe for kids ages 8-13.
EVCT EXPRESS
Thurs | Nov 21 | 6:00pm – 6:45pm | RM
EVCT Express presents A Race to Save the Dragon from the Terrifying Children. EVCT Express is an acting troupe for kids ages
EVCT ON THE SPOT
Thurs | Nov 7 | 5:00pm – 5:45pm | RM
Thurs | Nov 14 | 6:00pm – 6:45pm | DR
Thurs | Nov 21 | 6:00pm – 6:45pm | MN
Experience the comedy improv of EVCT’s teen troupe! They’ll turn everyday scenarios into hilarious adventures based on your suggestions. With games, skits, and spontaneous humor, each performance will be a unique and entertaining experience.
TWEENS ages 8-12
APP ARTIST ⚙
Tues | Nov 5, 19 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Learn vector graphics, raster graphics, pixel graphics, animation, and how to take your work to the next level.
BOOK PAGE HEDGEHOGS
Thurs | Nov 21 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | DR
Come make a hedgehog out of a recycled book.
CRAFT-ISH ⚙
Tues | Nov 12 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Use seeds to create mosaic patterns in fastdrying clay.
CREATIVE WRITING CLUB
Wed | Nov 20 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Expand your creative writing skills each month with prompts, exercises, and games. You can also bring your own writing to share.
DINOSAUR NAME SPELLING BEE
Sat | Nov 2 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Showcase your dinosaur knowledge! Spell dinosaur names for a chance to win a grand prize.
OPEN CHESS FOR TWEENS
Sat | Nov 16 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Meet fellow chess players and challenge yourself with new opponents at the library.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | Nov 6 | 4:00pm – 5:15pm | 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.
TEEN TIME: INTRO TO 3D DESIGN AND PRINTING ⚙☑
TEEN MATINEE: JURASSIC PARK
Thurs | Nov 14 | 4:00pm – 6:30pm | MN
Teen Matinee presents Jurassic Park. Rated
VINYL STICKERS
Thurs | Nov 7 | 4:00pm
Learn how to use the Cameo vinyl cutter and take home a cool sticker.
Did you know you can check out more than just books and movies with your library card? Our Stuffbrary is filled with household items, sports and play equipment and more. Stuff is available at all locations, though some items are branch specific. To see what’s available, visit: mesalibrary.org/stuffbrary
ADULTS
landscaping.
AUTOMOTIVE 101
Thurs | Nov 21 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Learn the basics of car components, maintenance routines, and automotive care. This month we will discuss brakes and repair. Presented by Thomas Mundo from Network Automotive.
AUTUMN COASTERS
Tues | Nov 19 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Learn the basics of crochet and create an autumn-themed maple leaf coaster.
BRING YOUR OWN PLANT
Wed | Nov 6 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Bring a plant you’d like to re-home, pick up a new one, or just bring cuttings (in water). Chat with fellow plant enthusiasts, and get some dirt, tools, and blank care instructions to help with your green thumb needs.
COLORING CLUB
Thurs | Nov 7 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Relax and color your stress away.
COMMUNITY ALTAR
All Day | Oct 1-Nov 2 | RM
Día de Los Muertos, a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, is a time where families honor loved ones who have passed on. Home altars are decorated in memory of these loved ones by adding photos, favorite foods, mementos, sugar skulls, candles, and more. Celebrate your family with us this month on our community altar by the service desk.
CRAFT NIGHT
Wed | Nov 20 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll make pumpkins. Ages 14+.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Practice English listening and speaking skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
EXPLORING
VR: DINO-VEMBER ⚙☑
Thurs | Nov 14 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Explore VR with various apps, games, and short films. This month, we’re playing Dinosaur Engineer. This program is made possible by the Mesa West Rotary Club.
EXTRAORDINARY FILMS AND EXCELLENT DIRECTORS
Tues | Nov 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, Marcel the Shell features an adorable one-inchtall shell who lives a charming life with his grandmother Connie and their pet lint, Alan. Rated PG.
GUIDED MEDITATION WITH VIRTUAL REALITY ⚙
Wed | Nov 13 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
GROWING CITRUS IN ARIZONA ��
Tues | Nov 12 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | MEL
Learn how to grow citrus trees in Arizona’s climate with tips from a Master Gardener.
PAINT NIGHT ⚙☑
Wed | Nov 20 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Paint your own masterpiece. Supplies provided.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY ⚙
Sat | Nov 9 | 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.
STARTING AN ART JOURNAL
Fri | Nov 22 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Starting an art journal is a relaxing way to spark creativity in your everyday life. Join us for tips, crafts, and projects to help you get started. We’ll provide the materials—you just need to bring your own journal!
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME
Sat | Nov 2 | 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.
VINYL STICKERS ⚙☑
Wed | Nov 13 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Learn how to use the Cameo vinyl cutter and take home a cool sticker.
