SEPTEMBER IS LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP AND CLASSICAL MUSIC MONTH!
September strikes a perfect chord — it’s both Library Card Sign-Up Month and Classical Music Month. It’s the ideal time to renew your card, get one for yourself, or bring a friend to sign up for theirs. Music, like a great story or a cherished recipe, is a form of expression that moves us, connects us and invites exploration.
Your Mesa Public Library card is more than just a way in — it’s your all-access pass to a world of musical and educational enrichment. Through Freegal, you can stream or download music spanning every genre. With Qello Concerts, you can experience full-length performances from legendary artists and orchestras across the globe.
We also invite our youngest patrons to experience the power of rhythm and song through our children’s and toddler storytimes. These lively sessions weave music into early literacy, helping young learners develop language skills, coordination and a lifelong love of reading. It’s a joyful way to discover that stories aren’t just read — they’re heard, felt, and shared.
For those who want to create their own melodies, our THINKspot makerspace offers state-of-the-art equipment for music recording, audio editing and more. Whether you’re composing your first track, producing a podcast, or experimenting with sound, THINKspot is your studio for creative expression.
So this month, come get your own card or bring someone along to sign up for theirs. A library card isn’t just a card, it’s a key. It unlocks music, stories, knowledge, and creativity for every age and interest. At Mesa Public Library, dreaming starts here, and a library card is your first step through the door. Visit mesalibrary.org/downloadables to access music anywhere.
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!
DIY LIBRARY CARD HOLDER CRAFT
Mon | Sept 15 | 10:00am – 10:45am | MN
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month by making a library card holder! Supplies will be provided, library cards are not required to make the craft.
KIDS
APPLES, APPLES, APPLES
Fri | Sept 26 | 10:00am – 10:45am | MN
It’s Johnny Appleseed Day! Celebrate with apple-themed crafts, stories, and hands-on activities
BOOK BIRTHDAYS
Mon | Sept 22 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Each month, we will create crafts themed to a book that is celebrating its “bookish birthday”!
BOOKS TO MOVIES BOOK CLUB
Sat | Sept 6 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Each month, we will read a story that has been turned into a movie! This month’s movie is Where the Wild Things Are (2009, rated PG).
BUILDING BLOCKS CLUB
Sat | Sept 13 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Tues | Sept 30 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Explore your creative side with LEGO® and DUPLO® blocks.
CRAFT IN MOVIE: SNOW WHITE
Wed | Sept 3 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Come watch the first Disney movie, Snow White (G) and make themed crafts.
FALL CRAFTS
Fri | Sept 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am | DR
Join us for fall crafts!
OPERATION BEAVER DROP ��
Sat | Sept 27 | 10:30am – 11:30am | MEL
Come to the Mesa Express Library for a high-flying engineering challenge inspired by the true story of parachuting beavers! In this hands-on STEM event, kids will design and build protective egg baskets to simulate the daring “beaver drops”of the past. Once your creation is ready, we’ll test it the ultimate way: by dropping it from a City of Mesa bucket truck!
OUTDOOR STEAM
Tues | Sept 9 | 3:30pm – 4:15pm | MEL ��
Come for a fun and engaging outdoor STEAM program designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds! Each session features hands-on, nature-inspired activities that blend science and art in exciting ways. From building mini catapults and solar ovens to exploring plant life and making nature-based art, kids will learn through play, discovery, and teamwork.
PIGEON STORIES AND CRAFT
Mon | Sept 22 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM
The Pigeon is taking over storytime. Come listen to some Don’t Let the Pigeon stories by Mo Willems and make some pigeon crafts.
READ AROUND THE STORYWALK ��
Mon | Sept 22 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MEL
Take a stroll through Mesa Express Library’s Storywalk and discover the unbelievable true story behind When the Beavers Flew by Kirsten Tracey. This fun and fascinating picture book tells the quirky history of how beavers were once parachuted into the Idaho wilderness to help the environment — yes, really!
STORYTELLING DICE
Tues | Sept 9 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM
Create your own storytelling dice.
TRADING CARD GAME CLUB
Wednesdays | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Bring your most powerful Pokémon™ deck to the library and play against other kids in your community. If you don’t have a deck of your own or don’t know how to play, one of our Pokémon™ experts can teach you the basics of the game. Loaner decks are limited and will be available on a first come first served basis. Pokémon™ coloring sheets and crafts will be available for those who do not wish to play the card game.
UPCYCLED CRAFTS
Wed | Sept 17 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Learn how to make crafts from recycled materials and discover why it’s important to reuse items we normally throw away.
YOU CAN DO IT!
Fri | Sept 12 | 10:00am – 10:45am | MN
Celebrate National Day of Encouragement with stories, crafts, and hands-on activities that build confidence and kindness. Ages 3-5.
STORYTIMES
BABY LAPSIT
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | DR
Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | MN
Fridays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM
Fri | Sept 5, 19 | 9:30am – 10:00am | MEL ��
Introduces the rhythm and beauty of language to babies ages birth-16 months.
