Mesa Public Library Newsletter July 2025

July 2025

News & Events HOLIDAY HOURS Fri | July 4 | Closed mesalibrary.org/bookmobile

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.

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.

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Prerequisite Must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.

⚙ THINKspot program

BIG ART DAY Wed | July 30 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN End the summer by creating community art.

CITY OF MESA BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN HELMET POP-UP Tues | July 1 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | DR Tues | July 15 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | MN Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program will provide free helmets for all ages, while supplies last.

LUCHA LIBRE AT THE LIBRARY Thurs | July 10 | 2:30pm – 4:00pm | RM Let’s decorate our very own Luchador masks while we visit with some real life Lucha wrestlers. Wrestlers from Lucha Voz will talk about their sport and demonstrate some of their famous moves. Ages 6-12.

TAKE-HOME PROGRAMS Mondays | All Day | 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 while supplies last.

TINY ART SHOW Tues | July 8 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | RM Paint a mini masterpiece for the Red Mountain Library Tiny Art Show. All materials will be provided.

Need a library card?

Scan this code to apply online!

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.

Library Card Application mesalibrary.org/getacard

KIDS BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB Sat | July 19 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR Sat | July 19 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.

DIGNITY HEALTH ORAL SCREENINGS FOR CHILDREN Wed | July 9 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM Mon | July 21 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM Dignity Health’s licensed Dental Hygienists will be onsite doing free oral screenings for children.

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GROWING WORDS INTO READERS Wed | July 16 | 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.

PAINT LIKE MICHELANGELO Tues | July 22 | 10: 30am – 11:30am | RM Create your own masterpiece just like Michelangelo by painting on the bottom of a paper covered table. Dress for a mess.

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STEAM AT THE LIBRARY Tues | July 10 | 11: 00am – 12:30pm | MN Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program presents: STEAM at the Library. In this drop-in class, activities are designed to help you learn more about science, technology, engineering, art, mechanics, and safety the fun way! Each child will leave with items from class and a free safety coloring book.

STORYTIMES BABY LAPSIT Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM Fri | July 11, 18 | 7:30am – 8:00am | MEL Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.

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PJ STORYTIME Thurs | July 10, 17, 24 | 7:00pm – 7:30pm | RM Join us for a special evening storytime, complete with songs, rhymes, games, and a bedtime story.

Ages 3-6.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR Tuesdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN Tuesdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN Wed | July 9, 30 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM Wed | July 2, 9, 30 | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.

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SUMMER FUN FAMILY STORYTIME Mondays | 10:15am – 11:00am | MN Storytime fun for the whole family!

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 onsite. 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.

TEDDY BEAR PICNIC STORYTIME Fri | July 11 | 9:30am – 10:30am | DR Join us for a bear themed storytime and crafts.

Feel free to bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffie.

TINKERING FOR TODDLERS Fri | July 18 | 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.

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TODDLERTIME Mondays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM Mondays | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN Thursdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN Thurs | July 3 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.

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. Ages pre-K to 12th grade. For details, visit: mesalibrary.org/biketobooks

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TODDLERTIME PRESENTS: CHILDSPLAY Mon | July 14 | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM Childsplay will be on-hand for this special storytime to delight and entertain kids with a story, anticipatory activities with a puppet, and a guided pantomime to key elements in the narrative for the day.

TWEENS ages 8-12 ALTERED BOOKS Thurs | July 24 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR Come turn damaged books into art!

ANYTHING BUT A PAINTBRUSH Tues | July 22 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR Painting with a twist! You can’t use a paintbrush. Instead, use materials like your fingers, toothbrushes, cotton swabs, and more! While supplies last.

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BAD ART PARTY Tues | July 15 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | RM Make a wonderfully “bad” creation with the provided random art supplies and enter it for judging to take home the baddest art trophy.

RPG AT THE LIBRARY Wed | July 2 | 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.

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TEENS ages 12-18 ART LAB July 8, 15, 22, 29 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN Color your world by learning new ways to create art. Ages 8-18.

July 8 - Splatter Painting July 15 - Sponge Art July 22 - Melted Crayon Art July 29 - Paint on Canvas

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ADULTS

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BEGINNER ART JOURNALING Fri | July 18 | 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.

FROM SKETCH TO SHELF: A TEEN’S JOURNEY INTO COMIC BOOK CREATION Sat | July 19 | 10:30am – 11:30am | DR Join us for an inspiring presentation by local teen comic book author Rowan Hunt.

TEEN TIME: CUSTOM ZIPPER POUCHES Thurs | July 24 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | DR Choose a design and learn to use our Silhouette Cameo to cut heat transfer vinyl to customize a zippered pouch.

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TEEN TIME: GAMING AT THE LIBRARY Tues | July 15 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | DR Stay cool at the library and play video games with other teens.

CRAFT NIGHT Wed | July 16 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll be doing paper quilling.

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CROCHET-ALONG Tues | July 15 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | RM Join us for a guided crochet-along at Red Mountain! 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 and enjoy crocheting in a fun, supportive environment. Supplies are provided—just bring your enthusiasm.

SLIME FUN TEEN TIME: PIXEL ART Sat | July 5 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM Wed | July 9 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR Mon | July 7 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM Drop in and make slime. Supplies are limited. Add your artistic touch to the library’s decor with mosaic art made out of sticky notes. We’ll be decorating the windows in THINKspot with our own creations

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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 through July 31. For details, visit: mesalibrary.org/librarycardcontest

THANK YOU TO OUR SUMMER READING PROGRAM SPONSORS!

Employee Engagement | Environmental and Sustainability | Bicycle and Pedestrian Arizona Museum of Natural History | i.d.e.a. Museum | Community Engagement Falcon Field Airport | Mesa Arts Center | Parks and Recreation

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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.

