Greetings from sunny Mesa, Arizona! It's my favorite time of year because I’m making summer travel plans. Plus, it's almost Summer Reading time! The libraries have free programs all summer long that keep the family entertained. Not to mention keeping the kids' minds active over the break! And you can earn prizes and be entered into raffles. It's a great way to beat the heat!
Hope to see you soon!
- XOXO Summer Reading is coming!
June 1 - August 1 mesalibrary.org/SummerReading
(registration starts May 1st!)
☑ 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.
Need a library card? Scan this code to get one!
mesalibrary.org/getacard
Kids Parenting
BOARD GAME NIGHT
Fri | May 30 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Come enjoy our board games or bring your own for an ultimate night of game playing.
BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB
Sat | May 17 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Sat | May 17 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Tues | May 27 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
CRAFT-IN MOVIE: RATATOUILLE
Wed | May 21 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Watch Ratatouille (rated G) and do crafts.
FAMILY MATINEE: ENCANTO
Sat | May 24 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Enjoy a family-friendly movie. This month’s movie is Encanto. (Rated PG).
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS ��
Fri | May 2 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm | MEL
Fri | May 30 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm | MEL
Enjoy a family-friendly movie outdoors.
May 2 - Moana 2 (rated PG).
May 30 - Finding Nemo (rated G).
Storytimes
BABY LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Fri | May 2, 16, 30 | 8:30am – 9:00am | MEL ��
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
CELEBRATING TEACHERS STORYTIME
Fri | May 9 | 10:00am – 10:45am | MN
Celebrate teachers with a fun storytime and craft, featuring books about going to school and the amazing work teachers do! Ages 3-5.
COYOTE STORYTIME ⚙
Wed | May 7 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
Local author Jeremy Koehn will read his newest book, then we’ll play some fun games!
HEAT SAFETY STORYTIME ��
Tues | May 13 | 10:00am – 10:30am | RM
Prepare with Pedro is a 30-minute educational storytime for grades K-2 that teaches children how to be prepared and take action during hot summer months. Presented by The American Red Cross.
KIDS’ KITCHEN
Wed | May 20 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Join us to create fun, interesting, and tasty treats. This month we will be making “princess toast.” Ages 6-12.
LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY
Mon, Wed, Fri | May 30 to July 30 11:30am – 12:30pm | DR
Fuel up with healthy food and enjoy an activity provided by the library. Meals must be eaten on site. Ages 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.
RAINBOW FISH STORY AND CRAFT
Mon | May 12 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | RM
Come listen to the story The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. After the story you can create your own rainbow fish to take home. Ages 5+.
KITH & KIN CAREGIVER WORKSHOP ☑
Mondays | Apr 14 - June 16 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm | DR Fridays | Apr 25 - June 27 | 11:00am - 1:00pm | 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.
FAMILY STORYTIME ��
Sat | May 10 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MEL
Bring the whole family for stories, songs, and literacy-boosting actitivies.
K-CODE ⚙
Tues | May 6 | 11:15am – 12:30pm | MN
Introduces basic coding concepts to families through songs, stories, games, and interactive plugged and unplugged activities. Ages 3-5.
PAJAMA STORYTIME
Tues | May 13 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm | MN
Wear your pjs 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
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.
PARENTING WORKSHOP: FIRST FIVE YEARS ☑
Thursdays | 5:30pm – 6:30pm | RM
This 4-session series presented by AZCEND Resource Center will help you nurture your child with a just right combination of freedom and positive discipline. Learn about: child brain development, preventing tantrums and other challenges, calming techniques and preparing for school readiness. This series is designed for parents and caregivers of children ages birth to 5 years. Support provided by First Things First.
POOL SAFETY
Thurs | May 15 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MEL
In honor of Pool Safety Awareness Day, the City of Mesa Parks and Recreation department will discuss how to keep your pool and your family safe this summer.
SPACE EXPLORATION STORYTIME
Fri | May 23 | 10:00am – 10:45am | MN
Blast off and take an exciting journey through the Solar System and outer space in this storytime with a craft! Ages 3-5.
