Monterey Public Library - Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from your Monterey Public Library!

Every year, the Library hangs up one of the original Erica Franke angels. In 1956, the artist was paid $12 to create each of the 88 unique angels hand-painted on plywood panels. Over time many of these angels have been restored or retouched. Others were auctioned off years ago to fund the earliest restorations. Erica Franke (later Erica Barton or Erica Haba) was commissioned to create 40 new angels in 1973 and ten more in 1999 - depending on how long you've been in the Monterey area, you may have seen a variety of designs! Additionally, you may see angels created by other artists at private residences and businesses in the area; some of these designs were created to fund restorations of several early angels in 2007 and 2016. To learn more, visit our California History Room for newspaper clippings about the artist and the angels.

I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season and a joyous 2023. I look forward to serving the community and engaging in new conversations throughout the year.

Cheers - Brian

MPL's Event Calendar

NO RESOLUTIONS NEEDED...

As cliche as it sounds, New Year’s is a time for new ideas, new perspectives and new resolutions. But, instead of making promises you may or may not keep, how about making small changes that, simply put, brighten our communities, support our neighbors, and educate ourselves to make this world just a little better than yesterday. Here at MPL, we are committed to serving as your community hub, for learning and growing. Whether it's through books, school trips, crafts, bookclubs, historical research, teen programs or tech assistance, we are devoted to leaving a better, stronger blueprint filled with traditions and memories for future generations.

Cheers to finding “our best community” this New Year, no resolutions needed.

UNIQUE GIFTS FOR THE PERSON

WHO HAS IT ALL!

Still doing last minute shopping for the holidays?

Stop by MPL’s Library and Museum Store for some “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) gifts. Our newest additions include blank Monterey Angel notecards. History buffs will love the Pacific Biological Labs (PBL), Presidio of Monterey Museum (POMM) and Colton Hall Museum ornaments. Monterey residents and visitors will love these Central Coast treasures! Local bragging rights included.

WHO IS "BOBO?"

Let’s start with clarifying that "BOBO" is not to be confused with BOGO - Buy One Get One Free shopping deals. Forget the holiday shopping mentality for just a few minutes and join us on Monterey’s Magical History Tour as local historian Tim Thomas and an award-winning journalist, filmmaker and historian Geoffrey Dunn, Ph.D as they “present a present” - A Sea Monster in Our Midst — Reflections on "Bobo" and the Old Man of Monterey Bay. Explore the myths and legends of the Old Man of Monterey Bay from a personal perspective. As a fourth-generation member of the Santa Cruz Italian fishing colony, Dunn grew up with stories about the Old Man and sea monsters in his youth.

Thursday, (Tomorrow!) December 22nd

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Zoom

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

LAST CALL TO DONATE TO

My Place to Learn:

THE FRIENDS & FOUNDATION'S

MCGIVES CAMPAIGN

The 2022 MCGives Campaign chose My Place to Learn (MPL) Campaign as one of the nonprofits to support. MPL Friends & Foundation has prioritized funding the redesign of the library’s children area through a redesign initiative will provide a much needed facelift to include an open, aesthetically happy and safe learning and play zone, surrounded with brightly colored age appropriate kids furniture and decor for Monterey families and visitors to enjoy.

Now through December 31st, donated funds to My Place to Learn through Monterey County Gives! will have an additional matched percentage back to MPL at the end of the campaign, making your generous dollars go even further.

To donate or for more information:

MCGives campaign: My Place to Learn

MPL’s Friends & Foundation