Friends of the Library: Leece to speak at annual meeting
“Got Books?” will be the title of a speech by Costa Mesa City Councilwoman Wendy Leece, when she appears as the featured speaker at the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries annual meeting.
The event will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Mesa Verde United Methodist Church (across the street from the Mesa Verde Library at 1701 Baker Street). The public is invited, but call ahead to ensure that enough chairs are available. Please leave a message at (714) 438-0517.
Leece, a long-time supporter of our city’s libraries, will speak about Costa Mesa’s library space needs and why we all need to make this a priority in our list of goals, both long- and short-term.
Also on the meeting’s agenda is a demonstration on how to download eBooks to an eBook reader.
Are you one of those people who received an eBook reader for Christmas but haven’t used it yet because you don’t know how to download free eBooks? This is your chance to learn how.
Two of our Costa Mesa branch librarians, Rosalind Wilkes and Karen Emerson, will lead the demonstration. You can go home with a brand new skill that should bring you untold pleasure as you read in a new way.
Also, a short business meeting will be held to elect a president and a vice president for membership, and adopt new bylaws. There will be a presentation of five-year awards to Friends’ volunteers, a report on accomplishments in 2011, and attendees will learn about what the organization hopes to accomplish in 2012.
The Friends’ website is at https://www.friendscmlibraries.org.
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Writer’s workshop
The Costa Mesa Library Foundation is planning a four-part Beginning Writers’ Workshop, starting in March.
Each session will feature an experienced author sharing ideas and offering suggestions on subjects such as choosing a genre, planning plot lines, creating characters and finding a publisher. A nominal fee will be charged and light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Barbara Steck at bsteck41@gmail.com.
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Getting a Library Card
Because I volunteer at one of Costa Mesa’s libraries, I sometimes am asked, “What do I have to do to get a library card?”
Because Costa Mesa’s libraries are branches of the Orange County Public Libraries system, you need an OCPL card in order to check out books from our libraries. The card is good for all 33 OCPL branches.
When you go to the library to fill out a card application make sure to bring photo ID and proof of your address. Remember that borrowing materials with the card brings with it financial responsibility.
If you lose or deface borrowed items, you must pay for them. And if you forget to bring them back on time, you will have to pay a fine. Still, it is the best deal in town.
Children younger than 18 use “filtered” Internet access that limits their exposure to inappropriate materials and content.
Still, you are reminded that “as with any library resource, a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Parents are encouraged to share in their child’s Internet sessions ... and should advise their child of any materials that they find objectionable.”
If you want your child to have unfiltered access to the Internet, you must sign a special “Parent or Guardian Internet Responsibility Agreement.” If you have more questions, call your branch librarian.
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Book Discussions at Donald Dungan
Starting in January, the Donald Dungan Library will begin its “Mystery Men” book discussion series. This series features crime novels by male authors.
At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett will be discussed.
And at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9, the Costa Mesa Book Club will discuss “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak.
Books for either of the discussion groups are available at the checkout desk. If you are interested in joining these book clubs, call the library (949) 646-8845, and talk with Samantha.
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 Orange County Public Libraries.