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Friends of the Libraries: Libraries a spot for lifelong learning

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In my last missive, I said I would talk more about the four core missions that Howard Besser mentioned in his “The Shape of the 21st Century Library.” One of the things he mentioned was “continuous educational development.”

If we are talking about adults, this might take place with an adult literacy program or simply with the provision of Internet access. But it is more likely to occur with adult lifelong learning programs. And what are they? Well, book and film discussions and cultural performances, like play reading, travelogues and speaker series. Or “how-to” programs, everything from making your own soap to financial planning to health concerns to parenting skills.

And these are just a few things for adults. More on other age groups later.

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At the Costa Mesa Technology Library

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Learn all about the technology and services available at the Costa Mesa Technology Library at the next general meeting of the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22.

It is possible to scan photos and documents, download free eBooks and eAudiobooks, learn basic computer skills taught by volunteer tutors, make color prints on the printer used by the public and get free access to the genealogical database Ancestry.com at this library. It may be that some training you get there will be on the new laptops and projector that were received in a grant from Google.

The meeting will be held at the Technology Library at 2263 Fairview Drive, Suite A. Because there is limited space in the library, please RSVP early to Bob Ooten at (714) 545-9613 or email bobbyooten@aol.com. Also, for $4, you can get a Subway meal— a sandwich, chips, cookie and drink — to keep those hunger pangs away while you are gathering all this information.

Also at the Tech Library, 4- to 8-year-olds can participate in an English- and Spanish-language Video Storytime on Tuesdays in February from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Because of space and equipment constraints, this is limited to eight participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are interested in meeting with the library’s volunteer tutors to learn basic computer skills, navigate the Internet and create and use email accounts, sign up for a one-on-one learning session by phone at (949) 515-3970 or on site.

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At the Mesa Verde Library

Learn origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, with the talented Kazue Kendrick on Feb. 20 from 4 to 5 p.m. This event, which has become a tradition at this library, is for children 5 to 12 years old. Younger children may attend if accompanied by an adult.

Preschool Storytime is held on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. For more information on programs at this library, call (714) 546-5274.

Have a “Blind Date with a Book” at this library. You check out a wrapped book, take it home and read it, fill out a “rate your date” form, and you get a prize. No hard feelings if you don’t like your date, but you may find the match of your literary dreams.

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At the Costa Mesa/Donald Dungan Library

AARP is offering free, non-complex tax assistance at this library beginning in February to taxpayers with low and moderate incomes, especially those 60 and older. Please call the information desk at (949) 646-8845 for more details.

There will be Duplos and Crafts at 11 a.m. Feb. 10. The regular Duplo Day is on Tuesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. On Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m., Delaram Raisdana will speak about the health benefits of coconut oil. RSVP to the information desk number.

A storytime called “Tales and Toys” is being held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Family Movies will be shown on Thursdays at 2 p.m. and on Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. And the popular event “Read to the Dogs” will also be that Saturday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The library will get a new adult librarian, Ziba Zehdar, this week. Samantha Smith, who held the post before, has transferred to the Brea Library. But as much as we all hated to see her leave, it will save her several hours of commuting time every day. Members of the book discussion groups she lead all wish her well.

All three Costa Mesa public libraries will be closed on Feb. 12 and 17.

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.

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