SUMMER READING JUNE 1 - AUGUST 1
SUMMER READING IS HERE!
Read books, enjoy events, and win prizes all summer long! Join our 2025 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 — Color Our World — celebrates how new worlds can open up when you read.
Registration starts May 1! Sign up for Summer Reading at the library or online at: 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 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.
SUMMER READING KICKOFF
Wed | June 4 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM Wed | June 4 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with us! Stop by to sign up for the program and get excited for a summer filled with fun!
SUMMER READING KICKOFF EVENT:
FAMILY BOOK SWAP
Mon | June 2 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Swap your good condition books for something new to read. Kids Need to Read will join us with new copies of books to choose from for prereader through high school. Mesa Public Library will provide gently used books for adults to choose from (limit 5 books per adult participant).
TAKE-HOME PROGRAMS
Mondays | 8:00am – 12:00pm | MEL
Enjoy the entertainment of Summer Reading in the comfort of your own home. Stop by the Mesa Express Library to pick up a take-home kit, complete the tasks, and earn summer reading points. A new take-home kit for storytime, kids/tweens, and teens/adults will be available each week.
Need a library card? Scan this code to apply online!
Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard
KIDS
BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB
Sat | June 21 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Sat | June 21 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
DIGNITY HEALTH ORAL SCREENINGS FOR CHILDREN
Wed | June 4, 18 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM
Dignity Health’s licensed Dental Hygienists will be onsite doing free oral screenings for children.
GROWING WORDS INTO READERS ☑
Wed | June 18 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | 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 4-8.
KITH & KIN CAREGIVER WORKSHOP ☑
Mondays | Apr 14 - June 16 | 4:00pm | DR Fridays | Apr 25 - June 27 | 11:00am | RM
The Kith & Kin Program, a program of Candelen, is a multi-week series on key topics, designed for family, friend and neighbor (FFN) caregivers; grandparents, family members, friends, neighbors, and unrelated adults that support families with their childcare needs. End times vary; see our online calendar for details.
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 June 1 through July 31. Ages preK to 12th grade. For details, visit: mesalibrary.org/biketobooks
STORYTIMES
BABY
LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM Fri | June 6, 20 | 7:30am – 8:00am | MEL ��
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN Tuesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Wed | June 11, 25 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Wed | June 11, 18, 25 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM �� Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME PRESENTS: SANDY THE CLOWN
Wed | June 18 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Beloved local children’s performer Jan Sandwich, appearing as Sandy the Clown, will share stories, jokes, songs, and a whole lot of laughs. Ages 3-5.
TINKERING FOR TODDLERS
Fri | June 13 | 10:00am – 10:45am | DR
A STEAM-based storytime that gives toddlers the opportunity to explore, be curious, and practice independent thinking. Ages 2-4.
TODDLERTIME
Mon | June 2, 16, 23, 30 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Mon | June 2, 16, 23, 30 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN Thursdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Thurs | June 5 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE
Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.
LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 11:30am – 12:30pm | DR Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00pm – 1:00pm | 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.
COLOR YOUR WORLD STEAM
Tues | June 10 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Stretch your imagination using science! We’ll do hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, or math. Grades 1-6.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | June 11 | 3:45pm – 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.
TEENS ages 12-18
ADVENTURES IN VIRTUAL REALITY ⚙
Tues | June 10 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Join us as we venture into virtual reality. We’ll test out apps and explore new virtual places. This program was made possible by Mesa West Rotary District 5495.
ART LAB
Tues | June 10, 24 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN ⚙
Color your world by learning new ways to create art. Ages 8-18
June 10 - Mod Podge Terracotta Pots
June 24 - Tile Painting
AS YOU WISH PAINTING CANVAS
☑
Tues | June 17 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm | MN
As You Wish staff will walk participants through creating a canvas painting. Learn the art of acrylic paint and blending colors.
MOVIE SOUNDTRACK BINGO
Wed | June 11 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Play BINGO with a fun twist: we’ll listen to portions of movie soundtracks and mark them off our cards.
NEBULA LIGHT BOX-BUILDING ☑
Tues | June 17 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm | RM
ADULTS
BEGINNER ART JOURNALING ⚙ ☑
Wed | June 11 | 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 that can get you started. Materials provided.
BOTANICAL
BOOKMARKS ⚙ ☑
Thurs | June 26 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | RM Make some beautiful botanical bookmarks!
CRAFT NIGHT
Wed | June 18 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll make mini art journals.
CROCHET CIRCLE ⚙
Tuesdays | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, join us for a fun and relaxed crochet class! Learn the basics, work on creative projects, and enjoy a welcoming space to stitch and socialize. Supplies are provided, and all skill levels are welcome.
LIBRARY CARD DESIGN CONTEST
Be a part of Mesa Public Library history! Your artwork could be on a special edition library card. Contest entries will be collected June 1 through July 31. For details, visit: mesalibrary.org/librarycardcontest
Build your own amazing light box using mylar and basic craft supplies. We’ll have colorful LED’s to add. Moving the box even slightly creates a nebula-like dance of light.
