Friends of the Library: Beginners, sign up for workshop

The Costa Mesa Library Foundation this year is sponsoring a “Beginning Writers Workshop.” Three scheduled sessions will help those aspiring to be authors learn what is required.

The first session will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m April 19, at the Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa. In “Planning Plotlines,” author Aileen Baron will explain the creative process, how to determine what comes first, and how to pull the plot together.

Baron is a professor of anthropology at Cal State Fullerton. Her field work has taken her all over the world. Her “Archaeological Mystery” series is a success because she follows a basic rule for authors: write about something you know.

Later sessions, “Creating Characters” and “Finding an Agent,” will be given by Dr. Robert Sassone and Jeri Westerson on May 24 and June 21, respectively. The cost is $25 per workshop, but $65 if you sign up for all three all three sessions. Register online at https://www.costamesalibraryfoundation.org.

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Remember to sign up for ‘Literary Orange’

Join a friend — or a bunch of them — and attend “Literary Orange” on April 14. There will be 14 different panels on as many book types, plus two great keynote speakers: Paula McLain and Lisa See.

A continental breakfast and a lunch is provided as you attend sessions, check out the books on display, buy copies and talk to their authors while they sign them.

It costs $60 to register by Tuesday (students with ID and active-duty military pay $25). A warning: Onsite registration can only be paid by check or with cash. Call (949) 824-4651 for more information.

But do attend. It is worth it.

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At the Mesa Verde Library...

Children ages 3 and older can enjoy Pajama Storytime from 7 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday. There will be stories, finger plays and music.

I have just finished reading a delightful autobiography, “Old Books, Rare Friends” by Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern, rare book dealers in New York. Both ladies lived into their mid- to late 90s.

This is where I remind you that the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries have a “Collectible Books” section at the Mesa Verde Bookstore. The books are listed on the Friends website as well as a list at the store with information about the condition of the books. can’t guarantee you will live into your 90s if you buy some of them, but you should at least enjoy reading the books you get.

On Saturday and Sunday, some books will be priced at “Buck-a-Bag.”

The Mesa Verde branch is at 2969 Mesa Verde Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information, call (714) 546-5274.

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At the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library...

Toddler Storytime is at 11 a.m. Mondays, and Bilingual Storytime is 2 p.m. April 19.

Don’t forget that this library offers a U.S. passport service, including passport photo service, from 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Remember to bring your checkbook in order to pay for the passport.

The Donald Dungan branch is at 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa. For more information, call (949) 646-8845.

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At the Costa Mesa Technology Library...

The Costa Mesa Technology Library houses a modest collection of technology-related books and magazines, paperbacks for children and young adults, a best-seller rental collection, and local and regional newspapers.

The branch has 23 public Internet workstations and one Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) to search and request materials from the Orange County Public Libraries system.

Computer training is currently being offered on searching the OPAC, subscription databases, email, and searching the world wide web. Registration is limited to one session per week up to a maximum of four sessions.

To register, or for more information, call (714) 754-4431 and ask to speak with Don Witt. The Costa Mesa Technology Library is at 3033 S. Bristol St., Suite Q.

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.