Mesa Public Library Launches Mesa Reads Together: A Community-Wide Reading Event

Mesa Public Library invites the community to participate in Mesa Reads Together, the City's first-ever community-wide reading initiative that brings residents together around a shared story.

This year's selected title is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, an internationally bestselling novel that explores choices, regrets and the possibilities of life. The community read runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.

"Mesa Reads Together supports our 2025 Mesa Reads initiative, which promotes literacy and encourages residents to make reading a part of daily life," said Library Director Polly Bonnett. "We believe in the power of reading to transform lives and spark meaningful conversations. By coming together around one book, we create opportunities for connection, discussion and a stronger community."

How to Participate
All community members are welcome to participate, though The Midnight Library is geared toward adult readers. Participants can track their minutes using the Beanstack app to help Mesa reach its goal of 15 million minutes read in 2025. Participants who log minutes and complete challenges in Beanstack will be eligible for monthly prize drawings.

Book Availability
Free copies of The Midnight Library are available at service desks in all full-service Mesa Public Library branches, while supplies last. Copies will also be distributed at the Mesa Express Library and the Read Runner bookmobile when staff are on-site. Limit one per household.

The book is also available for checkout through the library's catalog, with extra copies in e-book and e-audiobook formats through cloudLibrary beginning Nov. 1.

Programs and events
Mesa Reads Together will feature a variety of programs at all library branches, including book discussions, creative workshops and events centered on the book's themes of mental health, resilience and life choices. Among the planned events are:

A Book of Possibilities
Monday, Nov. 3, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Dobson Ranch Library, 2425 S. Dobson Road.
Using collage, writing and drawing, attendees can craft their own book of possibilities while reflecting on paths they've chosen and dreams they'd like to pursue.

Steps in the Sand: How to Help a Grieving Friend
Thursday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Main Library, 64 E. First St.
Author Michelle Cleveland, founder of the nonprofit Project 24 Seven, shares compassionate strategies for supporting friends through grief.

Kindness Rocks
Thursday, Nov. 20, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road.
Attendees of all ages can decorate a rock with uplifting messages or designs to spread positivity and gratitude.

A full list of events can be found in the library's online events calendar.

Get Your Library Card
A library card is not required to attend Mesa Reads Together programs. However, a card is necessary to check out print, e-book or e-audiobook copies of the novel. Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, attends school or owns property in Maricopa County. New members can apply in person with photo ID or sign up online for an e-card. For more information, please visit mesalibrary.org.