PJ STORYTIME
Tues | Sept 16 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm | MN
Join us for a special evening storytime, complete with songs, rhymes, games, and a bedtime story. Ages 0-5.
Join us for songs, stories, and silliness in this kindergarten readiness storytime. Ages 3-5.
TINKERING FOR TODDLERS
Fri | Sept 19 | 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
(Closed Monday, 9/1 for Labor Day)
Mondays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Mondays | 10:30am – 11:00am | RM ��
Tuesdays | 9:30am – 10:00am | RM ��
Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | DR
Thursdays | 10:00am – 10:30am | MN
Thursdays | 10:30am – 11:00am | MN
Fri | Sept 12, 26 | 10:30am – 11:00am | MEL
Thurs | Sept 4 | 10:30am – 11:00am | OFFSITE
Incorporates stories, music, and movement for children ages 16-36 months.
TWEENS
APP ARTIST ⚙
Tues | Sept 2 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Every first Tuesday we will create awesome projects using all sorts of different apps. Learn vector graphics, raster graphics, pixel graphics, animation, and how to take your own work to the next level. This program is limited to the first 8 participants.
ART CART
Sat | Sept 20 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Join us each month for some crafts. Drop in to make your own art or participate in the theme of the month. This month’s theme: Pony Bead keychains.
BOOK COVER BINGO
Wed | Sept 17 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Come join us as we play Book Cover BINGO!
CRAFT-ACTIVE LAB ⚙ ☑
Tues | Sept 23 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | RM
Get hands-on and let your imagination shine in this fun program for tweens. We will explore crafts that are designed to spark creativity and build skills.
GATHER FOR MAGIC CARDS
Tues | Sept 9 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | MN
Stop by THINKspot to play Magic the Gathering™. We will meet every second Tuesday.
KIDS’ KITCHEN
Wed | Sept 24 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Join us in the kitchen to create fun, interesting, and tasty treats. This month we will be creating a delicious treat of fruit skewers.
QUIRKY ART
Wed | Sept 10 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | MN
Paint and create your own unique, quirky masterpiece. No experience required. Limited supplies.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY
Wed | Sept 3 | 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.
TWEEN GAMING ⚙
Mon | Sept 8 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | MN
Bring your friends and join in the fun with Switch games like Super Smash Bros
WATERCOLOR GEODES
Wed | Sept 10 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Create a geode using watercolor, markers, and construction paper.
TEENS ages 12-18
ADVENTURES IN VIRTUAL REALITY ⚙
Tues | Sept 9 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | DR
Explore the world of VR with us through different apps and games.This program was made possible by Mesa West Rotary District 5495.
COLLAGE CLUB
Thurs | Sept 11 | 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 images of your own too.
EXPLORE VIRTUAL REALITY ⚙ ☑
Sat | Sept 6 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Explore virtual reality games, museums, and scenic views! Freely choose from the wide variety of options available on Red Mountain Library’s virtual reality headsets.
FANFUL CRAFTS ⚙ ☑
Fri | Sept 25 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Unleash your inner geek with a crafting club made just for fandom-loving teens. From DIY cosplay props to pixel art, each session brings a new way to create, connect, and geek out over your favorite games, shows, and stories.
FROM PAGE TO SCREEN
Thurs | Sept 18 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
It’s teen movie night with a film based off a book. Limited popcorn and snacks will be provided.
INTRO TO 3D DESIGN & PRINTING ⚙ ☑
Wed | Sept 24 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | DR
Learn how to create your own simple 3D design on the computer using Tinkercad and how to prepare it to print on the library’s 3D printer.
SEWING ⚙ ☑
Wed | Sept 10 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | MN
Learn how to use the Brother sewing machines by creating your own sewing project. Instruction and materials are provided.
Learn how to create simple digital models and understand printer operation.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Sat | Sept 13 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are certified volunteers who answer questions about gardening, landscaping, plant identification, and plant problems. If you have been wondering when, what, where, and how to plant your garden in Arizona, and who to ask, wonder no more. Come talk with a Master Gardener and have your questions answered you can even bring your problem plant. This will be a monthly event.
BEGINNER ART JOURNALING ⚙ ☑
Wed | Sept 10 | 11:00am – 12:30pm | RM
Starting an art journal can be a low stress practice to integrate into your daily life to increase your creativity. We’ll introduce some tips, crafts, and projects that can get you started. Materials for the journal will be provided, including small blank page journals.
COLORING CLUB ⚙
Thurs | Sept 4 | 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: HISPANIC HERITAGE
Wed | Sept 17 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Try your hand at a low-stakes craft night. This month we’ll be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and making magnets and paper flowers.
CROCHET-ALONG ⚙ ☑
Tues | Sept 16 | 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.
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.
EMBROIDERY MACHINE DEMO
Thurs | Sept 18 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Learn how to operate our Brother SE1900 embroidery machine and find out what it can do. Registration is not required but space is limited.
ESL CONVERSATION CLASS
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | MN
Saturdays | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | RM
Practice intermediate English skills. Please bring a notebook and pencil.
