Friends of the Libraries: You provide the buck, we’ll offer the bag and books
The Friends of the Libraries is holding a book sale in the community room at the Donald Dungan Library, 1855 Park Ave. in Costa Mesa, on March 14 and 15.
On the first day, most books will be priced from 50 cents to $1 each. Sunday is the traditional “buck-a-bag” day of the sale, and the Friends supply the bag. Your purchases help fund reading programs and a whole lot more for Costa Mesa’s three public libraries.
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Expansion of the Dungan library
Costa Mesa residents and property owners have the opportunity in early April to weigh in on how to expand the Donald Dungan Library.
A first public meeting was held March 5 at the Neighborhood Community Center, presented by the architectural firm Johnson Favaro and its library consultant Linda Demmers.
One way of accomplishing a larger library could involve making the community center the library branch. The library would then be three times as large and could accommodate an expanded children’s area, a teen section, study rooms, meeting rooms and more.
Johnson Favaro has pointed out that the current library and the community center are aging facilities and will need major work soon. The alternatives are renovation, new construction or additions to one or both buildings.
For more information, contact me at costamesalibr@gmail.com.
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At the Mesa Verde Library
March 13 is the last day this year to learn how to create apps and games during Teen Tech Week. This program, for ages 10 to 18, is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. It is free but requires registration because of limited space. Call (714) 546-5274 or stop by the library, at 2969 Mesa Verde Drive E., to register.
On March 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m., exercise your creativity and engineering skills using the library’s collection of Lego blocks. The work will be displayed until the next Monday.
A half hour of Preschool Storytime with a unique blend of traditional and digital stories, followed by Preschool Craftivity with crafts, games and outdoor fun, will be held March 17 and 24 at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Storytime (at 2 p.m. followed by Craftivity at 2:30 p.m.) will be held March 18 and 25.
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At the Donald Dungan Library
There are two special Sunday programs this month. On March 15 from noon to 5 p.m., materials will be provided for those interested in making St. Patrick’s Day cards. On March 22 at 1 p.m., a presentation on the Persian New Year will be offered. Contact the library at (949) 646-8845 for more information.
Toddler Storytime, with Mr. Erik, will be held March 16 and 23 at 11 a.m. It will include stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and more. Toddlers and preschoolers are welcome to attend.
On March 17 and 24 from 2 to 5 p.m., children and their families are welcome to visit one of the Duplo tables set up in the community room to build their own creations.
Family Storytime, again with Mr. Erik, will be held March 18 and 25 from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Children of all ages and their families can enjoy stories, finger plays, songs, crafts and more. No registration is required. Children are welcome to attend in their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed toy.
Watch and discuss a film directed by Pedro Almodóvar every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. This is a free event, and refreshments will be served. “Talk to Her” will be shown March 17 and “Volver” on March 24.
The library has family-friendly films on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. On March 19, the movie is “Tinkerbell,” and on March 26, “Thumbelina.” All films are shown in the community room.
Practice your Spanish and English with the Bilingual Conversation Group every Thursday at 6 p.m.
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At the Costa Mesa Technology Library
If you need help with basic computer and Internet skills, meet with library volunteers for assistance on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. at this library.
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.