Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries
Date: Jun. 1 - Jul 20

Early registration begins May 1!

'Unearth A Story' at the library as the 2026 Summer Reading Program is here! Starting June 1, people of all ages may participate by signing up and reading 20 minutes a day to earn incentives and prizes all summer long. Your local Peoria Public Library also offers several special summer events that can be enjoyed by the whole family! Those attending the events can even earn additional points! The program runs from June 1 through July 20, so be sure to sign up and 'Unearth A Story' at the library today!

• To learn more about the Summer Reading Program and the special summer events happening at your Peoria Library, Click Here.
   
• To sign up for the program and enter your minutes, Click Here.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Jun. 1 - Jul. 18

Get ready to hop into a time machine and build your way through history! From stomping dinosaurs and frosty ice ages to fancy kings and world-changing inventions, you can recreate any moment from the past using your favorite bricks. Entry forms are available at the Youth Reference Desk. All ages may participate!

Library: Peoria Main Library

Peoria Public Library is proud to offer the Library Launchpad, an 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: Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. or Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Meet our new Writer in Residence, Emily Devenport! Emily is a lauded writer of Science Fiction & Weird Mystery who has been plying her craft for almost 40 years. She is internationally published, having written eleven novels and well over a dozen short stories which can be found across prominent literary magazines. Her novel Broken Time (2000) was nominated for the highly prestigious Philip K. Dick Award for Science Fiction. Her latest series, the Medusa Cycle, is a science fiction thriller about revolution and revenge in a class-based society on a starship. You can read several of Emily’s short stories at the following links:

• To read her works in the Saturday Evening Post, Click Here.
• To read her works in the Clarkesworld Magazine, Click Here.
• To read her works in the Uncanny Magazine, Click Here.

Personally, Emily is an Arizona local who is passionate about nature and music, especially classical. She is a conservationist and geology fiend who is, “Actively trying to save the world one backyard at a time.” In short, both our world and fictional ones being built are safe (unless the plot demands otherwise) in her capable hands.

Thanks to the LSTA Grant program, Emily will be hosting several writing seminars, and offering one-on-one consultations once a week on alternating Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting in the first week of March, until the last week of May 2026.

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: Saturdays: May 9 - Jun. 27
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

America is turning 250 years old this year! Step back in time to where it began with our "Revolutionary Weekends" series. Each Week watch 1 episode from the HBO Mini-Series "John Adams" and engage in discussion afterwards. For the 8th & final week, enjoy the musical "1776" and discuss the difference between fiction and non-fiction adaptations. Coffee and Tea will be provided.

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

Get your hands a little dirty and learn something new! Join us for an all-ages Worm Jar Composting class where you’ll build your own mini compost system to take home. Discover how worms help turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil and learn simple ways to practice sustainability in your everyday life. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!

• Peoria Main Library - Saturday, May 23, @ 12 p.m. To register, Click Here.
   
• Sunrise Mountain Library - Saturday, May 23, @ 3 p.m. To register, Click Here.
   

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Wednesday, May 27
Time: 5:30 p.m.

Are you wondering what comes next, once you’ve finished writing that work in progress?  Join our lauded Writer in Residence, Emily Devenport, for this final seminar where she will discuss what goes into refining your initial draft, from editing to re-writing. Following this, Emily will advise on what goes into the publishing process, such as doing market research, then finding and querying an agent. Gain wisdom on how to polish and present your written work through this seminar!

• 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: Tuesdays: Jun. 9 & Jul. 14
Time: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Join us for Drumming for Wellness with Drums Are Life LLC! These programs will be led by Folade, a Remo Drums Trained HealthRHYTHMS® Facilitator. These uplifting, multigenerational programs uses rhythm to support emotional well-being, physical health, creativity, and community connection. Open to participants of all ages and abilities - including older adults, youth, and neurodivergent individuals. The program offers a 60-minute session blending rhythmic instruction, group drumming, mindful movement, and reflection in a supportive, inclusive environment. Registration Required.

• To register, Click Here.

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

Learn the basics of skincare with the Skin + Makeup Institute with a live demo while getting a behind-the-scenes look at careers in the beauty industry. Ask questions, explore options, and see what it’s really like to work in skincare. This session includes a live demo paired with insights into training, certifications, and what it’s like to work in skincare.

• Peoria Main Library - Thursday, Jun. 18, @ 5 p.m. Registration required.
  To register, Click Here.
   
• Sunrise Mountain Library - Monday, Jun. 29, @ 5 p.m. No registration required.

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

Dive into makeup artistry with the Skin + Makeup Institute with a live demo and pick up beginner-friendly tips, while continuing the conversation about careers in beauty. Learn about different paths, industry expectations, and how to get started.

