Newsletter February 2026
Teen Maker Space
Calling all creative teens! Join us Wednesday, February 4 from 4-5 pm in
the Friends Storytime Room for our Teen Maker Space. Once a month, we showcase ways you can use your creativity to express yourself using different mediums and supplies. You can then take home your projects to show off to friends and family. This month’s activity is Perler Beads crafts.
To see our full schedule of February programs, visit cityofmissionviejo.org/event-category/library-programs.
Cafecito con Chisme: Conversaciones en Español
Adults 25 and older are invited to join us for a program where anyone who speaks Spanish or wants to practice their Spanish can come together for friendly conversation. This informal dialogue space encourages participants to discuss topics that spark their interest, from books and current events to lighthearted gossip about work or neighbors but always in a positive and anonymous atmosphere.
This free program takes place in the Friends Storytime Room on Monday, February 2 from 6-7 pm.
Invitamos a los adultos mayores de 25 años a que los acompañen a un programa en el que cualquier persona que hable español o quiera practicarlo puede reunirse para mantener una conversación amistosa. Este espacio de diálogo informal anima a los participantes a debatir temas que les interesen, desde libros y actualidad hasta chismes ligeros sobre el trabajo o los vecinos, pero siempre en un ambiente positivo y anónimo.
Este programa gratis será ofrecido en la sala Friends Storytime el lunes 2 de febrero de 6 a 7 de la tarde.
STEAM-Powered Program
Science, technology, engineering, art, and math! These are all things that power our world. Join our STEAM-Powered Program from 3:30-4:30 pm Thursday, February 5 in the Friends Storytime Room to learn how. You will learn about a different topic every month and participate in a fun craft based on the subject. This month's craft is candy heart launchers – where we will learn how to use Newton’s Laws of Motion to help celebrate Valentine’s Day!
To see our full schedule of February programs, visit cityofmissionviejo.org/event-category/library-programs.
Pokémon Class!
If you want to be the best, join our Pokémon Class from 3:30-4:30 pm Thursday, February 12 in the Friends Storytime Room where we will show you the basics of how to play the Pokémon card game. We will explain the different rules and history of the game as well as a variety of strategies. Players of all levels are welcome. Come by to play and show off your collection to other fans of the game. Training decks will be available for first-time players, so we hope to see you there.
To see our full schedule of February programs, visit cityofmissionviejo.org/event-category/library-programs.
Computer Basics 101
Join us for Computer Basics 101, an informative class designed for adult beginners and seniors looking to build their confidence with technology. In this hands-on program, you will learn the essentials of using a computer including how to set up and manage email accounts, navigate USB drives, and understand basic key features of computer science. This month we will learn how to create and utilize a Gmail account.
Contact libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org or 949-452-8342 to sign up.
This program is from 10-11 am February 8 and February 22 in the library’s Heritage Room.
Local History Display – Mission Viejo Celebrates the US Bicentennial, 1976
The library’s local history collection is kicking off the America 250 celebrations with a patriotic display. Currently on display through mid-February, patrons of all ages are invited to view a photo montage of Mission Viejo’s celebration of our country’s bicentennial on July 4, 1976. The local history display can be found in the southeast corner of the library, so be sure to take a look – you might spot someone you know!
Beginning Genealogy
Get started with your family research by registering for Beginning Genealogy on February 19. Now is the perfect time to find out more about you and your ancestors!
Presented by the South Orange County California Genealogical Society, the free single-session class is from 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom.
You will learn about the available resources to help you trace your family back through generations, while identifying some of the best tools and methods for uncovering your roots. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and desire to discover.
Space is limited, so register soon to secure your spot. Learn more at SOCCGS.org.
‘A Grave Situation: Learning About Ancestors Through Burial Activities and Records’
Cemetery and death records can bring our deceased ancestors “to life,” and speaker Jean Wilcox Hibben will help you fine tune your research. Learn where to locate death information and what to take, do and plan for if conducting an onsite visit.
This free presentation is at 10 am on Saturday, February 21 at the Mission Viejo Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 27976 Marguerite Parkway. No registration is needed.
About the speaker: Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, a former Southern California college speech professor, is a national speaker and author. A member of DAR, she is the former director and current family history consultant for the Corona, CA FamilySearch Center. She worked on background research for two genealogy television programs and was a host for podcasts on social history. A former board-certified genealogist with more than 45 years of research experience, she writes the “Aunty Jeff” column for the Informer, the newsletter of the Jefferson County NY Genealogical Society. More about her work is available on her website at circlemending.org.
The South Orange County California Genealogical Society’s Genealogy Research Center in the Mission Viejo Library is open six days a week with docents available to help you. Visit soccgs.org/library-hours for current hours.