Mesa County Libraries plan to reopen library buildings to public visits starting Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The eight library locations will be open on their regular daily schedules, except that the Central Library will be closed Sundays until fall 2021. As library buildings reopen, some services and programs will be limited or unavailable due to pandemic-related precautions.

We've teamed up with Food Bank of the Rockies to bring you delicious and nutritious after-school snacks. Children 18 and under are invited to pick up and take home free prepackaged snacks from 3 - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St., and Clifton Branch, 590 32 Road, locations!

Parents can grab these snacks without children present. Snacks are available until the end of the school year.

Video games have been popular for years among children and teens, and many parents have reasonable concerns about screen time and the issues with it. Yet there is a new study suggesting that video games provide a welcome doorway for reluctant readers, who often read blogs or books related to their favorite video games. The study says video games encourage positive communication with family and friends and can increase empathy and support well-being.

No sewing? No problem! Learn how to make your own scrunchies with just a small scrap of fabric. This Take and Make kit is available January 22 - February 5, while supplies last. Reserve a kit when you schedule your next curbside pick-up.

Visit http://bit.ly/MCLTakeMake to follow along with a library staff member as you create your Take and Make.

Join a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with other teens! We will be playing D&D virtually on Roll20. Beginners and experts are welcome! Registration is required to receive the session information. Teens only.

This recurring event takes place at 4 p.m., first Fridays of the month. Visit the Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org to see upcoming events and to register.

Teen Themed Tuesdays take place at 4 p.m., every Tuesday via Zoom.

This event takes place virtually at 4 p.m., Friday, January 29, via Google Meet. Visit the event calendar at mesacountylibraries.org to join.

This event begins at 4 p.m., Friday, January 15, via Google Meet. Visit the Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org to join.

The world’s current situation is forcing so many of us to look at the world in a new way. How can we do our jobs differently? How do we change our home dynamic to fit all of these new structures? While this may be difficult, it can also be a blessing. No matter how many are affected, we can choose to take our time and make the most of the situation in whatever form or means that suit you.

One of the best stress relievers and ways to spend extra time is to play. Playing is so incredibly important, whether it’s reading, crafting, cooking, games, or anything else that makes you smile.

A prowling wolf is on the hunt for a tasty snack! Will Peter be able to save his animal friends? Find out during "Peter and the Wolf," a puppet show featuring music from composer Sergei Prokofiev!

Check out Story Blocks, which are children's literacy resources for parents, caregivers, and teachers, and Early Literacy Boredom Buster Ideas provided by Mesa County Libraries staff!

What kind of structures can you build with craft sticks, wooden cubes, and plastic cups? Enjoy! This Take and Make kit is available January 22 – February 4, while supplies last. For ages 6-11. Reserve a kit when you schedule your next curbside pickup.

Visit http://bit.ly/MCLTakeMake to follow along with a library staff member as you create your Take and Make.

Mesa County Libraries are offering online programming for your kids. Join us virtually via Zoom 2 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays for a story time intended for children aged 5 and under and their caregivers. Wednesday story times are presented fully or partially in Spanish!

These interactive Virtual Story Times feature stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and other activities which explore the five early literacy practices – read, sing, talk, write, and play. Visit our Event Calendar for information on how to join us via Zoom.

Can’t join us via Zoom? We have Story Time Snippets Live on our Facebook page at 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can also find pre-recorded story times and other kids’ programming on our YouTube channel.

Check our Event Calendar for full list of what's happening at Mesa County Libraries!

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