• Peoria Main Library - Thursday, Jul. 16, @ 5 p.m. Registration required.
  To register, Click Here.
   
• Sunrise Mountain Library - Monday, Jul. 27, @ 5 p.m. No registration required.

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:

• Jun. 8 - "Summer in the City" by Alex Aster.
• Jul. 13 - "We Met Like This" by Kasie West.
• Aug. 10 - "You Deserve Each Other" by Sarah Hogle.
• Sept. 14 – "Reel" by Kennedy Ryan.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Days: The 2nd Wednesday of the month
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 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:

• Jun. 10 - Slow Cooker: Find any recipe that can be cooked in a crockpot. “Simmer down - it’s crockpot season.”
• Jul. 8 - BBQ Cookout: Find a side dish or dessert from a cookbook. Hot dogs will be provided. “Lettuce celebrate summer!”
• Aug. 12 - Apples! Find any recipe that has apples as an ingredient. “Apple-solutely delicious.”
• Sept. 9 - Hispanic Heritage Month: Find any recipe that fits the Hispanic theme. “Let’s taco ’bout great food!”

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
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. Please contact Alison Dragonetti at Alison.Dragonetti@peoriaaz.gov with any questions about the club.

Dates/Titles:

• May. 19 - "The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn.
• Jun. 16 - "Wedding People" by Alison Espach.
• Jul. 21. - "Finding Me" by Viola Davis.
• Aug. 18. - "The Bookish Life of Nina Hill" by Abbi Waxman.

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:

• May 21 - "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski.
• Jun. 18 - "Storm Front" by Jim Butcher.
• Jul. 16 - "King of Ashes" by S.A. Cosby.
• Aug. 20 - "In the Garden of the Beasts" by Erik Larson.

Library: Peoria Main Library

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 outcome are you hoping to achieve.

To schedule an appointment, call the Main Library at (623) 773-7578.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: 4th Thursday of the month: May 28, Jun. 25 & Jul. 23
Time: 5:30 p.m.

Looking for a new recipe to try? Join us as we walk you through how to make a variety of easy and quick meals for you and your family.

• To register, Click Here.

Dates/Topics:

• May 28 - Guacamole & Salsa.
• Jun. 25 - Patriotic Fruit Kabobs.
• Jul. 23 - Ice Cream.
• Aug. 27 - Mug Breakfast Foods.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Wednesdays: Jul. 8, Sept. 9 & Nov. 4
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Learn about lactation and breastfeeding from Lauren at AZ Breastfed Babies. Registration required.

• To register, Click Here.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: 3rd Wednesday of the month: May 20 & Jun. 17
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.

• To register, Click Here.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Please check back in July for upcoming fall dates.
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.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Saturdays: Jun. 6, Aug. 1 & Sept. 12
Time: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Looking to improve your English skills? We've got you covered. Come practice speaking English in a fun, relaxed environment. All levels welcome! No Registration required! For adults and youth ages 14+ (youth must be accompanied by an adult).

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: 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
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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: 2nd Thursday of the month
Time: 5:30 p.m.

Visit the Main Library for a monthly evening craft series for adults featuring easy projects, creativity, and conversation. All supplies provided.

Dates/Projects:

• Jun. 11 - Dinosaur Canvas Painting. To register, Click Here.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: 3rd Saturday of the month: May 16, Jun. 20 & Jul. 18
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Join us and learn how to paint mini figures for your Dungeons & Dragons adventures or figures for any occasion! 3D printed miniatures and paint are provided, with 1 model provided per person per session. For patrons 13 and up.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Saturdays
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Join us as we learn how to crochet with a different project each time. 

• To register, Click Here.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Fridays
Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m

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: Peoria Main Library
Date: 1st Wednesday of the month: Jun. 6, Jul. 1 & Aug. 5
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: Peoria Main Library
Date: 2nd Saturday of the month: Jun. 13, Jul. 11 & Aug. 8
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Have a puzzle you no longer put together? Come swap it for a new to you puzzle. There will also be a puzzle for participants to work on in the room as well. 

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: The 3rd Wednesday of the month: May 20, Jun. 17 & Jul. 15
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Teens 13+ 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: May 21, Jun. 18 & Jul. 16
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

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
Date: 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month
Time: 1 p.m.

Join us on the first and third Friday of the month to watch a classic movie in the Peoria Main Library's Willow Room theater.

Dates/Titles:

• May 15 - 'Hard Days Night'.
• Jun. 5 - 'Rooster Cogburn'.
• Jun. 19 - Library Holiday Closure.
• Jul. 3 - 'Yankee Doodle Dandy'.

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:

• Check back this fall for upcoming performances

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.