Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries
Date: Nov. 17 - Jan. 3

Join our Winter Reading Program this holiday season! Receive a prize for signing up, then read at least 20 minutes a day for 20 days, marking off each day on your reading log. Turn in the completed log to your local Peoria Public Library for a finisher prize between Dec. 6 - Jan. 3, with all logs due by Jan. 10. Reading logs may be picked up at your local Peoria Public Library starting Nov. 17. The program is open to all ages.

Library: Peoria Main Library

Peoria Public Library is proud to introduce the Library Launchpad, a new initiative designed to help community members explore, grow, and launch their next big step in life. Whether you’re starting a business, preparing for a career change, or building skills for the future, Library Launchpad offers free resources, workshops, and connections to help you succeed.

To learn more about the Launchpad initiative, the programs being offered and the resources available, Click Here.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Appointments: Tuesdays @ 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. & Fridays @ 11:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Aspiring writers!!! Are you creating a story you want to bring to life in print, but have questions about the writing craft or publishing? Thanks to the generosity of the LSTA Grant program, you can now get sage advice from an established author at Sunrise Mountain Library! This Fall, until year’s end, bestselling writer of over sixty-five books, Joseph Nassise, will be on site providing individual consultations. He will also be presenting several bespoke workshops on crafting a captivating story, and the publication processes.

• To schedule an appoinment, Click Here .
  *New appointments become available every 14 days.
  *Please limit appointments to 2 sessions per month.

This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Time: 3:30 p.m.

Join Joseph Nassise, our Writer in Residence, for a workshop on the ins-and-outs of how to take your book to market! Learn about both traditional and self-publishing processes, including:
- Finding and Querying an Agent.
- Working with an Editor.
- Revising your Manuscript.

An excellent workshop for any author whose story is written or in progress, wondering how best to share their work with readers everywhere! Registration is required, secure your spot today!

• To register, Click Here.

This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month: Dec. 6 & 20, Jan. 3 & 17
Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Do you have a story to tell? Memoir, fiction, or non-fiction — this interactive class will help you bring your words to life. Each session includes guided writing exercises and optional opportunities to share your work in class or on stage. This workshop is safe and fun place to meet new people, improve writing skills, get more comfortable with public speaking and finding your own voice. This program is funded by Peoria Arts Grant. Whether you come once or attend all ten sessions, you’ll leave with stories in hand—and if you stick with it, you may even be on your way to a book! Supplies provided. Funded by Peoria Arts Grants. For ages 16 and up.

• To register, Click Here.

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries
Date: See below

Come decorate a seasonal wreath! Customize a piece of cheering décor you can treasure each holiday season. We will provide a plain wreath, as well as a variety of festoon trimming choices, like ribbon and mini ornamentations. Registration required.

• Sunrise Mountain Library - Tuesday, Dec. 9, @ 5:30 p.m. To register, Click Here.
   
• Peoria Main Library - Thursday, Dec. 11, @ 5:30 p.m. To register, Click Here.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Thursday, Dec. 11
Time: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Kick off the holidays with the Driftwood Quintet as they present a holiday performance for the whole family showcasing Christmas classics along with music in honor of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. Driftwood will also be joined by a jazz rhythm trio to close the night with a special performance of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s jazz-fueled reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Saturday, Jan. 31
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

America is turning 250 years old this year! Celebrate by taking a step back in time to the American Frontier. Learn more about the history of America, and the Pioneers of Peoria. Sip some Tea or Coffee from our Boston Tea Party Nook, visit with Local Chapters of Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. Enjoy Americana and Jail House photo ops, and at 12:00 PM enjoy a "Modern Navajo Cookbook" presentation with samples.

This program is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Days: The 2nd Wednesday of the month
Time: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Join us at our book club for foodies! Once a month, find a recipe in a cookbook that matches our theme, cook it up, and bring it to the group to share! Once you have chosen your dish to bring, contact Adam Poage by email at Adam.Poage@peoriaaz.gov to let him know what recipe you will be bringing so we don’t have a lot of duplication in the dishes we will sample on meeting night. At the meeting, we discuss what we liked/disliked about the cookbooks while we eat.

Dates/Titles:

• Dec. 10 - Breakfast for dinner! Make any dish that you would see at breakfast. "Omelette you in on a little secret... breakfast puns rule."
• Jan. 14 - Family Recipe! Make your favorite family recipe! “Let’s stir up some family traditions!”
• Feb. 11 - Sweet Vs. Savory - Any Sweet or Savory Dish. “Are you sweet on dessert or salty about snacks?”
• Mar. 11 - Time for Soup! Make any type of soup. “We’re here for the stew-pendous entries!”