GLOWFORGE: BOOKMARKS⚙ ☑
Thurs | Sept 4 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | RM
Make intricate, custom designed wooden bookmarks with the Glowforge machine! Step-by-step instructions will be provided. Note: Please take the online THINKspot Glowforge Training on NicheAcademy, and sign the THINKspot waiver to attend.
LEARN TO CROCHET ⚙
Thurs | Sept 4 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
Thurs | Sept 4 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | DR
Join us as we learn a beginner crochet project with an experienced instructor. If you already know how to crochet, feel free to bring your own project to work on and enjoy the company of other makers.
Book Groups
LET’S EAT!⚙ ☑
Tues | Sept 16 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Thurs | Sept 18 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Join us on a delicious journey as we explore the art of cooking with step-bystep guidance from our culinary enthusiast librarian.This month we will make arroz con pollo.
MONDAY MORNING GARDENING ��
Mon | Sept 15 | 10:00am – 11:30am | MEL
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just curious about starting your first herb pot, this outdoor program offers practical gardening skills in a relaxed, social setting.
RPG AT THE LIBRARY ⚙
Sat | Sept 27 | 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 | Sept 24 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to use the Brother sewing machines by creating your own sewing project. Instruction and materials are provided.
BUSY HANDS BOOK CLUB
Tues | Sept 9 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Bring your needlework project to work on while we talk about the book of the month.
CHEER READERS
Tues | Sept 30 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | OFFSITE
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
PRESENTS: DYSTOPIA & 1984
Thurs | Sept 25 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | MN
An interactive discussion about 1984 and other dystopian tales. Come to engage with others and get a chance to win theatre tickets or books as door prizes.
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BUYING OR SELLING A HOME
Sat | Sept 13 | 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.
WOOD-BURNED PICTURE FRAME ☑
Wed | Sept 17 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | MN
Learn how to use wood burners by designing your own wooden picture frame in this hands-on introductory workshop.
FICTION FOLKS
Thurs | Sept 11 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | DR
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
NOVEL APPROACH
Mon | Sept 8 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | OFFSITE
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
WHO PICKED THIS BOOK?
Tues | Sept 2 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | OFFSITE Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
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
FAMILY FUN
FAMILY LOTERÍA ☑
Thurs | Sept 25 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with us by playing a traditional Mexican game, Lotería, and try your luck! No Spanish skills needed.
KITH AND KIN WORKSHOP ☑
Tues | Sept 16, 23, 30 | 11:30pm – 1:30pm | RM
The Kith and Kin Program, a program of Candelen, is a 10-week series designed for family, friend and neighbor (FFN) caregivers; grandparents, family members, friends, neighbors and unrelated adults that support families with their childcare needs. This series continues through November 25, please see the online events calendar for future dates mesalibrary.org/events.
First & Third Tuesday of the month
Tues | Sept 2, 16 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Aster Senior Center-Downtown
247 N. Macdonald 85201
Tues | Sept 2, 16 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Mountain View Park
845 N. Lindsay Rd. 85213
Second & Fourth Tuesday of the month
Tues | Sept 9, 23 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Aster Senior Center / Red Mountain Multigenerational Center
The Great Park / Steadfast Farms 5111 Inspirian Pkwy 85212
READ RUNNER PROGRAMS
Tues | Sept 16, 23 | 10:15am – 11:15am
Aster Red Mountain
Come for a fun and relaxing paper quilling session aboard the Read Runner! This beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for kids, teens, and adults who want to try something new and crafty.
LIBRARY MOVIE FUN: THE GOONIES
Sat | Sept 6 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | RM
Bring a blanket or beach towel to sit on and enjoy The Goonies (1985) at the library. Rated PG.
MAKE YOUR OWN PHOTO FRAME
Mon | Sept 15 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | RM
Using paper quilling, stickers, and markers create your own personalized photo frame to hang on your fridge.
TOURNAMENT & GAME NIGHT ☑
Sat | Sept 6 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | RM
Come play a variety of games at THINKspot, the library’s makerspace!
NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE
CARDS OF APPRECIATION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Tues | Sept 2 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | DR
Wed | Sept 3 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | RM
Bring your family and friends to join in the fun!
Thurs | Sept 4 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | MN
Drop in and make a card to show your appreciation for first responders! Volunteers will then deliver the cards to Mesa’s Police and Fire stations.
COMPUTER BASICS †
Wednesdays | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | MN
If you are new to the computer then Computer Basics is the place to start. Sept 3 – Keyboard/typing basics
Sept 10 & 17 – Microsoft Word Sept 24 – Microsoft PowerPoint
COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING
Mon | Sept 22 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | DR
Mon | Sept 30 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | RM ☑
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.
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 | Sept 2 | 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 | Sept 3 | 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 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 Mountainand 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.
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).
To sign up for Expanded Access, see a staff member.
LOCATIONS
MAIN LIBRARY (MN) 64 E. 1st St.
DOBSON RANCH LIBRARY (DR) 2425 S. Dobson Rd.
GATEWAY LIBRARY (GW) 5036 S. Eastmark Pkwy COMING FALL 2025
READ RUNNER BOOKMOBILE (RR) Various stops around Mesa
