Friends of the Libraries: Try a different perspective on for size
What if you could change your perspective for one evening? The new Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries program series “Through the Eyes of…” is an opportunity to see through the lenses of other people who have diligently developed a unique point of view.
Dr. Thomas J. Osborne will present his work on California’s connection with the Pacific Rim as we see through the eyes of a historian. His background inclined him to view California history not through the lens of wagon trains moving westward, but from a Pacific world perspective.
The program will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Mesa Verde United Methodist Church at Baker Street and Mesa Verde Drive East. The program is free, but call (714) 545-9613 or email bobbyooten@aol.com to RSVP. Copies of Osborne’s critically acclaimed textbook, “Pacific Eldorado: A History of Greater California,” can be ordered through Amazon.
Also that evening, a representative from the city will speak briefly about the conversion of the Neighborhood Community Center to a new library — the architect selection, schedule and more. A representative from the OC Public Libraries will be there as well.
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At the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
Make robots at the library.
Children ages 8 to 14 years can construct Drag Racers from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 31. A Demolition Derby will be held for those racers at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 18.
Because space is limited, participation will be first come, first served.
This event is a joint project with the Costa Mesa Technology Library. The classes will be taught by a certified teacher from MATHmania Robotics.
Make reservations on-site or by calling (949) 515-3970 (Tech Library) or (949) 646-8845 (Dungan).
The book club will discuss “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2 in the community room.
The Bilingual Conversation Group will meet on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. to practice Spanish and English. “Mango Languages” will be projected to the big screen with audio and print in English and Spanish as an aide to learning.
Join Mr. Erik for Toddler Storytime — stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and more — at 11 a.m. Feb. 2 and 9. Toddlers and preschoolers are welcome to attend and no registration is required.
At the weekly Duplo play day, on Feb. 3 and 10 from 2 to 5 p.m., children and their families are welcome to visit one of the Duplo tables in the community room.
Family Storytime will feature stories, songs, crafts and more at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 and 11. It is open to children of all ages and their families, and no registration is required. Children are welcome to come in their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed toy.
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At the Mesa Verde Library
To celebrate 50 years of literary fun — the Mesa Verde Library was built 50 years ago — the library is hosting its first Children’s Winter Reading Program from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays until March 1.
Register now for ages 2 to 14. Young children can be read to. Prizes will be given for various categories. This is a free program sponsored by the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries. Call the library at (714) 546-5274 for further information.
Children of all ages can exercise their creativity and engineering skills using the library’s huge collection of Lego blocks from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays. They can build whatever their imagination comes up with, and result will be displayed until the next Lego Monday.
Preschool Storytime, with a unique blend of traditional and digital stories, finger plays and songs, will be held Feb. 3 and 10 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Toddlers are welcome with an accompanying adult. Following storytime, a half hour of simple crafts, games or outdoor fun games will occur.
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At the Costa Mesa Technology Library
Basic computer skills workshops continue on Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
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.