Friends of the Libraries: Weigh in on plans for the library
I don’t know about you, but I hate that feeling when I have missed a meeting and my chance to express an opinion.
I know some people care deeply about our libraries and have opinions about services they would like to see in the Dungan Library that are not possible within the limited space. On April 16 at 6 p.m., in the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center, the architectural firm Johnson Favaro and city staff will host the second of three community meetings regarding plans for the library.
Your input is needed. Please attend this community meeting.
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Favorite teacher award
If you have a favorite teacher, one who teaches in a public or private primary, middle or high school in Costa Mesa, you can nominate the person for an award.
Nomination forms are available in the city’s three libraries and the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce office as well as on the Costa Mesa Library Foundation website, CostaMesaLibraryFoundation.com.
Submissions must explain what the person does that is special and how he or she makes learning fun.
Completed forms should be taken to one of the three Costa Mesa libraries or to the chamber or emailed to cmlibraryfoundation@gmail.com.
The deadline for submission in April 6. The foundation, in cooperation with the chamber, will be giving the award on May 9.
Former finalists are not eligible for nomination.
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At the Mesa Verde Library
Kids will get to create their own miniature robots using a 3-D printer at the mobile media lab on March 30, March 31 and April 1.
The sessions will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sign-ups are required because seating is limited. Printing may take some time, so the robots may have to be picked up later.
Meanwhile, children can practice their reading with specially trained therapy dogs on March 28 at 2 p.m.
The reading will take place during one-on-one sessions of five to 10 minutes. Sign up on arrival. This activity is sponsored by the OCSPCA.
A blend of traditional and digital stories, finger plays and songs will be offered for preschoolers at 11 a.m. Tuesdays, followed at 11:30 a.m. by crafts and activities.
Afternoon Storytime for children younger than 7 is held at 2 p.m. Wednesdays, followed by crafts and activities. For more information, call (714) 546-5274.
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At the Donald Dungan Library
Toddlers and preschoolers are welcome to attend Toddler Storytime with Mr. Erik for stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and more at 11 a.m. March 30 and April 6. No registration is required.
Family Storytime will be held at 7 p.m. April 1 and 8.
Children and their families can build creations using the Duplo blocks in the Community Room between 2 and 5 p.m. Tuesdays.
On March 31 at 6:30 p.m., the film “Broken Embraces,” directed by Pedro Almodóvar, will be shown. April will feature films directed by Ingmar Bergman. The first, on April 7, will be “Wild Strawberries,” which was nominated for Best Original Screenplay in 1957.
A family-friendly film, “Alice in Wonderland,” will be shown at 3:30 p.m. April 9.
Every Thursday at 6 p.m., the Bilingual Conversation Group provides an opportunity for members of the community to practice their Spanish and English.
For more information, call (949) 646-8845.
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At the Costa Mesa Technology Library
Basic computer skills and Internet instruction is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. Call (949) 515-3970 for more information.
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.