How many millions of minutes can Mesa read in a year?!
Join us in our ongoing year-long celebration of reading! We may be more than halfway through the year, but it’s not too late to participate. We’re using the Beanstack app to work toward a collective goal. Along the way, you’ll complete fun challenges for a chance to win prizes!
For the month of August, we’re having a Beanstack Bonanza with lots of bean-themed fun, like a BINGO (make that Bean-go) game with bean-themed raffle prizes.
Learn more at: mesalibrary.org/mesareads.
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
RED MOUNTAIN 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Sat | Aug 23 | RM
Celebrate 30 years of the Red Mountain Library! We’ll have various activities throughout the day to celebrate. See inside for the full schedule!
SUMMER READING WRAP-UP
Thanks for another great summer! If you finished the program (by logging 1000 points by August 1), don’t forget to pick up your prizes and order your free book by August 15!
All prizes and coupons are subject to availability/while supplies last.
KIDS
BEAT THE HEAT:
KIDS’ TAKE AND MAKE
Tues | Aug 12 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | MEL
Pick up a Take and Make kit so you can craft in the comfort of your home.
BOOKS TO MOVIES BOOK CLUB
Sat | Aug 9 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Each month, we will read a story that has been turned into a movie! This month’s movie is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB
Sat | Aug 16 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Sat | Aug 16 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Tues | Aug 26 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
COLOR AND CHILL
Fri | Aug 8 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Join us as we sit back, relax, and color.
CRAFT-IN MOVIE: JUNGLE BOOK
Thurs | Aug 7 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Watch Jungle Book (rated G) and do crafts.
FAMILY MATINEE: SOUL
Sat | Aug 30 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN
Each month, we will show a different familyfriendly movie. This month’s movie is Soul (rated PG).
KIDS’ KITCHEN
Wed | Aug 27 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Join to create fun, interesting, and tasty treats. This month we will be mixing some fun ingredients for a berry surprise. Ages 6-12.
LET’S PLAY!
Sat | Aug 16 | 10:00am – 11:00am | MN
Join us for a morning of play. Your child will learn a variety of skills exploring different interest areas. A materials kit with the session’s theme will be available for check out. Ages 3-5.
SENSE THE SEASON: SUMMER
Fri | Aug 15 | 10:00am – 10:45am | MN
Dive into the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the season with a sunny story and hands-on activity stations that explore the five senses of summer. Ages 3-5.
STUFFIE SLEEPOVER
Tues | Aug 20 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM ☑
The Stuffie Sleepover is back and this time the stuffies are invited to a Library Campout! Bring in your stuffed animal and listen to a story and some songs, then leave your stuffed animal to go on their overnight library adventure.
Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.
TWEENS ages 8-12
APP ARTIST ⚙
Tues | Aug 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. This program is limited to the first 8 participants.
CRAFT-ACTIVE LAB: CARDBOARD ROBOT ARM
Tues | Aug 26 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Get hands-on and let your imagination shine. We will explore crafts that are designed to spark creativity and build skills. During this session we will be building cardboard robot arms.
GAMING FOR TWEENS ⚙
Wed | Aug 20 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN
Bring your friends play Super Smash Bros!
PLAYING WITH PASTELS
Wed | Aug 20 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR Experiment and make art using oil pastels.
QUIRKY ART
Wed | Aug 13 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Paint and create your own unique masterpiece.
SLIME TIME
Wed | Aug 13 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
It’s Slime Time! Join us each month as we make different types of slime.
TEENS ages 12-18
ANIME ADVENTURES
Sat | Aug 2 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN
Come watch anime and create some fun crafts! We will be watching Black Clover Ages 13-18.
BEAT THE HEAT:
TAKE AND MAKE FOR TEENS AND ADULTS
Tues | Aug 26 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm | MEL
Pick up a Take and Make kit so you can craft in the comfort of your home.
COLLAGE CLUB
Thurs | Aug 14 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Create art by cutting and pasting photos you love! Recycled magazines will be provided for inspiration, but feel free to bring your own images too.
DAY IN THE LIFE: YOUTUBER ☑
Thurs | Aug 28 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Explore exciting career paths and discover what it is really like to work in today’s most talked-about fields. During this program, we will get an inside look at a day in the life of a YouTuber. This will range from content creation to editing and everything in between.
DRAWN TO ANIME
Thurs | Aug 14 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Discover the art of anime drawing in this hands-on program where teens learn to draw digitally. Come on in to explore character design, expressions, and dynamic poses with guidance. Beginners welcome.
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
LIBBY (aka Greater Phoenix Digital Library)
Large selection of ebooks and audiobooks, plus magazines and movies.
CLOUD LIBRARY
Download popular titles of ebooks and audiobooks.