SUMMER STORYTIME AT THE ORANGE MONSTER
Sat | May 3 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE
Enjoy a special storytime about Summer in front of the Orange Monster in the Great Park.
TINKERING FOR TODDLERS
Fri | May 9 | 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.
TODDLERTIME
Mon | May 5, 12, 19 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Mon | May 5, 12, 19 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR
Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Thursdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Thurs | May 1 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE
Fri | May 9, 30 | 8:30am – 9:00am | MEL ��
Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.
Summer Reading is coming!
Keep your mind active, earn points and prizes, and discover some great reads this summer! Plus, we’ll have special programs all summer long! Registration starts May 1. mesalibrary.org/summerreading
Tweens
ages 8-12
APP ARTIST ⚙
Tues | May 6 | 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.
BOOK PAGE FLOWERS
Wed | May 7 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Need the perfect gift for Mother’s Day? Come make a flower out of recycled books!
Teens
ages 12-18
ADVENTURES IN VR ⚙
Fri | May 2 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | DR
Thus | May 15 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN ☑
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.
COLOR AND CHILL
Fri | May 16 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Join us as we sit back, relax, and color.
PEER TUTORING ⚙
Sat | May 3, 10, 17 | 11:00am – 1:00pm | DR
Teen volunteers from Dobson Ranch will help with math, science, and writing for students in grades K-12.
SEWING ⚙ ☑
Thurs | May 8 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Learn how to use our Brother sewing machines by creating a fun project.
CRAFT-ISH: BUILD IT TO WIN IT ⚙
Tues | May 20 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Build a bridge using a variety of materials. If yours is the strongest, you’ll win a prize!
GAMING FOR TWEENS ⚙
Tues | May 27 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Bring your friends and find out who is the ultimate Super Smash Bros.® champion!
QUIRKY ART
Wed | May 14 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Paint and create your own unique masterpiece. Ages 8-12.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | May 7 | 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.
SLIME TIME
Wed | May 14 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
It’s Slime Time! Join us each month as we make different types of slime.
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: INTRO TO SEWING ⚙ ☑
Weds | May 28 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | DR
Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn how to use our sewing machines. No previous sewing knowledge is required.
Adults
ARIZONA HUMANITIES PRESENTS: TALKING CODE WITH A SECRET WEAPON: NAVAJO CODE TALKERS SPEAK
Thurs | May 1 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
During WWII a group of young Navajo men enlisted in the Marines unaware that they would play a pivotal role in history. The Code Talkers devised a secret code, based on their Navajo language, that saved many American lives. Excerpts from live interviews with the Code Talkers tell their stories. Presented by ASU Professor Emerita Laura Tohe, Navajo Nation Poet Laureate and the daughter of a Code Talker. This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Sat | May 10 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will answer questions about gardening and landscaping.
COLORING CLUB ⚙
Thurs | May 1 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM Relax and color your stress away.
CRAFT NIGHT
Wed | May 21 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll be making paper flowers. Ages 14+.
EAST VALLEY NEW HORIZONS SENIOR ORCHESTRA
Mon | May 12 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | MN
Enjoy a concert featuring folk, classic, and fun music suitable for all ages.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN Practice intermediate English skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
HEAT-PROOF LANDSCAPING ☑
Thurs | May 1 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR Noelle Johnson, the AZ Plant Lady, will discuss how to create a heat-proof landscape. Topics will include: identifying the signs of heat stress in plants, practical solutions for reducing reflected
heat around your home, and “heat-proof” plants that thrive in extreme temperatures. Noelle is the author of two 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. Attendees will have a chance to win one of Noelle’s books or a $50 gift card to a local nursery. This is Part 1 of Xeriscape Done Right: A Water-Wise Landscaping Series, a free workshop series on Mesa’s Grass-to-Xeriscape Landscape Program.
INTRO TO SEWING ⚙ ☑
Wed | May 14 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Explore THINKspot’s creative options and learn how to use our sewing machines. No previous sewing knowledge is required.
LEARN TO CROCHET ⚙
Thurs | May 8 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Get crochet guidance from an expert in how to start a simple project.
LET’S EAT! ⚙ ☑
Tues | May 20 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Thurs | May 22 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn to make huevos rancheros 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!
