Friends of the Libraries: Why is California so crazy?
A reminder that the next program of the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries Speaker Series will occur Saturday at 6 p.m. when Laer Pearce will discuss his book, “Crazifornia: Tales From the Tarnished State — How California Is Destroying Itself and Why It Matters to America.”
Pearce, a public affairs expert and Orange County author, will discuss the topic with a sense of humor. The lecture, book signing and more will be held at the Mesa Verde United Methodist Church at 1701 Baker St., on the corner of Baker and Mesa Verde Drive East.
RSVP to Bob Ooten at (714) 545-9613 or bobbyooten@aol.com. Light refreshments will be served. This free event is open to members and non-members. Donations to the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries will be accepted.
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Students Honored
The Costa Mesa Library Foundation recently honored young winners of an essay, photo and video contest open to Costa Mesa students.
Students responded to the question, “What is my favorite place in Costa Mesa?” Favorite places ranged from the youth center at Vanguard University to Talbert Regional Park, Fairview Park, South Coast Repertory, Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and more.
The awards dinner was held Oct. 23 at Orange Coast College’s Captain’s Table Restaurant. The photos and essays are on display at City Hall for the month of November.
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At the Mesa Verde Library
Mesa Verde Library’s branch manager Tracy Li reports that two special programs last month were a great success — both the Oct. 5 Star Wars Reads Day and the Oct. 24 costume parade event were very well attended.
As for upcoming events, on Tuesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m., there will be stories, songs and activities for preschoolers (ages 3 to 5). Activities may include simple crafts, games or outdoor fun (like bubble days). Toddlers are welcome, with an accompanying adult, of course. Older siblings are also welcome. Registration is not required.
And if you are still struggling with learning how to download eBooks and eAudiobooks to your tablet, e-reader, smart phone, MP3 player or other mobile device, make an appointment to receive one-on-one instruction every Monday and Wednesday starting at 9:15 a.m.
If this time is not convenient for you, call (714) 546-5274 to inquire about other scheduling options.
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At the Costa Mesa/Donald Dungan Library
On Nov. 15 and 22 at 1 p.m., take advantage of the Tai Chi class that will be held on either the patio or in the community room, depending on the weather.
The Romance Book Club will meet at 2 p.m. Nov. 20. The book being discussed at every month’s session will be available at the checkout desk. Contact Samantha at (949) 646-8845 for details.
Bilingual (English and Spanish) Preschool Storytime meets Mondays at 9:30 a.m. As this is before the library opens, you need to knock on the door to be admitted. Toddler Storytime is also on Mondays, but at 11 a.m.
A family activity program with some Thanksgiving-themed crafts will meet on Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. And Duplo Day will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays.
A number of programs in our Costa Mesa libraries are geared to encourage parents and children to read and play together. Along these lines, there is a course being offered free to Orange County parents and caregivers of children 13 to 18 years of age that provides easy-to-learn techniques to help with parenting challenges.
Called Common Sense Parenting, the classes are held on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Call Phuong at (714) 474-5706 for more information.
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At the Costa Mesa Technology Library
Branch manager Nadya Iotova reports that the library has received a $5,000 grant for more computers and will soon be able to provide access to Ancestry.com for family research.
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At all Costa Mesa libraries
Titles for the next three Summer Reading Programs have been announced. In 2014, the title will be “Paws to Read”; in 2015, “Read for the Rhythm”; and in 2016, “Sports and Teams” to coincide with the Summer Olympics.
Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28, the libraries will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. May you have the opportunity to enjoy these days with family and friends.
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.