Reading is a great way to spend the summer! Sign up for Summer Reading online or at any Mesa County Libraries location. All ages are welcome, and it's free of charge!

Upcoming special events include:

Families will be amazed by "The New Mexico Yo-Yo Slinger" Luke Renner as he performs yo-yo tricks this summer! Performances are a combination of expert skill on a string with a magical touch.

Meet The LEGO Guy, Curtis Mork! He'll teach children a little bit about the history of LEGO, and encourage them to use their imagination, problem-solving skills, and teamwork to build LEGO challenges. Choose one session to attend:

Find plenty more summer fun at the library on the Event Calendar!

When a local rancher puts in a contract for the rehabilitation of a ditch, research comes up that’s thrilling enough for a movie script. Local researcher Nicki Inman tells the interesting story of an otherwise insignificant ditch.

Space is limited, and registration is required via the online Event Calendar.

This class will counterpose the variety of digital cameras available today while unpacking some of the mysterious terminology associated with them so you can decide if it's time to upgrade from your phone camera. Learn some basic yet foundational photographic principles and tips on choosing the right camera based on your creative needs and affordability. Questions and dialogue will be welcomed throughout the class.

The class is hosted by photographer Kyle Webb, a former Mesa County Libraries Artist in Residence.

Mesa County Libraries depend on volunteers throughout the library system's eight locations. As a volunteer you will take an active part in your community, gain useful skills or use your current skills, and meet new and interesting people.

Our current openings include:

•Outdoor Storytime Assistant

•Novel Idea Kiosk Clerk

•Book Sale Clerk

•Fruita Branch Volunteer

All Mesa County Libraries locations will be closed Monday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday.

Branch libraries in Collbran, De Beque, Orchard Mesa, and Palisade will be closed Saturday, June 17, in observance of the holiday.

Also, please note that all library locations will be closed Tuesday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday.

During the holidays, patrons can visit the library’s website to place holds, renew materials, and use eResources such as Mango Languages, LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda), the OverDrive/Libby Digital Library, Hoopla, and Kanopy.

Don’t forget: Summer Reading is in full swing and lasts through Saturday, July 15. Sign up online or visit your nearest library location for more information!

A complete list of library locations and hours is available here.

The new Clifton Branch Library is getting closer to completion each day. Currently, the building is approximately 70% complete.  

During the past month, interior work has continued, with the last of the drywall and interior doors installed by the end of May and many spaces throughout the new branch now being painted. Windows throughout the library and exterior doors will also be installed this month.  

Eleven students graduating from the Career Online High School and GED programs at Mesa County Libraries were honored in a ceremony May 24 at the Central Library in Grand Junction.

The graduates completed educational programs available through the library. Career Online High School is an accredited program designed for adults who want to advance their education and pursue career training. The GED program prepares students to successfully complete the GED test and receive their General Education Diplomas.

Ceramic artist Hannah Martin is the new Mesa County Libraries Artist in Residence through Aug. 7. Hannah began working with clay in 2014 and earned her BFA from Colorado Mesa University in 2019. Her work is about how we explore nostalgia and language through the lens of pop culture and whimsy.

Hannah’s Meet & Greets happen every Tuesday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. The public is welcome to drop in anytime during these hours to chat with Hannah about ceramics, art, or pop culture.

For more information and additional programs click here.

The current temporary art display at the Central Library has been created by artists participating in the library’s Artist in Residence program. By the end of 2023, Mesa County Libraries will have hosted 22 local artists in the Artist in Residence program, which aims to support the endeavors of local artists who connect and engage the community with a variety of arts. The artwork will be on display through July 6 in the Central Library’s east hallway.

Starting Monday, June 12, a Call for Artists will be open on the library website for commissions and completed artwork to be publicly displayed at the new Clifton Branch Library! Artists are invited to submit an application with a proposed sketch, medium, cost, and dimensions.

10 a.m. - Noon. Friday, July 7

Fruita Branch Library

Central Library

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