MEDICARE 101
Wed | May 7 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | DR
Wed | May 21 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65+ years old and for those with certain disabilities. Learn about Medicare coverage, cost, restrictions, and additional benefits. Presented by local Medicare Agent Rita Bancroft of Connie Health, a team of licensed Medicare experts.
MESA EXPERIENCE CORPS
INFORMATION SESSION ⚙
Tues | May 20 | 10:30am – 1:00pm | DR
Experience Corps provides a meaningful volunteer experience for adults over 50 by training them to be reading tutors for at-risk elementary students in Mesa Public Schools. Program staff discuss how the program works and answer any questions. Participants will have an opportunity to complete an application and do an on-site interview.
MUSIC BINGO
Tues | May 13 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Play BINGO with a fun twist: we’ll listen to portions of songs and mark them off our cards.
PAINT NIGHT
Wed | May 14 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN ⚙ ☑
Unwind and enjoy yourself as you create your own masterpiece. No experience necessary.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY ⚙
Sat | May 24 | 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 ⚙ ☑
Wed | May 21 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to use our Brother sewing machines by creating a fun project.
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME
Sat | May 10 | 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.
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | May 13 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane - Lisa See Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
Book Groups
CHEER READERS
Tues | May 27 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE
Bright Young Women - Jessica Knoll
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | May 8 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Crow Mary - Kathleen Grissom
NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | May 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE
My Brilliant Friend – Elena Ferrante
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | May 6 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE
Small Mercies – Dennis Lehane
More Writing
Writer In Residence
Improve your writing with our Writer in Residence. From April through July, author Brooke Bessesen will offer one-on-one 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.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE CONSULTATIONS
Wednesdays | 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.
WORDPLAY:
SOLVING THE WRITING PUZZLE
Thurs | May 8 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
This playful writing workshop will get your creative juices flowing and eliminate any hesitation you may have with editing your work.
CONTEMPORARY PICTURE BOOKS: CHARACTER, STRUCTURE AND VOICE IN UNDER 200 WORDS
Thurs | May 22 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | RM
Children’s writers should understand the interconnected yet distinct roles that text and illustration play in picture books. In this class we’ll dissect a few picture books to examine their composition and consider how they were crafted.
GETTING STARTED WRITING A NOVEL: WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T
Sat | May 3 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | RM
This interactive class, presented by awardwinning author Charlotte Whitney, will be focused on finishing a novel, whether you haven’t yet written a single word or only have the last chapter to go. We’ll talk about getting motivated, “pantsing” vs. “plotsing,” finding your creative hours, and rewarding yourself for progress.
Travel
with Chris McCormack
EXPLORE AMERICA’S NATURAL TREASURES: NATIONAL PARKS & NATIONAL FORESTS UNVEILED
Tues | May 13 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | DR
In this engaging and informative presentation, professional traveler Chris McCormack will share the beauty and adventure of exploring our National Parks.
ARMCHAIR TRAVEL TO ICELAND
Wed | May 14 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
McCormack will talk about his experiences traveling through Iceland. Learn about useful apps, websites, and the different options you have to explore Iceland.
SEE THE WORLD: LESS MONEY, LESS WORRY, & MORE TRAVEL
Thurs | May 15 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
Turn your travel dreams into reality! This engaging program is designed to inspire and empower individuals to explore the globe without breaking the bank. Get tips, resources, and insights into affordable travel, focusing on strategies to save money, minimize stress, and maximize experiences.
Computers & Technology
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. Each week covers a different topic.
May 7 & 14 – Microsoft Excel
May 21 – Internet Basics
May 28 – Email Basics
COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING
Thurs | May 15 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR ⚙
Learn to navigate online platforms for technology so that you can improve your computer skills at your own pace and on your own time.
† Prerequisite: Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.
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 | May 8 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN ☑ Mon | May 19 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | DR
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
Thurs | May 1, 15, 22 | 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.
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL⚙☑ †
Tues | May 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 EXCEL ⚙☑†
Wed | May 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.
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.
☑
Check
LOCATIONS
MAIN LIBRARY (MN) & THINKSPOT @ MAIN 64 E. 1st St.
