Mesa Public Library is kicking off its first-ever community-wide reading initiative aimed at adult readers in the city.<\/p>\n
The book featured in Mesa Reads Together is \u201cThe Midnight Library\u201d by Matt Haig, an internationally bestselling novel that explores choices, regrets and the possibilities of life. The event, which began Nov. 1, runs to Dec. 15.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe in the power of reading to transform lives and spark meaningful conversations,\u201d said Polly Bonnett, Library director. \u201cWe hope it brings neighbors and the community together and is a reminder that stories have the power to inspire and unite us.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Bonnett, building a daily reading habit has individual and collective benefits such as academic success, economic opportunity and civic engagement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe foundation of Mesa Reads has been to shine a light on this reality in an engaging and accessible way,\u201d Bonnett added.<\/p>\n
Free copies of \u201cThe Midnight Library\u201d are available at service desks in all full-service Mesa Public Library branches, while supplies last. Copies also will be distributed at the Mesa Express Library and the Read Runner bookmobile when staff are on-site. Limit one per household.<\/p>\n
The book is also available for checkout through the library\u2019s catalog. There are also extra copies in e-book and e-audiobook formats through cloudLibrary.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A library card is not required to attend Mesa Reads Together programs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n