Dear Friends,
This morning as I sat down to write this email, I became keenly aware that it is my last message to you as Monterey Public Library’s Director. While I am looking forward to retirement, I recognize too that I am stepping away from the comfort of the familiar, and into uncharted territory. Change is often difficult. But, with change comes innovation, new ideas and new experiences. The opportunity to serve here, in Monterey, has been incredibly rewarding and I thank each of you for your support. It is only through the trust placed in me by this community, this family - MPL and City staff, Library Trustees, City Council, Friends & Foundation, Commissioners, volunteers, patrons and supporters - that I have been able to connect, learn and grow as an individual and as part of an incredible institution. This Library is what it is, not because of me, but because of all of you, and the generations of patrons before us! I am proud of what we have accomplished together, grateful to have journeyed with you, and I’m filled with hope for MPL’s future.
With that in mind, please join me in welcoming our new Library & Museums Director, Brian Edwards, who starts on August 16th. Brian brings years of library administrative experience and a wealth of creative ideas. He values community partnerships and connection, and will make a strong leader for our beloved library and museums.
Brian looks forward to getting to know our library community, and staff are scheduling a series of opportunities to meet and greet our new Director in person and online. The first one will be held on:
Saturday, September 10th
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Monterey Public Library
625 Pacific Street, Monterey CA
I hope you are able to stop by the Library, meet and welcome Brian, and pick up a book or two for your end-of-summer reading list.
Thank you for being part of our community,
Inga Waite
Library & Museums Director
|
|
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO...
BRIAN EDWARDS
|
|
A warm welcome to Brian Edwards, MPL’s new Library Director. Starting August 16th, Edwards will manage the operations and activities of the Monterey Public Library, California’s first public library. Working with the City Manager's Office, he will also oversee Monterey’s Museums and Cultural Arts Division including the programs and services at four historic sites – Colton Hall Museum and Old Jail, Pacific Biological Laboratories, Cannery Row Workers Shacks, the Presidio of Monterey Museum - as well as the Alvarado Art Gallery at the Monterey Conference Center.
Edwards served as the Library Division Director at the Alameda County Library, overseeing library services and 52 full-time equivalent staff in the four public libraries in Fremont, CA. Among his many duties at the Alameda County Library, Mr. Edwards has worked on facility renovation projects, implemented a new automated material handling system, worked with the Library Advisory Commission, coordinated with the Library Foundation and Friends of the Library on fundraising and strategic growth, and served as part of Library Central Leadership in Alameda County on county-wide policy, staffing, partnerships and budget issues. Starting at an entry level position for the Alameda County Library 22 years ago, Edwards worked his way up to Division Director for the Fremont Libraries in 2018. He holds a Master’s degree in Library Science, a Masters of Public Administration in Management and Policy Analysis, and a BA in Studio Art, Pictorial Arts.
Edwards strongly believes libraries should be an inclusive community hub. “Milestones in my life led me here. I still remember the sense of wonder I felt as a toddler when my mom practiced her stories and songs with me before heading to her role with the library. As Monterey's new Library Director, I am committed to ensuring an MPL where everyone is welcome and belongs; while providing facilities that honor the past and look to the future. Libraries provide the community with the avenues to learn on their own terms – books, eMaterial, engaging programs, historical research, and valuable museum experiences,” says Edwards.
Welcome to Monterey Brian! We are so happy to have you join the MPL Family.
|
|
BOOK CLUB ALERT: THE LAST UNICORN |
|
The August Book Flight Club pick, is the whimsical high fantasy classic The Last Unicorn, by renowned novelist Peter S. Beagle. The story takes readers on a unicorn’s journey of self-discovery, an allegory about the 'magic' of being human.
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
4:00pm - 5:00pm
|
|
WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER |
|
Maybe not a chicken dinner, but we sure do have some great prizes for the MPL Summer Reading Program participants. Last chance to stop by the SRP Table or Bookmobile to pick up your reading prize and to be entered into a grand prize drawing. Winners will be chosen after July 30th so hurry in. |
|
One of the best ways to connect with the community is to study Monterey's past. Did you know our California History Room contains books, pamphlets, periodicals, maps, photographs, and the historical clipping files containing data and stories about early California and the Monterey area dating back to 1850 and beyond? The California Room contains written, visual and audible materials documenting Monterey's rich history. Located on the second floor of the Library, the History Room is open to researchers and the general public during regular library hours. Identification is required in order to access the History Room collection, and materials in the room may not be checked out.
For in-depth research inquiries, to schedule a class visit, or to view archival materials (including photographs, maps, and locked-case books), please schedule an appointment by sending an email to [email protected].
Happy searching…..
|
|
SHARPEN THOSE NUMBER 2 PENCILS
IT'S BACK TO SCHOOL TIME
|
|
Does the thought of getting back to school and hours of homework make you want to pull your hair out? Projects, tests and studying sound terrible? You are not alone! While we can't bring summer back, we can offer free tutoring and live online homework assistance in English and Spanish. MPL is proud to partner with Brainfuse, to help with those tough calculus problems, build a better studying skillset, and so much more. All you need to get started is your free MPL Library card. Check it out today!
|
|
Looking for a fun field trip for your class this school year? Bring your class to the library to learn basic research skills, find books on a vast array of topics, research historical events in our History Room, and view public art and cultural exhibits.. Give your students the gift of a free library card! Book a field trip today here!
We are also happy to put together customized bundles of books for teachers and students at your request.
|
|
F&F USED BOOK SALE WITH A TWIST -
KIDS BOOKS REQUESTED
|
|
Friends and Foundation is hosting another Used Book Sale Event. But this Saturday, they are going all out for children’s books! Time to clean out your kids bookshelves and bring us your gently used children book donation. F&F will trade them out for for adult books. What a deal!
This Saturday, July 30th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
MPL Patio
Thank you Friends and Foundation for hosting this event. Every dollar raised is donated back to the MPL to purchase new library materials.
|
|
MPL Hours of Service:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sidewalk Holds Pickup:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 AM to Noon (door near library driveway)
Bookmobile:
Tuesday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Thursday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Call (831) 646-3710 or click Bookmobile for details.
|
|
Monterey Public Library | (831) 646-3933 | www.monterey.org/library
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
