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: Peoria Main Library
Date: Saturday, Oct. 18
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

It is that time of the year again, time for the annual Peoria Main Library 'Library Fall Fest'! Join us for this fun, free family event and learn about all what the Peoria Libraries have to offer. There will be games, crafts, bounce houses, a scavenger hunt, free pumpkins, food trucks and community partner information!

Bonus! Ready to show off your pumpkin carving skills? Join our annual Fall Fest Pumpkin Carving Contest! Patrons of ages 0-12 and 13+ are invited to bring their creative, carved pumpkins to the Peoria Main Library for a chance to win a prize! Registration forms can be picked up at the Main Library Youth Desk or can be downloaded by Clicking Here. (.pdf)

The carved pumpkin and registration form are due at The Peoria Main Library by Friday, Oct. 17.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sunrise Mountain Library will be celebrating all things fun and fantasy with annual Fantasy Fest! Join us on November 8 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. for BINGO, crafts and all things fantasy! Dress in your finest family friendly cosplay costume and join us for a morning of fun. There will be something for everyone!

Extra: If you wish to trade any unwanted decorative enamel pins or buttons, fill your inventory with them, bring them to Fantasy Fest and seek the one who wields the Pincushion Shield, known as the Mysterious Pin-Trader!

Vendors, if you would like to participate in the Fantasy Fest event, please fill out the Vendor Form by Clicking Here.

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries
Contest dates: Sept. 1 - Oct. 24
Showcase: Sunrise Mountain Library
Showcase date: Friday, Oct. 31
Showcase times: Adults @ 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Teen @ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Youth @ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Get into the spirit of the spookiest season by writing your own short horror story to share with everyone for Sunrise Mountain Library's Super Scary Short Story Showcase! From September 1 through October 24, craft and submit a new nightmare of your own to be read around an inflatable campfire on Friday, October 31, while enjoying s'mores, cocoa, and the good company of your fellow scary story authors! For the showcase, stories will be shared for their specific age groups during hour blocks. All ages are welcome to submit an entry!

To ensure your submission is eligible to be shared at the showcase and included in our readable compilation, please review the rules and guidelines on our Submission Form.

• To download the Submission Form, Click Here (.pdf).

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Appointments: Tuesdays @ 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. & Fridays @ 11:00 p.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: Peoria Main Library
Date: Mondays & Fridays, Sept. 5 - Oct. 17
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

This free program provides caregivers with essential resources to improve care and support young children's development. These components help prevent caregiver burnout, foster community, and provide ongoing support and learning opportunities to strengthen caregiving skills. Caregivers will explore subjects ranging from fire and water safety, nutrition and safe sleep, early childhood brain/behavior development, and approaches to screen time.

• To register, Click Here.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays, Sept. 15 - Dec. 3
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: Peoria Main Library
Date: 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month - Starting Oct. 4
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

The West Valley Astronomical Club (WVAC) is partnering with the Peoria Public Library for two special after-hours stargazing programs, one at Centennial Plaza by the Peoria Main Library on Oct. 4 and one at Camino A Lago Park near Sunrise Mountain Library on Oct. 29. In celebration of Oct. 4 being 'International Observe the Moon Night', the WVAC is bringing professional grade telescopes to each event so everyone can observe the moon in style!

• Centennial Plaza (City of Peoria Campus - 8401 W. Monroe St.) - Saturday, Oct. 4, @ 6 p.m.
  Registration is required for every family member attending. To register, Click Here.
   
• Camino A Lago Park (21109 N. 98th Ave.) - Wednesday, Oct. 29, @ 5:30 p.m.
  Registration not required.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 7
Time: 5:30 p.m.

Craft a whimsical, colorful dreamcatcher! Try your hand at this woven art using colorful yarn and twine then accent with beads and feathers.

• To register, Click Here.

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

CAFE Flutes (Central Arizona Flute Ensemble) enriches, enlightens, and inspires central Arizona residents by presenting interactive concerts and educational programs that highlight the diverse instruments in the flute family.

• Sunrise Mountain Library - Saturday, Oct. 11, at 11:30 a.m.
   
• Peoria Main Library - Saturday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: 2nd Saturday of the month
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Come watch Arizona-made movies as they come back to the big screen in the Main Library's Willow Room theater! Each film is accompanied by a discussion moderated by Jeannie Berg, a film professor at Glendale Community College.

