The following free community events are held at the Mission Valley Branch Library at 2123 Fenton Pkwy. Call 858-573-5007 for additional information.

All San Diego Public Libraries will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year’s Day, and Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.

Toddler and Preschool Storytime

Date: Thursdays, Jan. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Title: Toddler and Preschool Storytime
Location: Community Room
Description:  Recommended for ages 2-5, this storytime program includes books, songs, games, and early literacy fun! A to-go craft will be provided at the end.
Audience: Young children

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Date: Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Community Room
Description:  Did you know that one blood donation can save up to three lives? Or that someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds? You can help save a life by donating blood at your library. Sign up online at redcrossblood.org, using the sponsor code MVLIBRARY.
Audience: Adults

Art Smarts!  An Art Class for Homeschoolers

Date: Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
Time:  10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Homeschool Resource Center
Description:  Join us for a monthly art class for homeschoolers ages 6 and up. We’ll engage in various artforms including drawing and painting. Registration is required!  For children under the age of 8, a responsible adult must remain inside the library for the duration of the program.  Visit sandiego.librarymarket.com to register and for more information.
Audience: This program is recommended for children ages 6+

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance

Date and time:  Mondays, Jan. 6, 13 and 27 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and Thursdays, Jan. 9, 16 and 23 from 12-1 p.m.
Location: Community Room
Description:  Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance is a 10-step form that does not require memorization and can be performed seated. This class emphasizes improving breath, mind, and body co-ordination/function to prevent falls while increasing safety in activities of daily living. Wear flat supportive shoes and loose comfortable clothing.
Audience: Adults

Body Dynamics, by San Diego Continuing Education

Date: Mondays, Jan. 6, 13 and 27, and Fridays, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2025
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Description: This class provides students with an understanding of the Breath-Mind-Body dynamic and its relationship to health and wellness during the aging process.  Students learn breathing techniques for self-care, mental resilience, and physical relaxation as they age.  Please wear flat supportive shoes and loose, comfortable clothing.
Audience: Adults

Meditation for a Happy Life

Date:  Mondays, Jan. 6, 13 and 27, 2025
Time:  5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Location: Community Room
Description:  Learn and practice meditation, improve harmony at home and at work, and build your wisdom and inner peace.  This secular and modern approach to traditional Buddhist teachings is led by Ashley Davis, co-founder of The Center for Harmonious Living.
Audience: Adults

Mission Valley Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting

Date:  Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025
Time:  11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Location: Community Room
Description: Come learn about how the Mission Valley Friends of the Library support our mission!  This meeting is both in-person and on Zoom. If you would like a Zoom link so that you can participate, please email [email protected].
Audience: This event is recommended for adults. Children are welcome!

Chess Club

Date:  Tuesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2025
Time:  4 – 5 p.m.
Location: Homeschool Resource Center
Description:  Have you always wanted to learn how to play chess or improve your skills? If you have never played before, or are just looking for someone to practice with, join us for some friendly competition!  All supplies are provided.
Audience:  Recommended for elementary school-aged children through adults.

Teen Book Club

Date:  Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Time:  4 – 5:15 p.m.
Location: Homeschool Resource Center
Description:  Get ready for a great discussion featuring a book targeted to middle schoolers. Plus enjoy snacks! A FREE copy of the selected book will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to those who plan to attend the club. This month we will discuss the book Finding Langston, by Lesa Cline-Ransome.
Audience: This program is recommended for tweens and teens ages 12-14

Homeschool Curriculum:  Learn About Your Options

Date:  Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025
Time:  1 – 2 p.m.
Description:  Choosing the right homeschool curriculum can seem baffling and overwhelming, given the myriad number of choices. Join expert Elisa Hilliard as she discusses some of the most popular options. This program is targeted to newer homeschoolers and those who are considering homeschooling.  This event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to pre-register.
Audience: Adults.  Children are welcome!

Kuchipudi Performance

Date: Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Community Room
Description:  Join us for a family-friendly performance showcasing the South Indian dance form known as Kuchipudi. This traditional dance combines intricate footwork, dramatic facial expressions, and graceful movements to narrate stories from Indian mythology and folklore.
Audience: Children ages 5-10

Free Tax Preparation Clinic

Date:  Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025
Time:  1 – 7 p.m.
The San Diego Public Library has partnered with the nonprofit Home Start to offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Appointments are required! Call 211 to make an appointment or for more information.
Audience:  Adults

Ikebana Floral Design

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025
Time: 12 – 3 p.m.
Location: Community Room
Description:  Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form that breathes life into each composition, harmonizing the elements of nature and humanity. Learn to create these stunning pieces of art that intertwine Japanese culture and the changing of the seasons through a semester of classes at the library. By end of the semester, you will have learned to design beautiful and professional looking arrangements for both every day and special occasions. Contact Prof. Takeya for more information at [email protected].  This class is free and open to the public. Supplies will be provided for this intro class. You may register when you attend the class.
Audience: Adults

Preschool Storybox Storytime

Date: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Community Room
Description:  Join us for a Japanese storytelling tradition called kamishibai (kami = paper; shibai = theater). A storyteller stands behind a little wooden theater, also known as a storybox, and reveals a series of illustrations that tell a tale. This program is recommended for ages 3-5. Presented by Write Out Loud.
Audience: This program is recommended for ages 3-5