BEANSTACK
Track your reading, complete challenges, add friends and write reviews.
FREEGAL
Stream and download music. Choose from 15M+ songs.
KANOPY KIDS
Movies, TV series, animated storybooks, live action and animated favorites
TEEN BOOK CLOUD
Ebooks, graphic novels, videos, and audiobooks for teens
TUMBLEBOOKS
Animated, talking online picture books for children in grades K-6
FANFUL CRAFTS: WOOD-BURN VIDEO GAME COINS ☑
Thurs | Aug 7 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Unleash your inner geek with a crafting club made just for fandom-loving teens. Each session brings a new way to create, connect, and geek out over your favorite games, shows, and stories. During this session we will be creating, wood-burning, and painting our very own Pokémon coins.
TEEN TIME: GLOWFORGE PENCIL ENGRAVING ⚙ ☑
Tues | Aug 12 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | DR
Get started using THINKspot’s Glowforge and engrave your own message on pencils.
“WAIT, WHAT DO I SAY?”: PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION FOR TEENS
Wed | Aug 6 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
If you’ve ever dreaded making a phone call or replying to a professional email, this program’s for you. Get ready to apply for school and/or jobs by learning how to make phone calls and write emails in a polished manner.
ART JOURNALING ⚙ ☑
Wed | Aug 13 | 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.
BEAT THE HEAT: TAKE AND MAKE FOR TEENS AND ADULTS
Tues | Aug 26 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm | MEL
Pick up a Take and Make kit so you can craft in the comfort of your home.
COLORING CLUB ⚙
Fri | Aug 7 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM
Relax and color your stress away. Coloring pages and colored pencils, markers, and crayons will be provided, or you may bring your own. Card-making materials will also be provided.
CRAFT NIGHT
Wed | Aug 20 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll be weaving with yarn and cardboard to make a coaster.
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.
CROCHET-ALONG ⚙ ☑
Tues | Aug 19 | 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 your intermediate English skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
GLOWFORGE PENCIL ENGRAVING ⚙ ☑
Tues | Aug 18 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | DR
Get started using THINKspot’s Glowforge and engrave your own message on pencils.
HIRING A PRO: FINDING THE BEST CONTRACTOR FOR YOUR LANDSCAPING PROJECT ☑
Sat | Aug 2 | 10:00am – 11:30am | MN
Expert Cindy Casaus, Assistant Director at the AZ Registrar of Contractors, will discuss how to find and to hire the right contractor for your landscape transformation. Whether you’re updating your landscape or planning a major home improvement project, this workshop offers valuable tips and
insights to help you work effectively with contractors. Attendees will have a chance to win a Dry Climate Gardening book or a $50 gift card to a local nursery. This program is part of Xeriscape Done Right: A Water-Wise Landscaping Series on Mesa’s Grass-toXeriscape Program.
LET’S EAT! ⚙ ☑
Tues | Aug 19 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Thurs | Aug 21 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to make breakfast egg rolls from our culinary enthusiast librarian. Please register for only one of the programs to ensure others can participate. Bon appétit!
LIFESAVER
CLASS PRESENTED BY MESA FIRE AND MEDICAL
Thurs | Aug 5 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | DR
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes of an emergency can help to save a life! Lifesaver training provides you with critical skills to use in an emergency to help until we arrive. Training includes Hands-Only CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED). For ages 12+.
MEDICARE 101
Thurs | Aug 7 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | DR Thurs | Aug 28 | 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.
NUTRITION FOR THE FAMILY ☑
Tuesdays | July 15 - Aug 19
10:00am – 11:00am | RM
Learn nutrition essentials at this series, including the MyPlate concept, calories, fats, protein, food safety, and osteoporosis prevention. Enjoy weekly recipes and kitchenware giveaways. Registered class participants who attend all sessions will earn a Certificate from the University of Arizona upon completion. Non-certificate seeking patrons are welcome to register for and attend any individual session.
PAINTING NATURE IN FOCUS ⚙ ☑
Wed | Aug 20 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN Relax and paint a serene landscape while learning simple, beginner-friendly techniques for creating peaceful scenes. Once your painting is complete, finish your masterpiece with a tree-themed frame to give it a rustic and natural touch.
ADULTS
PEACEFUL SKETCH: DIGITAL ART FOR MINDFULNESS ⚙ ☑
Wed | Aug 13 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Unwind and reconnect through the calming practice of neurographic art, a unique form of mindful drawing that turns thoughts into flowing lines and shapes. Using tablets, you will explore creativity, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace through meditative artmaking. Beginners welcome!
