Friends of the Library: Don’t forget about Literary Orange event
It is time to remind you to sign up for this year’s Literary Orange 2012 event, to be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 14 at the UC Irvine Student Center.
The keynote speakers will be Paula McLain and Lisa See. There will be sessions on everything from fantasy, fiction and mystery to poetry, science fiction, history and more.
They have kept the cost low again this year — $60, which includes your breakfast and lunch. I have really enjoyed each of these events I’ve attended, and I encourage you to attend as well.
For more information and to make reservations, call (949) 824-4651, or go to https://www.literaryorange.org.
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Think about a Library Master Plan
When people think of our local libraries, they probably first think of books, then recorded information such as musical CDs, movie DVDs, computers for Internet access, etc. The truth is that libraries are all these things, but the most important thing to realize is that libraries are undergoing radical and rapid changes in how they provide services.
In addition, our Costa Mesa demographics are changing. Our facilities are aging — and small. And though more services are provided electronically, there hasn’t been a decrease in “regular” service needs. Therefore, to plan realistically for the next 10 or 20 years, we need a well-thought-out plan produced by people who understand the future of libraries, as well as a survey of our community to determine local needs. All of this — and more — should be included in a Library Master Plan for Costa Mesa.
Think about what you want in your Costa Mesa libraries. And let people know. Let our City Council know. Talk to your neighbors, friends and relatives.
Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
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At the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
Over the years, origami has proven to be a very popular activity for both adults and children.
Come to the library March 31 for a free origami workshop for families. This is a “hands-on” workshop, and you will learn to make fun paper crafts. This free program begins at 2 p.m. in the library’s community room.
The Mystery Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month in the library’s community room. For the past few months, the Mystery Book Club has been reading books by popular male mystery authors.
They started off with a male mystery author from the 1930s, and continued on with an author from the 1960s, and are now reading a current mystery author. On Tuesday, the group will be discussing “The Black Echo” by Michael Connelly.
The Costa Mesa Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of the month in the library’s community room. The upcoming meeting, on April 2, will be especially exciting as Eleanor Brown, the author of this month’s book “The Weird Sisters,” will be calling into the book club and chatting with members. This special treat is not to be missed.
Both of these book clubs are free to attend, and they are always looking for new members. Books are available at the check-out desk during the month leading up to the book club.
Remember, Toddler Storytime is held at 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Bilingual Storytime is at 2 p.m. Thursdays. Both events are free.
For more information, call (949) 646-8845. The Donald Dungan Library is at 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa.
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At the Mesa Verde Library
The Mesa Verde Library will be celebrating Patron Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 11. This is a good opportunity to chat with your library staff. Light refreshments will be served.
Photographs by Ginny McNeill are on display at the library through April.
You still have time (through the end of March) to enter the children’s raffle for a chance to win a new book, toys, stationery and other goodies. See the Children’s Desk at the library for details.
And remember that Preschool Storytime is from 11 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday, and Pajama Storytime is from 7 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday.
Call the library at (714) 546-5274 for additional details. The library is at 2969 Mesa Verde Drive, Costa Mesa.
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 Orange County Public Libraries.