Friends of the Libraries: The book on public health services
Water, trash pickup and sewers are important functions of public health departments. Yet as long as water continues to run out of the tap when it is turned on, the trash is picked up on a regular basis and the sewers continue to work, sending that not-so-nice stuff away from our homes, we tend to forget about these services.
However, we have all gotten the warning about the water shortage in California, and we have seen instances of aging water and sewer pipes leaking or bursting in cities across the nation. We should all be more concerned with how our local agencies are run and learn more about the people who are running for their boards of directors.
Join the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries for a “Special District Meet and Greet” from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Halecrest Park Swim and Tennis Club, 3107 Killybrook Lane, Costa Mesa. (This program had been scheduled for an earlier date but, due to a conflict, has been changed.) The Mesa Water District, Orange County Water District and Costa Mesa Sanitary District will be represented by candidates for six open seats in the November elections. These are positions that affect your life. RSVP to bobbyooten@aol.com, or call (714) 545-9613.
*
At the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
Make a terrarium with the Adult Services librarian. All supplies will be provided free so that you can take home your very own terrarium garden. The program will be held in the Community Room at 2 p.m. Sept. 22.
In the “Read to a Dog” program, children and their families are invited to read to licensed therapy dogs. You can bring your own favorite book to make it more fun. This activity is scheduled for Saturday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Call the library at (949) 646-8845 for details.
On Sept. 15 and 22 at 11 a.m., join Mr. Erik for a storytime with songs, fingerplays, crafts and more. Children have a chance to practice their motor skills when playing with the Duplo toys on Sept. 16 and 23 between 2 and 6 p.m. Tables are set up in the lobby for family play.
For those who love films produced in the 1970s, this is your month. The film for Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. will be “Dog Day Afternoon.” On Sept. 23, “Annie Hall” will be shown.
The family movies to be shown in this two-week period are “Benji” and “Superman,” at 4 p.m. on Thursdays.
On Sept. 17 and 24, Family Storytime provides an opportunity for children to come in their pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed toy at this “just before bedtime” — 7 to 7:30 p.m. — event.
*
At the Mesa Verde Library
Learn simple physics and engineering by building a roller coaster out of paper. On Sept. 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., enjoy a truly hands-on makerspace program. Kids and teens will build towering structures out of paper and watch marbles race and loop through their creations, having fun while learning about velocity, gravity and basic engineering.
This activity is recommended for ages 8 and up. It doesn’t require advanced paper construction skill, just basic cutting and gluing. This program is limited to 50 participants (not counting parent/guardian). Please call (714) 546-5274 or visit the library to sign up.
Preschool Storytimes will be held at 11 a.m. and Preschool Craftivity at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 16 and 23.
From 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 27, youngsters can practice their reading with specially trained therapy dogs. Reading to a dog has been shown to encourage and improve reading in children. Sessions are one-on-one, between 5 and 10 minutes long, and you can sign up on arrival. This program is open to children of all reading ages (around 5 years and up). Parents can read together with children who aren’t reading yet! This activity occurs the last Saturday of every month.
*
At the Costa Mesa Technology Library
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m., help is available for working on basic computer skills, navigating the Internet, creating and using email accounts, and printing documents, images and more. Call the library at (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.