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CUSTOM ZIPPER POUCHES † Fri | July 11 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | DR Choose a design and learn to use our Silhouette Cameo to cut heat transfer vinyl to customize a zippered pouch.

ESL CONVERSATION CLASS Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN Practice intermediate English skills.

Please bring a notebook and pencil.

EXPERIENCE CORPS INFO SESSION Tues | July 22 | 10:30am – 1:00pm | DR Experience Corps Mesa is looking for volunteers for the 2025-2026 school year to support struggling readers in Mesa Public Schools. We’re seeking adults over 50 to serve as reading tutors for at-risk elementary students.

Attend our information session to learn about the program, what to expect as a volunteer, and how to apply. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete an application and interview on-site.

Book Groups

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LEARN TO CROCHET Thurs | July 10 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | DR Get crochet guidance from an expert in how to start a simple project.

LEGAL INFORMATION NAVIGATION CLINIC Tues | July 29 | 9:00am – 11:00am | MN The Legal Information and Navigation Clinic offers free, walk-in English and Spanish speaking court-forms assistance.

Forms include divorce, paternity, estate administration, guardianship, child support, and more. Provided by the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County Law Library Resource Center.

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NUTRITION FOR THE FAMILY Tues | July 15 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM Tues | July 22 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM Tues | July 29 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM Learn nutrition essentials including My Plate, calories, fats, protein, food safety, and osteoporosis prevention.

Enjoy weekly recipes and kitchenware giveaways! Registered class participants will earn a Certificate from the University of Arizona upon completion.

Non-certificate seeking patrons are welcome to drop in for any scheduled session. This workshop series continues in August.

BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB Tues | July 8 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN Killers of a Certain Age - Deanna Raybourn Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.

CHEER READERS Tues | July 29 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE The Backyard Bird Chronicles - Amy Tan

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 Wed | July 2 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | RM Sat | July 5 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM Wed | July 9 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | RM Sat | July 12 | 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.

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PAINT NIGHT Mon | July 7 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR Thurs | July 31 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM Unwind and enjoy yourself as you create your own masterpiece on canvas. No experience is necessary, and materials and instructions will be provided.

RPG AT THE LIBRARY Sat | July 19 | 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.

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SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME Sat | July 12 | 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.

NOVEL APPROACH Mon | July 14 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE The Wedding People - Alison Espach WHO PICKED THIS BOOK? Tues | July 1 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE Hello Beautiful - Ann Napolitano

FIT TO PRINT: AN INTRODUCTION TO BOOK PUBLISHING Thurs | July 10 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | RM Writers who hope to publish should believe it’s possible. This final Writer in Residence program for 2025 will explain how a book comes to print, including the submission and rejection process; traditional vs. selfpublishing, conferences, agents, royalties, and more.

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

250 points 500 points 750 points 1000 points

KIDS

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

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

FAMILY FUN ESCAPE THE FRAME! A LIBRARY ADVENTURE Tues | July 1 | 12:00pm – 12:45pm | DR Tues | July 1 | 1:00pm – 1:45pm | DR Wed | July 2 | 2:00pm – 2:45pm | DR Wed | July 2 | 3:00pm – 3:45pm | 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.

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FAMILY ART LAB Wed | July 9, 16, 23 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MN Color your world by using different materials to create art. Choose from making slime, a bean and seed mosaic, salt dough, or attend all three!

FAMILY MOVIES Join us for a family-friendly movie!

Thurs | July 3 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM Sonic the Hedgehog (rated PG) Tues | July 8 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR Toy Story 1 (rated G) + a craft Thurs | July 17 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR Toy Story 2 (rated G) + a craft Sat | July 19 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | MN Lilo & Stitch (rated PG) Wed | July 30 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR Toy Story 3 (rated G) + a craft

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.

BIG BOOK SALE Friday | July 10 | 10:00am – 4:00pm | MN Saturday | July 11 | 10:00am – 4:00pm | MN Stop by the Saguaro Room of the Main Library for great deals on books, audiobooks, DVDs, and more.

All money raised from used book sales goes to supporting library programs, improvements, and services.

PAINT NIGHT ☑ Thurs | July 31 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | RM Unwind and enjoy yourself as you create your own masterpiece. Ages 13+.

SUMMER READING FINALE Wed | July 23 | 10:00am – 11:00am | RM A celebration of our youngest patrons and families.

🎟 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.

COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY ⚙☑

COMPUTER BASICS † Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN If you are new to the computer then Computer Basics is the place to start.

EXPLORING WITH VIRTUAL REALITY Thurs | July 17 | 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.

July 2 – Microsoft Word July 9 & 16 – PowerPoint basics July 23 & 30 – Microsoft Excel COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING Mon | July 14 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR Tues | July 15 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM Wed | July 30 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | 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.

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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.

INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL † Tues | July 8 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | DR Learn the foundations of Microsoft Excel, including how to create, edit, and format data in a spreadsheet.

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INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED EXCEL † Wed | July 9 | 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.

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Psst!

Enter this secret code in your Summer Reading account for extra points: MPLJuly

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

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

MAIN LIBRARY (MN) & THINKSPOT @ MAIN 64 E. 1st St. DOBSON RANCH LIBRARY (DR) & THINKSPOT @ DOBSON RANCH 2425 S. Dobson Rd.

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).

RED MOUNTAIN LIBRARY (RM) & THINKSPOT @ RED MOUNTAIN 635 N. Power Rd.

480-644-3100 mesalibrary.org

MESA EXPRESS LIBRARY (MEL) AT BRADY PARK 7045 E. Monterey Ave.

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.