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: The 2nd Monday of the month
Time: 6 p.m.

If you love reading Romance, then this is the group for you! Join us each month to discuss a new romantic read. Please email Payten McGinn at Payten.McGinn@peoriaaz.gov with any questions about the club.

Dates/Titles:

• Dec. 8 - "How My Neighbor Stole Christmas" by Megan Quinn.

Library: In-person and Virtual
Days: The 3rd Tuesday of the month
Time: 6 p.m.

Bring a friend and come join us for a discussion of some great books and some fun! Newcomers are always welcome! The club will be offered in both virtual and in-person formats. Please contact Kathie Jackson at (623) 773-8650 or Kathie.Jackson@peoriaaz.gov to register for either the virtual or in-person option. For those choosing to join virtually, an e-mail with a link to the event will be sent to you the day of the meeting.

Dates/Titles:

• Dec. 16 - Join us to figure out what to read for next year.

Library: Peoria Main Library: In-person and Virtual
Days: The 3rd Thursday of each month
Time: 6 p.m.

Want to meet some interesting characters? Open a book. Want to meet some real-life interesting characters, too? Join the Novels @ Night Book Club! Book clubs are a great way to talk with friends and meet new people while exploring and discussing (hopefully!) good books. Join us in-person or virtually on the 3rd Thursday of each month for a lively discussion. Contact Kathleen Wade at (623) 773-7578 or e-mail Kathleen.Wade@peoriaaz.gov for more information and to register for the virtual option. For those attending virtually, an e-mail link to Zoom will be sent before the meeting.

Dates/Titles:

• Dec. 18 – "Passing" by Nella Larsen.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Fridays
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m

Announcement: The Color Me Calm session scheduled for Dec. 26 has been cancelled. The program will return on Jan. 2 for its normally scheduled day and time. Please call the Peoria Main library at (623) 773-7578 with any questions.

Adults, join us at the Peoria Main Library and enjoy a relaxing morning, coloring and drinking coffee with new friends. All supplies provided. We hope to see you there!

Library: Peoria Main Library in the Activity Room
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join our sewing club on Wednesdays for fun, laughter, and of course sewing! Use our machines or bring your own. Experienced adult (18+) sewers please.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: See below

Meet fellow crochet, knitting, and sewing/needlework enthusiasts! Bring your own project to start or work on. Share ideas, help, tips, and patterns along with friendly and cheerful conversation. Beginning to advanced needlecrafters are all welcome. Must be 18 years of age and older to participate.

Days/Times:

• Saturday, Dec. 13: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.*
  *Special hours.
• Saturday, Dec. 27: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries

If you would like to get started with computer basics, e.g. Microsoft Word, internet searching, downloading e-books, using databases, using our catalog etc., please speak to a reference librarian about scheduling an individual appointment. These half-hour blocks allow one-on-one help with the topic of your choice. When scheduling an appointment, please let the librarian know what your question is and what result you are aiming for.

Please call the following to check availability and schedule an appointment:

• Peoria Main Library - (623) 773-7578.
   
• Sunrise Mountain Library - (623) 773-8650.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: See below

Have you ever wanted to learn how to use a computer, or an MP3 player or digital camera, or go on to the internet, or have an email account, or learn about blogs and Facebook, or buy a computer? Then these classes at the Peoria Main Library are for you. The classes are open to all adult members of the public. Please feel free to bring your devices for the related classes.

• Monday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m. - eBook Basics. To learn more, Click Here.
• Thursday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m. - E-Resource Basics. To learn more, Click Here.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: 2nd Tuesday of the month: Dec. 9
Time: 5:30 p.m.

Join us to have your questions answered by a licensed Medicare insurance agent. Medicare 101 offers practical advice on transitioning into or navigating through this complicated system. Join or change plans during Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment ends Dec.7.

• To register, Click Here.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Dec. 11, Jan. 8 & Feb. 12
Time: 5 p.m.

Learn the fundamentals of retirement planning in our modern world. With so much information out there, it can be difficult to decipher which is helpful and which isn't. Join us as we dive into topics like tax-efficient withdrawals, Social Security, and investing for retirement. Bring your burning questions and gain knowledge in a relaxed, classroom setting. Registration is required.