WHAT’S NEW IN GENETIC GENEALOGY
Tues | Nov 5 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm | RM
Relax before the holidays with a guided meditation specialist through our virtual reality headsets.
Genetic genealogy is rapidly evolving. This class covers recent updates from DNA testing companies, including the impact of the fall 2023 security breach. Ideal for beginners and intermediates, it’s perfect for anyone who has taken or plans to take a DNA test.
YOUR BEST MAKEUP LESSON
Sat | Nov 16 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Clinical aesthetician and former Hollywood makeup artist Kathy Krakora will present a makeup demonstration.
BOOK GROUPS
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | Nov 19 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
The Reading List – Sara Nisha Adams
Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
CHEER READERS
Tues | Nov 26 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm | OFFSITE
Check our website for book titles.
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | Nov 14 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
The Last Thing He Told Me – Laura Dave
NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | Nov 18 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | Nov 5 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE
Before the Fall – Noah Hawley
PUZZLE SWAP
Thurs | Nov 7 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Sat | Nov 16 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Ready for a new puzzle? Bring your gently used jigsaw puzzles (with all pieces included) to the Main Library on Thursday, November 7, or to the Dobson Ranch Library from Friday, November 9, to Friday, November 15. You’ll receive a coupon at Dobson Ranch Library during the dropoff period. Bring your coupon to Dobson Ranch Library on Saturday, November 16, to exchange it for a new puzzle. Limit 5 coupons per family.
PUZZLE COMPETITION ⚙☑
Sat | Nov 16 | 2:15pm – 4:30pm | DR Sat | Nov 23 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Teams of 2-3 will race to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle in under 2 hours. Find your team, and have one person register. The winning team will receive a special creation from THINKspot. Ages 12+.
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.
DONATE DAY: BOOK DONATION DRIVE
Sat | Nov 9 | 9:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Donate books, magazines, movies, and music without leaving your car! Volunteers will be on hand to unload your donation. One hundred percent of the proceeds from our used book sales stay with the library to support programs and services. Can’t make it? We accept ongoing donations at the Main Library. Visit mesalibrary.org/donate to learn more.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE
Improve your writing with our Writer in Residence services. Now through December, author Sharon Skinner will offer one-onone consultations and 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.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE CONSULTATION HOURS ☑
Thurs | Nov 14 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | MN
Fri | Nov 15 | 9:30am – 12:00pm | MN
Fri | Nov 15 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Sat | Nov 16 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Thurs | Nov 21 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | MN
Fri | Nov 22 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Sat | Nov 23 | 9:30am – 12:00pm | MN
Sat | Nov 23 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Sharon Skinner is offering 30-minute one-on-one consultation sessions. To book a time slot, visit: mesalibrary.org/writerinresidence.
RE-ENVISIONING, REVISING, AND SELF-EDITING
Sat | Nov 16 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | MN
Join author Sharon Skinner as she shares tips on self-editing and working effectively with an editor to perfect your manuscript.
WRITING KIDLIT: WHERE DOES YOUR STORY FIT
Wed | Nov 20 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to determine where your story fits into children’s literature.
FACILITIES UPDATE
MAIN LIBRARY SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION
Construction of eight solar covered parking canopies will begin at the Main Library in November 2024 and is expected to last through early 2025. Construction 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. Please visit mesalibrary.org for updates on parking limitations at the Main Library.
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING
Wed | Nov 6 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Mon | Nov 18 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Use interactive training from Northstar’s Digital Literacy program to build your email, internet, social media, and software skills.
CYBERSECURITY BASICS ⚙☑†
Thurs | Nov 21 | 9:30am - 10:30am | RM
Build your confidence in internet use, password creation, and email response by learning basic cybersecurity. By the end of the class, you’ll be able to identify secure websites, create memorable strong passwords, and recognize email scams. Must be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard, and understand basic email functions and internet navigation.
GETTING
STARTED WITH
TELEHEALTH
⚙☑†
Thurs | Nov 14 | 9:30am – 10:30am | RM
Learn the basics of telehealth in this introductory class, covering patient portals and appointments. Computers will be provided, or you can bring your mobile device. For personalized help with your doctor’s portal, bring your login information. Basic computer skills required. Please note: Library staff cannot provide medical advice.
HOTSPOT DIGITAL HELP DESK
Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MEL
Thurs | Nov 7, 14, 21 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM Sat | Nov 23 | 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.
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.
INTRODUCTION TO THE GLOWFORGE ⚙☑†
Fri | Nov 8 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM Sat | Nov 16 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
Tues | Nov 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Learn how to start using the Glowforge with downloaded designs.
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL ⚙☑†
Tues | Nov 12 | 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 | Nov 13 | 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.
LOCATIONS
MAIN LIBRARY (MN) & THINKSPOT @ MAIN 64 E. 1st St.
