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.
† 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
& Events
HOLIDAY HOURS Fri | July 4 | Closed
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
Some events at Mesa Express Library are held outdoors; please come prepared for the elements. July 2025
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Thurs | July 3 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.
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.
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.
TWEENS ages
8-12
TEENS ages 12-18
ART LAB
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.
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.
SLIME FUN ☑
Sat | July 5 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Mon | July 7 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Drop in and make slime. Supplies are limited.
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
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
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.
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.
TEEN TIME: PIXEL ART ⚙
Wed | July 9 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
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
ADULTS
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.
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.
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.
THANK YOU TO OUR SUMMER READING PROGRAM SPONSORS!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
KIDS
250 points
500 points
750 points 1000 points 250 points
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
ESCAPE THE FRAME! A LIBRARY
ADVENTURE ☑
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
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
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
�� 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 then Computer Basics is the place to start.
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.
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
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.
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.
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.
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 BRADY 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.