STEAM TEAM ☑
Wednesdays | April 16 - June 25
2:30pm – 4:30pm | RM
The Compudopt STEAM Team Program helps students explore how technology is used to solve real world problems. In this program, students will put on their detective hats to solve the mystery of an art heist. At the end of the program, each participant will receive a refurbished laptop computer to keep. Geared toward grades 6 to 8. This program was made possible by Google Fiber. Register by April 16.
TEEN TIME: ENGRAVING YOUR ART WITH THE GLOWFORGE ⚙ ☑
Tues | June 3 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | DR
Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn how engrave your original art with the Glowforge.
TEEN TIME: GAMING AT THE LIBRARY ⚙
Mon | June 23 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Stay cool at the library and play Super Smash Bros with other teens.
CROCHET-ALONG ⚙ ☑
Tues | June 17 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | RM
Join us for a guided crochet-along. We’ll all work on the same pattern, each creating our own piece while learning together. This group is perfect for those with basic crochet knowledge who want to build their skills. Supplies are provided.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Practice intermediate English skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
HISTORIC AND HAUNTED ARIZONA
Wed | June 11 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | DR
Author and paranormal investigator, Debe Branning, will take you on a road trip adventure to some of Arizona’s most haunted places. Learn stories about haunted hotels, restaurants, cemeteries, forts, jails, schools, and more.
LEARN TO CROCHET ⚙
Thurs | June 5 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Get crochet guidance from an expert in how to start a simple project.
PUZZLE COMPETITION ☑
Tues | June 24 | 5:45pm – 7:30pm | DR ⚙
Wed | June 25 | 5:45pm – 7:30pm | MN ⚙
Thurs | June 26 | 5:45pm – 7:30pm | RM
Come join the first Tri-City Puzzle Tournament! Mesa Public Library, Chandler Public Library, and Tempe Public Library will compete to see what city has the fastest puzzlers! You’ll have a set time to complete the same 500-piece puzzle, and the top team from each branch will move on to the final round at the Downtown Chandler Library (22 S Delaware St. Chandler, AZ 85225) on Saturday, June 28th from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Compete for the title of Tri-City Puzzle Champions and take home a prize!
SOUND HEALING MEDITATION
☑
Sat | June 7 | 11:30am – 12:00pm | RM
Sound healing practitioner Kari Levine will guide participants on a deeply inward journey, fostered by the calming and restorative effects of crystal singing bowls, rainstick, and melodically tuned chimes. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of inner stillness, ease, and presence. Feel free to bring a blanket, yoga mat, or pillow(s); you may prefer lying down or sitting up. Please arrive a few minutes early to get settled. To maintain the meditative atmosphere, late entry will not be permitted.
Book Groups
Residence. From April through July, author consultations and workshops at the Red Mountain 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.
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | June 10 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Just for the Summer - Abby Jimenez Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
CHEER READERS
Tues | June 24 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE
The Island of Sea Women - Lisa See
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME
Sat | June 14 | 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.
UPCYCLED CRAFTING
Fri | June 20 | 1:30pm – 3:00pm | DR
Join us for a fun, funky, creative, and environmentally friendly make-and-take craft experience with Shari Keith aka “The Junk Lady.”
LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK FAIR: CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG ADULT AUTHORS
Sat | June 21 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
This fair will feature books for children and young adults. Meet local writers and discover your next great read or a gift for your favorite person. Books will be available for sale and signing by the authors.
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | June 12 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman
NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | June 9 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE
The Lost Bookshop - Evie Woods
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | June 3 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE Pineapple Street - Jenny Jackson
WRITER IN RESIDENCE CONSULTATIONS
Wed | June 4, 18, 25 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | RM Fri | June 13 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | RM Saturdays | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM Brooke Bessesen is offering 30-minute one-on-one consultation sessions. To book a time slot, visit: mesalibrary.org/writerinresidence.
CRAFTING NARRATIVE NONFICTION: YOU MUST FIND THE STORY
Thurs | June 12 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
Nonfiction accounts for 95% of all published material but writing text that is simultaneously riveting and factual can be challenging. Learn the fundamental aspects of research, interviews, structure, citations, and one other essential ingredient: story.
ASK THE “WRITE” QUESTIONS: EFFECTIVELY CRITIQUING YOUR FICTION MANUSCRIPT
Thurs | June 26 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
This fiction-focused workshop offers tools to help you create age-appropriate drama, believable characters, and improve your settings, plots, and dialogue.
