Greetings!

I'm pleased to announce that the Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation is actively preparing for the upcoming Chocolate & Wine fundraiser happening in person at our library. This will be the 18th year of this event that supports library programs, collections, and services through an engaging community fundraiser. I appreciate the Friends & Foundation's hard work and dedication to put on this memorable event for a great cause. If you are interested in volunteering opportunities or donating to the Friends & Foundation, please let them know at [email protected]. Please note that the library will be closing early at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 25th to host this live event.

REMINDER TOMORROW IS DAY 1 ON YOUR WORLDWIDE JOURNEY
Join explorer and award-winning author James Michael Dorsey, as he returns to revive his “BEFORE THEY VANISH” travel presentation series.

First stop in this series of travelogues is Northwest China and Papua New Guinea. 
Friday, January 20th (TOMORROW)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
MPL Community Room
18th Annual Chocolate & Wine Fundraiser



Saturday, February 25th 
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 
Monterey Public Library

For tickets and information, please visit the Friends & Foundation website.
HAPPY LIBRARY SHELFIE DAY !
Started in 2014 by the New York Public Library, the Library Shelfie Day tradition is now celebrated across the globe annually on January 25th.

Showcase your favorite author…snap your favorite book…or hug your favorite librarian for an entertaining and creative “shelfie.” 


Don't forget to post on social media with the tag #LibraryShelfie 
"FINS UP" FOR FREE DAYS AT THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
Admission is free admission for all Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz county residents during the Aquarium’s Community Open House.

Take a “Deep Sea Dive” into aquatic wonderlands at this this central coast treasure. View exhibits including the adorable Penguin Colony, feel the “rays” at the Bat Ray Touch Pool, or admire the exquisite Kelp Forest! Don't forget to stop by and enjoy the new bilingual exhibit Into the Deep (En lo Profundo).

Community Open House Dates:
January 21st - January 29th, 2023
No tickets or reservations are required

Visitors must present a photo ID and proof of current Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Benito County residency. All non-local guests must pay regular admission prices and purchase tickets online in advance.

For more information, call the Monterey Bay Aquarium at 831-648-4800.
And, if those dates don’t fit into your schedule, the Aquarium offers MPL passes to those families who cannot otherwise afford to visit.

Passes are currently available for check out, with an April 30th expiration date. Spring Break and major holidays are ineligible. 

One pass per year is allowed. Once you arrive at the Aquarium entrance, you will need to show ALL of the following items:
 -your library card
-a photo ID
-the pass
THOSE MAGIC YEARS?!?!
Parents, join us at the Community Conversations with Ohana: Magic Years (1-5) for insight and discussion around the building blocks of mental health for children ages one through five. This program will be facilitated by mental health professionals from Montage Health’s Ohana, and has a developmental focus. Topics such as healthy attachment and positive parenting tips will be addressed. 

Wednesday, January 25th 
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 
MPL Community Room

Due to limited seating, please register on the Ohana website.
LOOKING FOR A CHALLENGE?
Ready for a winter challenge that doesn’t involve eating just salads or working out twice a day? We are too. 

Let’s exercise our brains! Did you know reading also helps develop and enhance social and emotional skills for all ages?

Join us for the MPL Winter Reading challenge! Reading Challenge logs will be available at the Library and the Bookmobile. Six hours of reading earns you a free book of your choice. Completed logs must be returned by March 9th.

HAPPY READING!
January 28th - March 9th
SPEAKING OF EATING SALADS...OR NOT
Tasty tostadas are on the menu! MPL is proud to host the Kids Eat Right: Health in Action Family Workshop. Join us for a free fun family workshop focusing on hands-on, educational ways to make healthy food and life choices.
All registered families go home with a FREE bag of produce. 

Saturday, January 28th
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 
MPL Community Room 
Due to limited seating, please register in advance on Montage's website.
Ages 5 and up
MPL Hours of Service:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Bookmobile:
Tuesday: 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, Wednesdays: 12:30 PM - 5:45 PM,
Thursday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Call (831) 646-3710 or click Bookmobile for details.
Monterey Public Library | (831) 646-3933 | monterey.org/library