Friends of the Libraries: Calling all local authors

I know there are a lot of published authors in Costa Mesa. I decided I wanted to find out who they all are, and searched my browser for a nice little list. Not so easy.

So I am going to cheat and ask you for a list of those you know about.

Why am I doing this? Simple! It might be fun to read some of these books. And maybe we can give some credit to “our own.”

Send your contributions to: costamesalibr@gmail.com.

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Visit used bookstores

This is another reminder that the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries group has two used bookstores ready to serve you. The larger of the two is behind the Mesa Verde Library in a separate building. It is open from 1 to 4 p.m. daily except Monday.

Most books are $1 or less, though there are some special books at collector prices. They carry gems labeled “Books to Read to Children” which, obviously, can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you are the reader or being read to. Books also are available for sale on carts outside the front library doors.

The volunteer staff of the much smaller bookstore in the Donald Dungan Library has recently added new stock — so much so that at least half of the books were not there the week before. So, if you didn’t find what you were looking for last week, come back and try your luck again.

The store is open every day but Friday and Sunday, but a wall of books is available for your selection whenever the library is open.

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Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library

At 11 a.m. Monday, the 2012 Summer Reading Program Grand Finale for this library will feature Sandy Lynn’s Musical Barnyard Extravaganza — Animal Show.

This combination petting zoo and musical performance will take place outdoors and is sure to please the whole family. Call (949) 646-8845 for more information. The library is at 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa.

The Mystery Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month in the library’s community room.

On Tuesday, “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith, the first book of a very popular series, will be discussed.

The Costa Mesa Book Club will meet Aug. 6 to discuss “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl.

This book, published in 1946, chronicles Frankl’s experiences as an inmate of a World War II concentration camp and his method of finding a reason to live. At the time of the author’s death in 1997, the book had sold more than 10 million copies and had been translated into 24 languages.

Copies of discussion group books are available at the checkout desk during the month leading up to the book club. The book clubs are free and anyone can join.

A fun Movie Night for those 18 and older will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 8. Call (949) 646-8845 for further information, including the movie title.

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Mesa Verde Library

The summer Reading Programs for Children, Teens and Adults will end July 31.

There are still a few days left to earn prizes for reading. Also, children may enter a raffle for a chance to win a new book, toys, stationery and other goodies. See the Children’s desk for details, or call (714) 546-5274. The library is at 2969 Mesa Verde Drive East.

The last invited performer for the library’s Summer Reading Program will be percussionist Marcus Miller. At 1 p.m. Tuesday, Miller will present a hands-on, interactive workshop featuring instruments and rhythms from around the world.

Children will be introduced to the importance, role and history of drumming in different cultures. All are welcome to this free program, which will take place outside the library, on the grass.

Both libraries usually have work by local artists on display. Linda F. Leydekkers’ art will be at the Mesa Verde Library until the end of the month.

While you are there, ask whose art is scheduled to be there in August, and make it a monthly event to view it. Let’s appreciate our local talent.

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.