Friends of the Libraries: Answer to library problem is before us

Since a consultant’s report in 2000, it’s been clear that the community wants expanded library services. And based on a comparison to peer cities in Orange County and the rest of California, it’s clear that Costa Mesa needs expanded library services.

But how to do it? At the time Civic Center Park was being considered as a public library location, the Proposition 14 Library Bond Act authorized a $350 million bond for public libraries and literacy programs. But for the past 10 years, all grant funding has been allocated. Even with the formation of a library foundation, no philanthropists have offered to build a new public library and simply hand the keys over to the city.

What has come forward, in the 14 years since the report by Arroyo Associates, is a win-win plan for the community. By exchanging the use of two buildings in the downtown civic complex, the community gets a net gain of 16,500 square feet of library space and more efficient utilization of community meeting facilities.

Our children and teens get computers and programs and study space; our adults and small-business owners get more resources and meeting rooms. Our property owners get increased property values. Our community gets a bigger piece of the information revolution.

Let’s not wait another generation to bring these needed services to our community.

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At the Costa Mesa/Donald Dungan Library

Don’t forget the School Age Zine workshop from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. May 17. Learn all about self-made zines. Some supplies will be available to make a zine of your own, but feel free to bring materials as well. Call (949) 646-8845 for information.

A new feature at the Dungan Library is the Film Club every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. During May, come watch and discuss 1920s and ‘30s films. Later months will feature films from later decades. This is a free event.

A part of the Film Club is the Family Film section. Again, for the month of May, 1920s and ‘30s films will be shown and discussed. This will occur at 4 p.m. Thursdays.

It is Bike Month. Come and learn all about the mechanics of bikes with a local expert bike mechanic. He’ll demonstrate how to change a tire, adjust brakes and more. This bike workshop will be held at 6 p.m. May 19.

Don’t forget the Toddler Storytime at 11 a.m. May 19.

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At the Mesa Verde Library

In “Alligators to Zebras,” at 1 p.m. May 24, children will learn American Sign Language words in fun songs. This is a family program — all ages are welcome — presented by Georgia Frawley of Dream Shapers. For information on this and other programs, call (714) 546-5274.

Preschool Storytime at 11 a.m. and Preschool Craftivity at 11:30 a.m. are regular Tuesday events at this library.

Does your teen need community service hours for school requirements? If so, check out the library as a place to do it. Hours depend on the student’s availability. This is only for school requirements, not court-ordered community service. Teens must sign up for an orientation, at 10 a.m. June 8, 9 a.m. June 14 or 4 p.m. June 18.

Remember the Friends of the Library Book Club at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month. The current book being discussed is “Life After Life,” by Kate Atkinson. The club meets at the Friends bookstore behind the Mesa Verde Library.

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At the Costa Mesa Technology Library

If you need instruction in basic computer skills, volunteers at this library will give one-on-one attention from 4 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information, call (949) 515-3970.

All three libraries will be closed May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.

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.