Groundbreaking for the long-planned Clifton Branch Library is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 3270 D 1/2 Road, next to Rocky Mountain Elementary School.

At 17,800 square feet, the new library will be approximately three times as large as the current Clifton Branch. Among its features will be dedicated areas for children and teens, a community meeting room, a number of study rooms, and an area for quiet reading and relaxation. Completion is expected in 2023.

Construction of the new Clifton Branch is projected to cost $11.5 million, with $8 million of that amount provided by the Mesa County Public Library District and $3.5 million to be raised by the Mesa County Libraries Foundation.

Those who attend the groundbreaking are asked to park on D 1/2 Road.

Artwork is being sought for the Mesa County Libraries Comic Con Juried Art Show, to be displayed September 2 to October 27 at the Central Library in downtown Grand Junction. There are three age categories for artists (11 and under, 12-18, and 19 and older) and prizes will be awarded in each age group.

Community organizer and slam poet activist Caleb Ferganchick (he/they) will be the new 970West Artist in Residence at Mesa County Libraries starting August 22.

During their residency, Caleb will be introducing poetic devices and providing help for poetic reading.

His Meet and Greet hours will be 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, August 22 through November 28. Stop by to talk with Caleb about his work or even book a session to receive help with recording your poetry!

Join us as Colorado-based garden designer and author Kenton J. Seth presents on crevice gardens!

Crevice gardens are a unique style of gardening that places plants next to rocks to create an attractive, water-efficient environment.

Events are scheduled at the Fruita Branch (5 p.m. Tuesday, August 9) and at the Central Library (5 p.m. Thursday, August 11). Registration is required. Head over to our Event Calendar to register.

Each year, Summer Reading at Mesa County Libraries encourages children, teens, and adults to read for fun and keep learning skills sharp.

Now that Summer Reading has officially ended, we are asking participants to help evaluate the effectiveness of Summer Reading by completing this short survey. The information provided through this survey will help us as we look ahead to Summer Reading next year.

Did we mention that you can win a prize by taking the survey? Thanks to the generosity of Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply, one lucky patron who completes our survey will win a trampoline! If you wish to be entered into the drawing for the trampoline, please give your name and phone number at the end of the survey. Otherwise, your answers are anonymous.

Please complete your survey by Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022.

Join Mesa County Libraries for Books on Tap! Rotating through a few of the great breweries in the Grand Valley, we'll gather on the second Thursday of the month at a local brewery to discuss what books we're currently reading.

5:30 p.m. Thursday, August 11, we will meet at Base Camp Beer Works — formerly known as Monumental Beer Works — (2575 Highway 6 & 50, Grand Junction)

You're welcome to enjoy a cold brew during conversation, but it's not required.

Glenn Whitaker, retired trial attorney with 44 years of experience, will take a look at the history of the U.S. Supreme Court and how politics have influenced its decisions, including a look at the current court and the decisions which have made many members of the public believe that the court is more political than ever.

This event is scheduled for noon Thursday, August 11, at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St.

Registration for this event is required. Head over to our Event Calendar to register.

Join us at 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St., to learn about the impact of Alzheimer's, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, disease stages and risk factors, current research and treatments to address some symptoms, and Alzheimer's Association resources.

Located at the future site of the mining town of Uravan, the Club Ranch was a large ranching operation which became well-known across western Colorado. Librarian and historian Ike Rakiecki will give a presentation exploring the ranch's origins and history.

This presentation is scheduled for noon Thursday, August 18, at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St.

Registration for this event is required. Register on our Event Calendar.

Join us at 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 24, at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St., to gain a further understanding of the various indoor invasions by arthropods and learn about the biology, bizarre behaviors, and identifying features of some of the most common species.

Registration for this event is required. Register on our Events Calendar.

Join us as biking enthusiast Kevin Sperle presents an overview of common areas and trails in and around the Grand Valley for all levels of mountain biking.

Information about the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trails Association (COPMOBA), trail building, stewardship, and volunteer efforts will be presented.

This presentation happens at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at the Clifton Branch, 590 32 Road.

Join us every fourth Tuesday of the month at the Clifton Branch, 590 32 Road, from 5 to 6 p.m. to discuss movies that coincide with the chosen movie theme of the month!

This month, come prepared to discuss your favorite movie based on a book!

Holly "Sonny" Shelton from the Dominquez Archaeological Research Group (DARG) will be presenting on investigations about the complex relationship of bison and humans specific to western Colorado.

The presentation -- which happens at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 13, at the Collbran Congregational Church, 2003 High St. -- will include discussion of known and recent discoveries and explore how the collected data has expanded our knowledge of human/bison interaction in western Colorado. An interactive display of bison skulls, bones, furs, artifacts, and research tools will include a microscope you can use to examine a culturally modified bison bone!

This presentation is designed especially to welcome children and teens as DARG is dedicated to encouraging youth to participate in STEM activities.

Contact Mesa County Libraries at 970-243-4442 or visit mesacountylibraries.org