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Greetings,
We're excited to announce the addition of Carmel Public Library to the shared Monterey and Pacific Grove Library reciprocal resource sharing of physical collections!
Beginning May 6th, you will be able to request physical books, audio and videos from Carmel for pickup at the Monterey Public Library, Bookmobile, or Library Lockers. Starting then, physical items from Carmel can be returned to Monterey, Pacific Grove, or Carmel Libraries - exceptions will be for "Library of Things" like telescopes, American Girl Dolls, cooking supplies & kits. This will allow you to use your preferred home library to access an expanded catalog of content. Our courier will continue to ship items between the libraries 5-days per week.
I want to celebrate all of the collaboration between staff at our libraries. When I first started here in Monterey, I had coffee with Ashlee Wright, the past director of Carmel. She had been championing this idea for several years, and we started discussing how we could collaborate to make it happen. Basically - how do shift from an idea to action? Our own library staff including Melissa, David, Christie, Kim, and others all worked hard to iron out the details to make it work with our neighbors! I'm grateful for their efforts. Our goal is to continue to improve access to collections and library services. This update expands your access to physical library content, without increasing our library expenses.
Since 1995, the Monterey and Pacific Grove have shared a catalog of physical collection resources, allowing community members to use either library with a single card. This partnership expanded access between two cities; now you’ll be able to use your card to check out physical items from Carmel Libraries as well. Save a trip and return materials from any of these three libraries at any of the library locations in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, or Pacific Grove.
For eBooks and other digital library content, each library will continue to offer their own unique collections. Libraries across the state allow Monterey residents to get a free library card: so if you are interested in accessing increased digital content, visit one of your neighboring libraries to get a free library card from any of these locations!
Each library continues to be independently operated by the cities of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pacific Grove. I'm looking forward to a long collaboration between our cities. (photo below of some of your library teams from Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey!)
Warmly,
Brian
| | PERFORMANCES FROM THE HEART | | |
Don’t miss live music at historic Colton Hall!
Kim Uwate, founding violist of Delgani String Quartet, brings music rooted in connection, reflection, and growth.
Known for giving “performances from the heart,” Uwate enjoys teaching music for listeners with
non-musical training and focuses on how music can help us feel our emotions.
Since leaving Delgani, Kim has been curating concerts in her hometown of Monterey, performing with orchestras like the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Sarasota Orchestra, and exploring chamber music in Florida, California, and Oregon.
| | IT'S A BUSY WEEK FOR TEENS! | | CALIFORNIA'S FIRST LIBRARY | | |
Ever wonder about MPL’s history?
As California’s first public library, Monterey Public Library was established in 1849. Colton Hall Schoolmaster Reverend Dr. Samuel H. Willey claimed credit for organizing the library, but many other individuals were involved. The 1849 Articles of Incorporation indicate that the original trustees were Jacob P. Leese, Milton Little, David Spence (President), Samuel H. Willey, and Timothy L. Andrews (Treasurer and first librarian). These and other civic leaders established the Monterey Library Association and persuaded citizens to
purchase $32 shares in a public library which, according to Monterey
Library Association's records dated June 1, 1853, would "...afford amusement, entertainment, and profit to a large class of people who, without its aid, would waste their time in the frivolities and questionable pastimes so prevalent in our State.” The Association raised $1500 to purchase the first collection of books.
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It gets even better… the first library was housed in El Cuartel, a Mexican government building built in 1840, which was located on what is now Munras Avenue, just south of Simoneau Plaza. Read here for additional historical details including monthly subscriber fees, moving the library to the school house, a tragic fire, and a building grant from Andrew Carnegie.
It’s worth a READ!
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Kids and families -
let your creativity shine!
Bring on the paintbrushes, colored pencils, and creative energy as Library and Museums Director Brian Edwards guides us through a Painting and Drawing 101 workshop.
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Art in the Stacks
Monday, May 4th
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
MPL Makerspace
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Join the waitlist here.
All materials for the project will be provided,
but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
| | ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH DOCUMENTARY SCREENING | | |
In honor of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month, MPL will host a screening of the documentary Edelweiss, a blend of tradition, wisdom, and community told through the stories of 98-year-old Mr. Tom Hom.
His personal journey reflects the perseverance and endurance experienced by many early Chinese immigrants in America.
Born and raised in California, he made history by not only becoming the first minority elected to the San Diego City council in 1963, but also the second Asian to win a seat in the California State Assembly in 1968.
Edelweiss
Friday, May 8th
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
MPL Community Room
A Q&A with the film's director, Lillian Zheng, will follow the screening.
Lillian Zheng (Director/Producer) has launched several media platforms and publications. Through her media career, she has studied both Western and Eastern cultures, histories, and arts and social movements, all of which have enabled her to form a unique interpretation of Asian history and culture.
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A MAGICAL ISLAND. A DANGEROUS TASK.
A BURNING SECRET.
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House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune, is this month’s
Book Flight Book Club selection.
This fantasy novel follows Linus Baker, a 40 year old man who lives a solitary life in a small house with a mischievous cat. A case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he manages children in government orphanages. Join the discussion as a classified assignment to a magical
island uncovers secrets and unsettling decisions that may have far-reaching consequences, impacting the entire world.
Book Flight Book Club - House in the Cerulean Sea
Tuesday, May 12th
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
MPL Community Room
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
| | CALL FOR NEW MPLF&F BOARD MEMBERS! | | |
MPL Friends and Foundation (MPLF&F) is looking for a few new community members to join their board. As a volunteer-led 501(c)3 nonprofit, MPLF&F supports the Monterey Public Library through fundraising, community engagement, and advocacy. Experience in fundraising and partnerships, web/graphic design, event planning, nonprofit leadership or volunteer engagement are a plus!
Interested? Fill out this form. For additional questions, email info@investinmpl.org.
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MPL Hours of Service:
Monday: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Bookmobile Information:
Call (831) 646-3710 or click Bookmobile for detailed hours and locations.
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