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Newsletter February 2025

Introducing the new Mission Viejo Library App

library app

The Mission Viejo Library is excited to announce the launch of its new mobile app, now available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to easily search the catalog, place holds, manage their accounts, and store a digital version of their library card. Designed to make library access easier than ever, the app will also introduce new features in the coming months. Download the app today and enjoy your library on the go!

 

Join Us for the Writers Present: Galentine’s Day Romcom Panel

book heart

Celebrate love, laughter, and romance at the Writers Present: Galentine’s Day Romcom Panel. This exciting author event will take place on Saturday, February 8 at 2 pm in the Mission Viejo Council Chamber. Featuring a panel of talented romcom authors — Gigi Blume, Savannah Scott, Kaylee Baldwin, Brittany Larsen, Jenny Proctor and Kate Watson — this delightful afternoon will be filled with engaging discussions about their books, writing processes, and inspirations behind their swoon-worthy stories.
If you want to make it a full day, join us for an optional pre-event mix n’ mingle at the Potocki Center for the Arts, starting at 10 am. Bring your own lunch, connect with fellow book lovers, and chat with the authors before heading to the main event. Books will be sold at the main event, and authors will sign after the presentation. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with your favorite romance writers! For more information about registration, click here or email libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org

 

February Children’s Top 3

child writing

Even though no weekday storytimes are planned in February, Stay and Play is back for another month. Join us for an hour of fun and play at 10:30 am Monday through Thursday. Toddlers can enjoy age-appropriate toys on Mondays and Thursdays while babies enjoy Tuesdays; and preschoolers on Wednesdays. Storytimes will resume in March.

It’s the second half of the school year, so let us help your kids finish strong! Homework Help is a free program that happens every Tuesday at 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Credentialed tutors are on hand to help your student finish their homework in a calm group environment. Parents can sign up students between second and sixth grade by registering online through our Program Calendar.

On Saturday, February 22, build up your child’s confidence with the help of a furry friend! Kids are invited to strengthen their read-aloud skills by reading to Fiona, a trained therapy dog. Bring a book from home or grab one from the library shelves. Paw Readathon is for kids 6 and older. Space is limited. Please register online through our program calendar.

 

Coloring for Adults

colored pencils

Coloring for Adults takes place at the Mission Viejo Library every second Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Friend’s Storytime Room. This month it takes place on February 12. 
 
Join us to reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and exercise your creative side. Coloring for Adults is a free program designed to provide adults with a calm outlet to express their creativity. This program is for adults 18 and older. All supplies are provided and no registration is required.

 

The Mission Viejo Library Writers Group continues to accept new members

writing in a book

We have openings for the monthly Mission Viejo Library Writers Group sessions for Saturday morning and Monday evening. These monthly sessions are focused on sharpening writing skills by applying a gentle but effective critique method facilitated by members of the Southern California Writers Group.

Why not try one of our Mission Viejo Library Writers Group sessions? We meet at the library on the first Saturday of the month from 10 am to noon and the second Monday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Registration is required, and the program is for Orange County residents 18 and older. We work within a code of conduct to facilitate improvement of the writing craft. To register or enquire, contact us at libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org.

 

Seed Library Resource for Pre-Spring planting

seeds

Visit the Mission Viejo Library’s seed library featuring heirloom flower, herb, and fruit and vegetable seeds.

All you need is your library card to take home free seeds. Library staff can answer your non-technical questions about the seed library as well as show you our many resources to help you learn more.

 

Local History Lecture: Mission Viejo and the Juaneño Culture

arrowheads

Join local archeologist Pat Maxon and tribal administrator Joyce Perry on Sunday, February 23 from 2-3 pm in the Council Chamber as they discuss cultural artifacts found while the City of Mission Viejo was developed and how they connect to our past. This program is open to all ages.

 

 

Publishing Your Family History with Diane Henriks presented by the South Orange County California Genealogical Society

soccgs logo

History is a social science, and every person is a part of it.  As we learn about our family members and their experiences, we should share their stories with others.  Join us as we learn how to organize and disseminate our family’s stories to family members and the public to preserve for future generations. 
 
About the speaker: Diane Henriks (also known as the “Descendant Detective” and founder of “Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family”) is a passionate and seasoned professional genealogist, investigator, speaker and author who specializes in descendancy and brick wall research.  Diane has worked with private investigators to find living people.  What started as a small hobby over a decade ago when she received a hand-drawn family tree chart from her father, has since become a great obsession. 
 
This free presentation is at 10 am on Saturday, February 15 at the Mission Viejo Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 27976 Marguerite Parkway. Registration is not required.
 
The SOCCGS Genealogy Research Center located at the Mission Viejo Library is open five days a week with docents available to help you. Visit soccgs.org/library-hours for current hours.