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
TEENS
250 points
500 points
750 points
1000 points
ADULTS
250 points
500 points
750 points
1000 points
FAMILY FUN
Bookmark + sticker
Peter Piper Pizza free personal pizza coupon + Papa John’s free personal pizza coupon + Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon + digital timer bookmark
Phoenix Mercury tickets + Ono BBQ free meal coupon + Uptown Jungle jump pass
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
Bookmark + sticker
Peter Piper Pizza free personal pizza coupon + Papa John’s free personal pizza coupon + Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon + digital timer bookmark
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets + Uptown Jungle jump pass + Main Event pass + Ono BBQ free meal coupon
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
Bookmark + sticker
Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon + Papa John’s free personal pizza coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets + Main Event pass + Ono BBQ free meal coupon
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
Bookmark + sticker + ReStoried Bookstore coupon
Raising Cane’s free beverage coupon + Papa John’s free personal pizza coupon
Arizona State Parks pass + Phoenix Mercury tickets + Main Event pass
Free book + spin the Wheel of Possibilities for an extra prize
ARIZONA MEETS DISNEY: PRESENTED BY MARSHALL SHORE
Thurs | June 12 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Explore the history of Walt Disney in Arizona and influences that have affected both Arizona and Disney. Presented by Marshall Shore, the Hip Historian.
BOLLYWOOD DANCE FROM INDIA
Wed | June 18 | 2:00pm – 2:45pm | DR
See a variety of Bollywood dances that showcase India’s culture, arts, and history. You’ll even learn a few dance moves! Presented by Kriti Dance.
GREAT ARIZONA PUPPET THEATER
PRESENTS: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK ��
Wed | June 25 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Wed | June 25 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Come see this classic story performed by Great Arizona Puppet Theater.
ESCAPE THE FRAME! A LIBRARY ADVENTURE ☑
Wed | June 25 | 2:00pm – 2:45pm | DR
Wed | June 25 | 3:00pm – 3:45pm | DR
Thurs | June 26 | 12:00pm – 12:45pm | DR
Thurs | June 26 | 1:00pm – 1:45pm | DR
Get ready for a wildly fun challenge at the library in this escape room game! Solve the clues before time runs out. Perfect for ages 8-12 and their grown ups.
FAMILY MOVIES ��
Join us for a family-friendly movie!
Thurs | June 5 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Tarzan (rated G) + a craft
Thurs | June 5 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM Monsters, Inc. (rated G)
Sat | June 7 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Luca (rated PG)
Finish the program and you’ll be entered in raffles for more prizes, including:
County-wide raffles:
• Childsplay prize basket
• Childsplay tickets
• Harkins prize pack
• Phoenix Art Museum tickets
• Uptown Jungle prize pack
Mesa Public Library raffle prize packs:
• Bluey
• Music
• Art
• Science
• Fandom
• Movie night
• Games
• Snacks
• Cooking
• & more!
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.
LEARN WITH ALOHA! ��
Wed | June 18 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Wed | June 18 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Learn about the origin and purpose of the hula dance. You’ll see a hula demonstration, then learn some basic moves.
THE MAGIC AND ILLUSIONS OF ERIC GILLIAM ��
Tues | June 24 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Tues | June 24 | 3:15pm – 4:30pm | RM
Former World Teen Magic Champion Eric Giliam will perform a dazzling spectacle of magic, illusions, and sleight of hand.
PHOENIX ZOO LIVE ON LOCATION ��
Wed | June 11 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | MN
Wed | June 11 | 12:30pm – 1:30pm | MN
Get up close and personal with some real, live, captivating creatures!
�� 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.
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.
June 4 – Mousing basics
June 11 & 18 – Keyboard basics
June 25 – Microsoft Word
COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING
Tues | June 17 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | DR Mesa librarians will help you navigate several online learning platforms for technology so that you can improve your computer skills at your own pace and on your own time.
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
DIGITAL SKILL BUILDER WORKSHOPS ☑
Thursdays | Apr 17 to June 19
10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Compudopt will teach computer skills to adults in this series. Topics include: computer basics, internet use and safety, email basics, and more. A single registration includes all 10 classes in the workshop. At the end of the program, each participant will receive a refurbished laptop computer to keep. Ages 18+. This program was made possible by Google Fiber. Register by April 17.
EXPLORING VIRTUAL REALITY ⚙ ☑
Thurs | June 19 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Explore the world of VR through different apps and games. 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
Curious about downloading ebooks, movies, music, magazines, and more from the library with your laptop, mobile device, or e-reader? Drop in during these sessions for one-on-one assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enter this secret code in your Summer Reading account for extra points: MPLJune Psst!
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL ⚙ ☑ †
Tues | June 3 | 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 | June 4 | 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.
INTRODUCTION TO THE 3D PRINTER ⚙ ☑ † Mon | June 9 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn how to start using the 3D printer with downloaded designs.
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 and Red Mountain libraries (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).
MESA EXPRESS LIBRARY (MEL) AT MONTEREY PARK 7045 E. Monterey Ave. 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
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.
To sign up for Expanded Access, see a staff member.
☑ Indicates registration required. Visit mesalibrary.org or call to register. Check our online calendar for the most up-to-date information.