Friends of the Libraries: The library will now accept your dreams
“What I want to be when I grow up” is the topic of this year’s essay and photography contests sponsored by the Costa Mesa Library Foundation.
There are two levels for each contest. The essay contest, open to all Costa Mesa elementary and middle schools of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, is for fifth- and sixth-graders and, in the second level, seventh- and eighth-grade students.
In 150 words or less, students are to write about what they want to be when they grow up, why they chose to be this, what will they be doing and how they will be helping others.
Essays are to be typed or neatly written in pen on 8 1/2-by-11 white paper. Any essay that is not legible and doesn’t include answers to all these questions will be disqualified.
The upper-right-hand corner of the essay must include name, age, grade, school and teacher.
Winning essays will be posted on the Costa Mesa Library Foundation and Newport-Mesa district websites and put on display at the Donald Dungan Library, 1855 Park Ave.
Students must turn in their essays to their principals by 4 p.m Oct. 30. Individual entries may be dropped off at the Donald Dungan Library by Oct. 31.
Students in Costa Mesa high schools can enter the photography contest by submitting one 8 1/2-by-11 color photo showing one of the following: someone wearing the uniform of the student’s chosen profession, a place where the student would be working, or something depicting the type of work the student would be doing.
The student’s name, grade, age, teacher and school must be printed on a label and permanently placed on the back of the photograph. Students must turn in entries to their principals by 4 p.m. Oct. 30. Individual entries may be dropped off at the Donald Dungan Library by Oct. 31.
Both contests run from Oct. 20 to 29. A special event will be held for winners and runners-up in each category; cash and prizes will be awarded. For more information, contact library foundation board member Norma Crosby at normacrosby@sbcglobal.net.
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Vacation library visits
I recently returned from a short vacation, a part of which was spent visiting two libraries in Nebraska. In Kearney, my husband and I toured the recently expanded (to 50,000 square feet) building, and expressed lots of oohs and aahs at what we found.
The other library, a fairly small one, was built in Davenport in 1928. Davenport probably had 1,000 people at one time but now is down to 275 people.
My great-grandmother was a member of the Women’s Club that got the library started, and that club was the primary support group for the library until recently, when it disbanded for lack of members.
The library, in a lovely brick building, continues to be open to the public four days a week, 3 1/2 hours each day.
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At the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
Toddler Storytime, for toddlers and preschoolers, will be held from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Monday and Nov. 3.
On Oct. 28, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the 1980s film “Beetlejuice” will be shown. The next week, a film from the ‘90s will be offered.
On Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, from 7 to 7:30 p.m., bring your pajama-clad child to Family Storytime. At 4 p.m. Oct. 30, the family movie will be “The Wizard.” The next week at the same time, a film from the 1990s will be shown. Call (714) 546-5274 for upcoming titles.
On Oct. 31 at 11 a.m., children have the chance to come to the library dressed in their costumes for the annual Halloween Storytime. They can enjoy a spooky story, a craft or two and a tasty treat.
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At the Mesa Verde Library
Preschool Storytime at 11 a.m. will be followed at 11:30 a.m. by Preschool Craftivity on Tuesday and Nov. 4.
On Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, at 1:30 p.m., Afternoon Storytime will be followed at 2 p.m. by Afternoon Craftivity.
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.