Newsletter June 2023

All ages invited to join Mission Viejo Library’s Summer Reading Program June 15 – July 31.

Studies show that reading for pleasure increases our vocabulary, builds compassion and empathy, and keeps our brains active, so make reading your mission this summer! Keep track of your reading, win prizes, and attend special events as part of the library’s Summer Reading Program.

The library offers a self-guided reading program designed for every age group – from babies to adults – and an exciting lineup of events including storytimes, STEM activities, trivia nights, the return of our Minecraft Box Heads program, and so much more.

Our prizes have been kicked up a notch to include a family four-pack to BubblePop Mission Viejo, KiwiCrate activity boxes, Barnes and Noble gift cards, and more.

The fun starts June 15. For more details and registration, visit this link.

Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale June 9-10

Mark your calendar for the Friends of the Library’s Summer Book Sale June 9-10. The sale takes place near the front entrance of the library.

A variety of nearly new materials for all ages will be on sale including children’s books, art and coffee-table books, cookbooks, gardening, history, travel, and signed books as well as DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records. Prices mostly range from $.50 to $2, and cash and credit cards are accepted for payment. Stop by on Friday, June 9 between 1-4:30 pm and Saturday, June 10 between 10 am – 4 pm to stock up on materials to get you through the summer and support the Mission Viejo Library.

‘What Should I Read Next?’ Presented by Penguin Random House representatives

Back by popular demand is a fun and dynamic event presented by Penguin Random House representatives Wade Lucas and Steve Atinsky on June 15. They will discuss new summer releases for avid readers and book club enthusiasts at 6:30 pm in the City Hall Council Chamber. Do not miss the chance to curate your own to-read list just in time for the library’s Summer Reading Program where you can earn fun prizes all summer long.

No registration required for this program free program. We hope to see you there!

Introducing local authors

You are invited to attend the Mission Viejo Library’s first Local Author Showcase and Book Fair from 1-4 pm on Sunday, June 25. Local authors from across Orange County will discuss their writing journey and have their latest books available for purchase.

Join us in supporting our local authors at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

No registration required for this free program that caters to all ages. For more information, email libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org.

Writers Present: Bestselling Author Anita Abriel

Anita Abriel (Anita Hughes) will discuss her new book "The Life She Wanted" as well as "The Light After the War" (an international bestseller) and "Rome in Love" (made into a Hallmark movie). She will also talk about writing, publishing, and what happens beyond publication.

The event takes place from 6-7 pm Wednesday, June 28 in the Mission Viejo City Hall Council Chamber. The event is free for all ages.

For more information and to register, email libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org.

‘Unlocking the Secrets of Your Photographic Heirlooms’ with Becky Adamson

Have you inherited an old shoebox of unidentified photographs from the 19th to early 20th centuries? If so, you can unlock their true value by putting names to those faces.

On Saturday, June 17, expert Becky Adamson will use available tools and methodical strategies to show us how to date and identify people in many of our photographic heirlooms.

Becky has a degree in family history and attends Strathclyde University where she earned her certificate in genealogical, paleographic, and heraldic studies. She is also a research specialist at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This free presentation, which starts at 10 am, takes place in person and online via Zoom. The in-person meeting is at the Mission Viejo Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 27976 Marguerite Parkway. Registration is required for in-person and online attendance and is available at this link.

The SOCCGS Genealogy Research Center located at the Mission Viejo Library is open five days a week with docents available to help you. Visit https://soccgs.org/library-hours for current hours.