Friends of the Libraries: Nab that novel before the Fourth
Summer reading programs have begun, and our libraries are buzzing with programs for all ages. Remember that July 4 is a holiday and the libraries will be closed, so check out that book you wanted to read before then.
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At the Mesa Verde Library
For those 12 and younger, a Little Writers’ Workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28 and July 5, noon to 5 p.m. June 29 and July 5, and 1 to 9 p.m. June 30 and July 7.
This is a program for kids with an active imagination who enjoy reading books and hearing stories. It’s run in partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA and Costa Mesa’s Kristy, who hosts the sessions to help teach the time-honored art of storytelling and writing. The program is free.
Mesa Verde Library will feature another Makerspace project, this time Giant Bubble Science, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 1. Kids can explore the fascinating science behind bubble-making, learn how to build a bubble wand and then make giant bubbles of their own. This is a free family program, and all ages are welcome.
Our libraries have been presenting a number of programs that help children enjoy learning to read. The Digital Read-Along, Read-Aloud is one of them, with enthusiastic volunteer Teen Tellers. Attendees can read along silently or out loud. If they don’t have a copy of the selected book, they can follow along with the e-book, which will be projected on the big-screen display. And the time can be marked on their reading log.
If your child is not reading yet, he or she can come and listen to the story being read out loud. It will be held July 3 and 10. There are three sessions by age range: at 1 p.m., kindergarten and under; at 4 p.m., first-graders to third-graders; and at 7 p.m., fourth-graders to sixth-graders. No sign-ups are required.
Then on July 8, from 1 to 2 p.m., everyone gets to enjoy the Barnyard Extravaganza and Petting Zoo. This educational and musical program featuring live animals will certainly entertain and teach children of all ages.
Not everything is geared toward the children, though. In the Adult Reading program, you get to be the critic. First, watch a film based on a book or read a book turned into a film, and then write a mini-review of it in a special log at the library. For each book or movie reported on, you receive a ticket, which will be entered into a drawing on Aug. 3 for prizes. For questions on this and other programs, call the library at (714) 546-5274.
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At the Costa Mesa Technology Library
Remember, at 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, one-on-one classes with library volunteers teach basic computer skills at this library. Call (949) 515-3970 for more information.
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At the Costa Mesa/Donald Dungan Library
The Summer Reading Program’s Wildlife Company will be held at 11 a.m. June 30. Complete with lots of exotic animals, this is sure to please all ages. Then on July 7, again at 11 a.m., attendees will see Richard Woloski’s Puppet Show.
The regularly scheduled Duplo Day will be from 2 to 6 p.m. July 1 and 8. Families get to express their imagination with these building blocks.
On July 2 and 9 at 7 p.m., it is Family Storytime with stories, finger plays, songs, crafts and more. Children of all ages and their families are welcome.
On July 5 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., children and their families are invited to bring their favorite book and read to licensed therapy dogs. No registration is required.
On July 7 at 6:30 p.m., the Book Club will discuss Ann Patchett’s book “Bel Canto.” For those who wish to participate, copies of the book can be checked out from the library.
“Reeling Through the Decades” continues this month with movies from the 1950s. “Strangers on a Train” will show July 1 and “Singin’ in the Rain” on July 8, both at 6:30 p.m. The ‘50s Family Films, at 4 p.m. July 3 and 10, are “Cinderella” and “Alice in Wonderland.” If you have questions, call (949) 646-8845.
MARY ELLEN GODDARD produced this column on behalf of the Friends of Costa Mesa Libraries, the Costa Mesa Library Foundation and the three Costa Mesa branches of the OC Public Libraries.