Date/Title:

• Oct. 11 - 'Can't Buy Me Love' (1987).
• Nov. 8 - 'Three Kings' (1999).

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Thursday, Oct. 30
Time: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Driftwood Quintet presents "Nuevo Tango: Ángeles y Diablos"! Award-winning accordionist Gabe Hall-Rodrigues joins Driftwood Quintet to bring to life "Nuevo Tango: Ángeles y Diablos". This suite of 8 tangos by Astor Piazzolla depicts an angel’s journey to save a small town in Buenos Aires and a demon's brash attempt to stop it. Piazzolla perfectly blends elements of classical, jazz and Argentinian music to showcase the tango's flirtatious rhythms and delicate nuances that will take your breath away.

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:

• Oct. 8 - Bring in a spooky recipe. Any type of food made to LOOK spooky or fun for a creepy style. Example: Crescent roll-wrapped hot dogs, all bandaged up - “Mummy Dogs”.
• Nov. 12 - Slow Cooker! Any recipe made in a crock pot/slow cooker. “Keep Calm and Crock On.”
• Dec. 10 - Breakfast for dinner! Make any dish that you would see at breakfast. "Omelette you in on a little secret... breakfast puns rule."

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:

• Oct. 6 - "The Boyfriend" by Freida McFadden.
• Nov. 10 - "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach.
• 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:

• Oct. 21 - Theme - 'Any book by Marie Benedict'.
• Nov. 18 - "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney.
• Dec. 16 - Join us to figure out what to read for next year.

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:

• Oct. 16 – "The Sandman, vol.1, Preludes & Nocturnes" by Neil Gaiman.
• Nov. 20 – "The Women" by Kristin Hannah.
• Dec. 18 – "Passing" by Nella Larsen.

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Fridays
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 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: 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, Oct. 11: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 25: 11 a.m. - 2:45 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, Oct. 6, 2 p.m. - Apple Device Basics. To learn more, Click Here.
• Thursday, Oct. 16, @ 5:30 p.m. - Website Creation Basics. To learn more, Click Here.
• Monday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m. - Android Device Basics. To learn more, Click Here.
• Thursday, Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m. - Marketing Basics. To learn more, Click Here.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Wednesdays: Nov. 12
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: 2nd Tuesday of the month: Oct. 14, Nov. 4* (Special Date) & 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: Nov. 4 & Dec. 2
Time: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

This educational seminar will bring clarity to the fundamentals of Medicare, and enable you to make informed decisions. The seminar is helpful for people that are new to Medicare, as well as existing Medicare card holders. This program is presented by Allison and Adam Lubenow, owners of Senior Advisors. Registration is not required.

Topics covered include when to enroll in Medicare and how to evaluate this decision, how to ensure you aren't overpaying for healthcare and medication, the top five Medicare mistakes we encounter and how to prevent making these mistakes, the parts of Medicare, comparing Advantage Plans to Supplement Plans (Medigap), how to choose the best drug card (Part D) for your individual needs, and how to choose your insurance carrier.

• For more information and to register for an event reminder, Click Here.

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Oct. 9, Nov. 13 & Dec. 11
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: 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: Oct. 18 & Nov. 15
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 Library
Date: 3rd Saturday of the month: Nov. 15 & Dec. 20
Time: 1 p.m.

Announcement: 'Learn As We Grow' will be on hiatus during October due to the Fall Fest event occuring on Oct. 18. It will return for its normally scheduled day and time on Nov. 15.

Do you want to garden but don't know where to start? Join us at our 'Learn as We Grow' Program, where we will teach you all the basics, from planting, to water conservation and how to grow things in this Arizona climate! Don't have the materials, don't worry we will provide for you. Everyone of any age is welcome to join us, so come Learn as We Grow!

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: Nov. 5 & Dec. 3
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: 3rd Wednesday of the Month: Oct. 15, Nov. 19 & Dec. 17
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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: Oct. 16, Nov. 20 & Dec. 18
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
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:

• Oct. 13 - Library Closed.
• Oct. 27 - Mike Krzyston & Clydene Balke, Country.
• Nov. 10 - Rick Sabral, Popular 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.