Friends of the Libraries: Lobby for your dream library
What do you think should be included in a public library in Costa Mesa? Have you seen something elsewhere that appeals to you?
You have a chance to have your idea heard at a community meeting with the architect working on the preliminary design, as plans to renovate the Neighborhood Community Center building as the new Donald Dungan Library proceed. As part of the plan, the current library building will be repurposed as a community center.
The meeting will be held March 5 at the community center, 1845 Park Ave.
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The Favorite Teacher Award
If you have a favorite teacher, one who is currently teaching in a public or private primary, middle or high school in Costa Mesa, you can nominate that person for an award.
The Costa Mesa Library Foundation, in cooperation with the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, will be giving this award on May 9. Nomination forms are available in the three Costa Mesa libraries and the Chamber of Commerce office as well as at CostaMesaLibraryFoundation.com.
Those submitting a form must say why the nominated person is a favorite teacher, what he or she does that is special, and what he or she does to make learning fun. Completed forms should be taken to one of the three Costa Mesa libraries or the chamber or emailed to cmlibraryfoundation@gmail.com. Former finalists are not eligible for nomination. The deadline for submission is April 6.
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At the Mesa Verde Library
Learn how to create apps and games during Teen Tech Week, which is being held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 9 to 13.
The Mesa Verde Library will be hosting the Hour of Code, which is being brought to the library through the OC Public Libraries Mobile Media Lab.
Youths will learn how to create digital ice magic with Anna and Elsa of Disney’s “Frozen,” play games to learn programming language and create mobile games and apps. This free program is open to children ages 10 to 18. Because space is limited, call (714) 546-5274 or stop by to register. Some activities may require headphones.
Bring your preschoolers for a unique blend of traditional and digital stories, along with finger plays and songs, Tuesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Though this story time is meant for those ages 2 to 5, toddlers are welcome with an accompanying adult. Older siblings are also welcome.
Immediately following this program will be a half hour of crafts, games or outdoor fun like playing with bubbles, going on a scavenger hunt or writing with chalk.
Afternoon Storytime, from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, is tailored for children ages 7 and younger. Again, this is a mix of traditional and digital stories with songs and more.
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At the Donald Dungan Library
It is Dr. Seuss Storytime again from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m March 7.
Besides listening to Dr. Seuss stories, children and their families will be encouraged to make personalized bookmarks, buttons and funny hats to take home. Also featured will be speed-reading games and coloring fun with members of Phi Beta Phi.
Join Mr. Erik for stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and more at Toddler Storytime at 11 a.m. March 2 and 9. Toddlers and preschoolers are welcome, and no registration is required.
The second session of the MATHmania Robotics class is titled Demolition Derby. It is to be held on Feb. 28 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. This class requires registration, so call the library at (949) 646-8845 for more information.
The Book Club will be discussing “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress” by Dai Sijie on March 2 at 6:30 p.m.
The Bilingual Conversation Group will be practicing Spanish and English at 6 p.m. March 5 and 12.
Woody Allen films will be shown at 6:30 p.m. March 3 and 10. Family films will be shown at 3:30 p.m. March 5 and 12.
Children and their families are invited to read to licensed therapy dogs on March 7 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Duplo Day is on Tuesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. Join your children, and create a figment of your imagination.
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.