SUMMER HOT WEATHER AND NIGHT RIDING ☑
Tue | Aug 5 | 6:00am – 7:00am | MN
This class will teach some tips and tricks to avoid the discomfort and dangers that come with bicycling in hot weather conditions as well as guidance on how to avoid the heat by safely riding while the sun is down. All pre-registered participants will leave the class with free safety gear! Ages 12+.
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME
Sat | Aug 9 | 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.
BOOK GROUPS
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | Aug 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
CHEER READERS
Tues | Aug 26 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE Martyr! - Kaveh Akbar
FICTION FOLKS
No meeting in August
A NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | Aug 11 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE
As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows - Xoulfa Katouh
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | Aug 5 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE
Master Slave Husband Wife - Ilyon Woo
9:30am – 10:00am
Welcome and Remarks
Join Library Director Polly Bonnett as she welcomes guests to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our beloved library, marking three decades of community, learning, and growth. She will share highlights from the library’s rich history, its exciting expansion, and the milestones that have shaped its journey. We’ll honor the dedicated staff whose passion and hard work have made it all possible.
10:00am – 11:00am
Art Cart for Kids
Let’s make something beautiful! Explore new and interesting art supplies to see what you like creating. Ages 5-12.
10:00am – 4:00pm
THINKspot in Action
Are you THINKspot curious? We will have the 3D printers, the Glowforge, and more machines set up to create all kinds of projects. Learn all about what the equipment can do, and how you can get trained to use it and reserve it.
11:00am – 12:00pm
Cellist Zuill Bailey
Grammy Award winning cellist and artistic director Zuill Bailey will lead an unforgettable engagement at the library to inspire love and appreciation of classical music in all of us.
2:00pm – 2:45pm
Let’s Trivia Like it’s 1995 ☑
Have a little competitive fun, trivia-style! Reminisce about the past - specifically the year 1995 when the Red Mountain Library first opened to the public. All the cool kids will be there!
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Bookmarks with MABEL Mesa Arts Center’s M.A.B.E.L. (Mobile Art Based Engagement Lab) Team will be on-hand to make a commemorative Red Mountain Library bookmark. Each bookmark is created using laser cutting technology and can be customized with a variety of photographs from the Red Mountain Library over the past 30 years.
READ RUNNER
Our bookmobile, the Read Runner, is now making regular stops! This mobile library is designed to bring books and resources directly to the community. It visits community centers, parks, and neighborhoods, helping to make literacy more accessible to all.
Learn more at mesalibrary.org/bookmobile.
Schedule is subject to change, please refer to our online calendar of events to verify stops: events.mesalibrary.org
First & Third Tuesday of the month
Tues | Aug 5, 19 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Aster Senior Center-Downtown 247 N. Macdonald 85201
Tues | Aug 5, 19 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Mountain View Park 845 N. Lindsay Rd. 85213
Second & Fourth Tuesday of the month
Tues | Aug 12, 26 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Aster Senior Center / Red Mountain Multigenerational Center 7550 E. Adobe St. 85207
Tues | Aug 12, 26 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Countryside Park
3130 E. Southern Ave. 85204
First & Third Wednesday of the month
Wed | Aug 6, 20 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Behind La Mesita Apartments 2245 W. Ella St. 85201
Wed | Aug 6, 20 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Riverview Park 2100 W. Rio Salado Pkwy 85201
Second & Fourth Wednesday of the month
Wed | Aug 13, 27 | 10:00am – 11:30am
In front of Solstice Apartments
307 S. Hawes Rd. 85208
Wed | Aug 13, 27 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
The Great Park / Steadfast Farms 5111 Inspirian Pkwy 85212
COMPUTER BASICS †
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN
If you are new to the computer, then Computer Basics is the place to start! Laptops and mice are provided to the first 11 participants to use in class. You are welcome to bring your own device.
Aug 6 – Internet basics
Aug 13 – Email basics
Aug 20 – Mouse basics
Aug 27 – Keyboard basics
COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING
Tues | Aug 13 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR
Tues | Aug 26 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM ☑
Our 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.
Coming Soon: Gateway Library
The Gateway Library in southeast Mesa will be located at 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway. It will have a modern feel and will provide similar amenities to the Main, Red Mountain, and Dobson Ranch libraries. The Gateway Library is scheduled to open in fall 2025. This project is funded by the 2018 Bond Election for Arts and Culture. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest updates.
EXPLORING
VIRTUAL REALITY ⚙ ☑
Thurs | Aug 14 | 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.
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.
USING LIBRARY APPS TO DOWNLOAD EBOOKS ⚙ †
Tues | Aug 5 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | 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. Participants will need an active Mesa Public Library card and 4-digit PIN.
To sign up for Expanded Access, visit our website.