• To register, Click Here

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays; Jan. 12, Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Jan. 26 & Jan. 28
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Looking to learn or improve your English language skills? Join us at the Peoria Main Library as ACYR presents a series of lessons that focus on English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. These free lessons are open to everyone 16 years or older. Registration is recommended.

¿Quiere aprender o mejorar su Inglés? Acompáñenos en la Biblioteca Principal de Peoria donde ACYR presentará una serie de lecciones enfocadas en la comprensión auditiva, el habla, la lectura y la escritura en inglés. Estas clases son gratuitas y están abiertas a todas las personas de 16 años en adelante. Se recomienda registrarse previamente.

• To sign up, call Hannah at (602) 721-7679 or email hannahe@acyraz.org

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: The 3rd Thursday of the Month
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Join us to improve your Spanish skills for work, travel, fun! Come practice speaking Spanish with other learners and native speakers in a casual, fun environment. All levels welcome! For adults and youth ages 10+ (youth must be accompanied by an adult). Please e-mail caunderhillaz@gmail.com or call (602) 614-5161 with any questions.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: The 3rd Saturday of the month: Jan. 17, Feb. 21 & Mar. 21, Apr. 18 & May 16
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Announcement: Master Gardners will be on break during the month of December. They will return on Jan. 17 for their normally scheduled day and time.

Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your desert gardening questions, including but not limited to plant selection, irrigation, fertilization, pruning techniques, pest management and problem diagnosis. You can bring plant material or insect specimens for ID and advice.

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries

Peoria Public Libraries in partnership with Driving-Tests.org, a company dedicated to driver safety and education, offers free Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) practice tests to library patrons. The service includes free tests specifically based on the state’s DMV materials. It is the only site of its kind to include accessibility tools that let users hear selections read aloud, make them into MP3s, translate pages into other languages, magnify text, and mask portions of the screen for greater visibility on the practice tests.

• To start your Practice Tests, Click Here.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: 1st Wednesday of the month: Jan. 7, Feb. 4 & Mar.4
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Play Dungeons & Dragons at the Peoria Main Library the first Thursday of every month from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Pre-generated characters and dice are provided. For ages 13 and up. Registration is required.

• To register, Click Here.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: The 3rd Wednesday of the Month: Jan. 21, Feb. 18 & Mar. 18
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Announcement: The VR Experience session scheduled for Dec. 17 has been cancelled. It will return on it regularly scheduled time on Jan. 21. Please call Sunrise Mountain Library at (623) 773-8650 with any questions.

Teens and adults, come enjoy a blend of fun and education with virtual reality at your local library! Each month will present different activities and themes - all in the amazing world of VR!

This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: 3rd Thursday of the month: Jan. 15, Feb. 19 & Mar. 19
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Announcement: The Family Video Gaming Night scheduled for Dec. 18 has been cancelled. It will resume at its normally scheduled day/time on Jan. 15. Please call the Peoria Main Library at (623) 773-7578 with any questions.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, competition, and bonding with your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a complete newbie, there’s something for everyone! Come check out a range of fun video games from Spiderman 2, Lego Brawls, and Princess Peach Showtime! No need to sign up, just show up and have some fun!

Library: Peoria Main Library
Dates: The 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month
Time: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

In the mood for foot-tapping music? Monday Night Melodies, a free concert featuring two sets, is for you! A variety of music, from Country and Bluegrass to folk, oldies, and ethnic will entertain you. The program takes place in the Main Library's Willow Room, which will open for attendees at 5:30 p.m. on the days of the concerts.

Dates/Performers:

• Dec. 8 - Jerry Duneaway, Country Folk.
• Dec. 22 - Southwest Diamond Duo, Christmas Music.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Days: The 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

A free jam session open to everyone. Stop by and make some music!

Check out a Culture Pass and get free admission for 2 people at one of fourteen popular venues around the valley. Enjoy the arts, museums, performances and more for free! They are available at both The Peoria Main Library and Sunrise Mountain Library, cannot be placed on hold and are subject to availability.

Available at your library's Circulation Desk

• Click here to see a list of Culture Passes Available @ Your Peoria Public Libraries.
• Visit the Culture Passes at the Act One webpage.
• See a list of Culture Pass performances and venues in the Metro Phoenix area.
• Fill out a Act One Culture Pass Survey - In English or In Spanish.