Sunday is Mother's Day - I know the day can be filled with joy, but also can be difficult for many people for various reasons. I want to reflect on the person that led me to the Library field and steered the values that I bring with me in my work & daily life. Hopefully this piece lets you understand a little more about "who is Brian?"
The Value of Story: My mom was a storyteller and her specialty was "string storytelling"...the best way I can describe it is a mix of sign language and crochet to create scenes, characters, and progression with your hands. She also had passion and drew me in while reading deep, nuanced stories like the Italian version of Pinnochio by Carlo Collodi, The Witches by Roald Dahl and poems by Shel Silverstein. Stories connected your head and your heart.
Value of Learning & Failure: I was told "I can't do that, I don't know how" was not acceptable; the library was full of any book that can teach me what I needed to know. So if I mom said "go fix my fence" or "make Thanksgiving dinner" I went to the library to get a book on how to do it. The right answer was: "I don't know the answer, but I'll find out." And if I failed? Failure is OK - it's part of the learning process; own your mistakes, find the right person to help/mentor you and constantly improve.
Respect People & Hard Work - my mom grew up on a farm and would say "picking strawberries is the hardest work I've ever done." We were raised to understand the work of Cesar Chavez and respect anyone & everyone - no matter their race, gender, or position in life. Make everyone feel welcome and appreciated.
Beat the Lion: Don't be scared of anyone. My mom would shout "do you know how to beat the attacking lion? Grab his tongue and squeeze!" Now, I don't recommend this action...but I grew up thinking my mom had zero fear.
Finding Joy: The latest thing that I've been learning from my mom is finding joy in everyday life. Living with Alzheimer's can be incredibly difficult; but every time I make her dinner or take her out to eat it's "the best meal I've ever had!" and every time she sees my son "is the best day I've had all year!" So celebrate the small joys in our everyday lives. Create joy and share joy any opportunity you can. Also, time is limited in our lives and it's one of the most valuable gifts that you can give.
For all the mothers, in-laws, mentors, adoptive parents, pet parents, grandparents, and more - Happy Mother's Day - I appreciate you! And to my mom: Love ya ma, from #6.
Warmly~
Brian
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Is Physics your jam?
Join MPL staff and Monterey High's robotics team, The Robodores, for a day of acceleration, velocity and distance exploration by making giant marble runs.
SATURDAY, MAY 13th
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Montecito Park Bookmobile Stop
220 Montecito Avenue, Monterey
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"CHECK OUT" MPL'S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES... |
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Stop by MPL’s Learning Lab to for more information!
Tuesday, May 16th at 12:00 PM
Wednesday, May 17th at 3:00 PM
Thursday, May 18th at 5:00 PM
Tuesday, May 23rd at 12:00 PM
Wednesday, May 24th at 3:00 PM
Thursday, May 25th at 5:00 PM
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Join award-winning author
his travel presentation series
"BEFORE THEY VANISH:"
FRIDAY, MAY 19th
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
MPL Community Room
Come visit "off the beaten path" places
through digital photography and
extraordinary storytelling.
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What’s your wingspan? Kids, aged 7 to 10 years old, are invited to join MPL’s Bookmobile Coordinator, Meri, for a "butterflyific" fun sewing project.
SATURDAY, MAY 20th
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
MPL Community Room
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Ever wonder the road map of your family history? Where did your previous generations come from? What was your great great grandmother’s name?
Some of the many resources you have access online to include:
Monterey Public Library California History Room:
For the State of California Genealogy,
you may also want to check out:
Genealogy Databases include:
Heritage Quest Online - Search U.S. Federal Censuses (1790 - 1940), Freedman's Bank records, unique primary sources, family histories, local histories, research guides, interactive maps, and more. Access from home with your Monterey Public Library card.
Ancestry Library Edition - Search billions of records from censuses, vital records, immigration records, family histories, military records, court and legal documents, directories, photos, maps, and more. Covers the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Access available in the Library only.
HAPPY SEARCHING!
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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.
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Monterey Public Library | (831) 646-3933 | monterey.org/library
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