Friends of the Libraries: One library is better than none
The contractor has begun working on the roof at the Costa Mesa/Donald Dungan Library! The roofers have been very busy, which makes me think they will get the job done on time so that we can get back into the library on schedule. In the meantime, you can still drop those books you have read into the book drop located at the library. Or you can just take them to any OC Public Libraries branch, if that is easier for you.
We are down to one OCPL branch library in Costa Mesa right now, as not only is the Dungan Library closed for repairs, but the Costa Mesa Technology Library, which was located on the corner of Bristol Street and Paularino Avenue in a strip of businesses, is moving to its new location. It is to open again on the northwest corner of Wilson Street and Fairview Road — this time next to a Subway sandwich store. There are some other nice shops there, including a Japanese sushi restaurant that is quite good. The date scheduled for the opening is April 30, a Tuesday. Stop by and see for yourself between 1 and 4 p.m. when the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries will be helping to celebrate the opening.
At the Mesa Verde Library
Ferial Nassirzadeh is the artist now featured in the library’s gallery areas. She specializes in natural scenes and still lifes. Her paintings should be at the library until the end of the month.
A friend told me that she has a special use for audio books. Since she wants to watch her weight, she listens to them while taking a walk — and doesn’t let herself stop walking until she comes to the end of a chapter! She has found a lot of these books at the Mesa Verde Library and said they had a good supply of them.
The Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries Bookstore at the Mesa Verde Library will be showcasing books on travel and Mother’s Day this month. Since April is National Poetry Month, you might also ask to see their poetry selections. And look for their small gift books. These are always great for special occasions.
The Friends of the Library Book Club will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday in the bookstore behind the library to discuss “Cleopatra: A Life” by author Stacy Schiff.
Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 is held from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. You can practice building Legos from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday.
Poetry lovers, visit the Mesa Verde Library where you will find random words on the end of the book stacks both in the adult section and the children’s section. Create your own poems from those supplied, and enter your name in a drawing.
For those who haven’t gotten the message yet, remember that you can learn how to download free eBooks from the OC Public Libraries website. Make an appointment for 9:15 a.m. or 2:15 p.m. Wednesday or Thursday by calling (714) 546-5274. Remember that you will need to know your iTunes username and password if you are an iPad user. Kindle users will need to know their Amazon account username and password. Other tablet users will also need to know their device’s App Store usernames and passwords.
The After School Library Club will meet from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday. This is an activity for those 8 to 12 years of age. Participants will be engaged in activities, crafts and projects to encourage creativity and foster familiarity with using the library’s resources. Sign-ups are required for this program, so please call (714) 546-5274.
And remember the Children’s Monthly Raffle where your child can win a new book, toys, stationary and other goodies. See the Children’s Desk for details.
Other thoughts
Like millions of people around the world, I am upset to think that anyone could be so deranged that they would maim and kill innocent people as has just happened in Boston. Whether it was a lone person with an agenda or a terrorist group making a statement, it has to be a sick mind that conceived it. If only these people would put their time and energy into making the world a more peaceful place.
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.