We’re back sharing the best libraries for kids across the East Valley. And today, I’m asking–Is there anything better than a shaded playground next to a library?
If you live or spend time in west Mesa, you’ll want to check out the Mesa Public Library Dobson Ranch location! Situated on Dobson Rd between Baseline and Guadalupe, the whole family can easily spend an entire morning at this library.
Through the end of July, they will also have free lunch at the library available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays paired with an engaging activity!
And, no, you don’t need to live in Mesa to enjoy everything this library has to offer! Keep reading to learn more about all of the FREE things you can do at this unique location.
XO,
Desa Rae
Why should I check out this location?
Between the library events and nearby amenities, there is something to do for all ages. The library is right beside Dobson Ranch Park which has a large, shaded playground!
The park overlooks Dobson Ranch Lake which my kids always ask to walk by to see the ducks. On our walk we always stop to read the StoryWalk signs along the path which are regularly updated with new picture book stories.
In addition to the playground, there are basketball courts available for older kids and shaded picnic tables overlooking the lake which is the perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch!
Where is the kids’ section?
When you walk through the main doors of the library, the kids’ section will be on your left. There are two computers with kids’ games, a toddler-sized table, puppet show theater, a board book area and picture books.
Most events take place in the Dobson Meeting Room which is in a separate building just North of the library’s main doors. You’ll find this room directly beside the public restrooms.
Things to do with kids under age 5
For infants up to 16 months, this location holds a Baby Lapsit event on Wednesday mornings. This is a fun way to expose your baby to new sights and sounds for 30 minutes.
Toddlers between 16-36 months have an upbeat half an hour of Toddlertime on Thursday mornings where they get to dance, read, and play. My son loves that they play a lot of the same songs each week and often asks me to play them on our speaker at home.
Preschoolers will enjoy attending the 1-hour Tinkering for Toddlers event once a month which is a STEAM-based storytime for ages 2-4. Preschool Storytime on Tuesday mornings focuses more on learning numbers, letters and words over a fun 30-minutes for ages 3-5.
For all kids 0-5, check out the 1-hour Literacy Thru Drama event with Mesa Arts Center on the first Friday of the month where your child can help bring picture book stories to life! The first Wednesday of the month, enjoy a movie and related craft in the afternoon.
Things to do with school-aged kids (5-12 years)
Events for this group are usually held on Saturdays once per month.
If your child loves to LEGO® blocks or DUPLO® bricks, check out the Building Blocks Club. Materials are provided!
Tweens (8-12 years) who love reading fantasy can join the Fantasy Book Club. If your tween loves to write, there is a Creative Writing Club available too!
Things to do with teens (13-18 years)
This library hosts Teen Time 1-2 times per month where your teen can learn how to use different equipment (e.g. 3D printers), make a unique creation (e.g. upcycle a T-shirt into a tote bag) or just play video games with other teens! A separate Teen Craft Night is held once per month.
If your teen is interested in using special equipment outside of library hours, THINKSPOT is a program that offers access to equipment by reservation. You could reserve a sewing or embroidery machine, podcast kit, photography studio, iMac and more!
Need volunteer hours? The library is always seeking teen volunteers!
If your teen has groupwork, this location has a few study rooms that can hold between 2-6 people which can be reserved in advance.
A couple of other things to know before you go…
There is K-12 free tutoring available from teen volunteers every Saturday from 11-1pm. Kids can get help with math, science, and writing!
Check out a culture pass to gain FREE admission to several local organizations.
You don’t have to live in Mesa to request a library card. If you do check out books, this library does charge $1 per book that you place on hold and don’t pick up. I learned this the hard way!
All Mesa Public Libraries are closed on Sundays. Mesa Public Library has two other full-service locations and an express library (also with a shaded park adjoining it).
The best way to stay connected on the latest news and events is to sign-up to receive the library’s newsletter. I hope to see you playing at the Mesa Public Library soon!
If you missed our first library review, see my hacks and tips for the downtown Chandler library here.
