Greetings!

Looking back at National Library Week, one of my own highlights was coming across an original 1909 postcard of the Monterey Public Library. I was able to purchase it for the California History Room.

Why is this interesting? Well even though we were the first public library in California, the library went through tough times for the first 60 years. Our history can be found here. By the late 1800's the library had suffered a fire, had moved multiple times, and was eventually locked up with limited use. In the late 19th and early 20th century many Women's Literary Societies operated libraries on a volunteer basis throughout the country. However Andrew Carnegie made a deal with municipalities to fund the construction of new library buildings across the country if the community would tax themselves to keep them operating. In 1906, the City of Monterey took over operations of the library with Etta Eckhardt being the first City Librarian in Monterey. The new Carnegie Library (425 Van Buren Street) was finished in 1911. Architect William Weeks worked on a number of schools, libraries, houses, and commercial buildings throughout the state, along with many local buildings like Monterey Hotel on Calle Principal.

So back to the postcard. Why is this interesting? The photo was taken back in 1909 prior to the library opening! There is a list on the back of all the colors of each part of the library...what color was the roof? What color were the doors? This was used for the hand-tinted postcard that you can still find online. The image is crisp and you can see the stunning architecture as residents would have seen back in 1911 when it first opened. I've seen and held the postcard from that era, but the larger hand-touched photo from that era also shows the craftsmanship and care. Imagine the pride that all of the people had back in that time when their library had a permanent home in a stunning building! To me, history takes you back, and also leads you to the future. Let's preserve our past, savor the present, and protect our future.

Also - don't forget to write a hand written postcard or letter to someone once in a while. Just say hello; they'll appreciate it.

Warmly~

Brian

For more than half a century, the world has celebrated

Earth Day by bringing awareness to environmental issues

and emphasizing the importance of preserving our planet.

This year, celebrated on April 22nd, over one billion people

in nearly 200 countries plan to celebrate via grassroots

educational programming and advocacy. 

Here at MPL, we are committed to environmental sustainability and preservation. Checking books out of the library, instead of

buying new books, is one simple way to share resources

and be environmentally responsible. 

Libraries are “The OG of sustainability. We re-use everything! #FindItAtTheLibrary #CaliforniaLibrariesForAll” 

-California State Library Libraries

What would it be?

Would your character have wings and

fly to unknown worlds?

Or, would it be a knight in shining armor

or an anime figurine?

Human or animal, or some combination?

Now’s your chance to design and

print your own 3D fantasy

miniature collectible. 

3D Fantasy Figurines

Saturday, May 3rd

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Library Makerspace

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Bring your own laptop (we will have a few available) and let’s create together!

Beginners and repeat attendees welcome. Recommended for ages 16 and up.

What do telescopes, ukuleles, park passes, and

American Girl dolls all have in common?

Not much except that they are some of the various unconventional

and fun items available for checkout at MPL’s Library of Things. 

ORION STARBLAST TELESCOPES 

The library has two Orion StarBlast 4.5" reflector telescopes.

Kits also include informational pamphlets and a headlamp.

UKULELES

The library has five ukuleles available for checkout.

Each kit contains a carrying case and tuner.

CELESTRON STARGAZING KITS

The library has two Celestron 5" refractor telescopes as part of

complete stargazing kits. Each kit includes a tripod, a folding stool,

two eyepieces, a compass, a flashlight, two pamphlets, and a carrying bag.

LOOG PIANOS

The library has five loog x duolingo pianos available for checkout.

Each kit contains a carrying case, flash cards, instruction

sheet, charger and charging cable.

HIKING KITS

The library has nine hiking kits. Each kit includes a backpack, binoculars,

two trekking poles, compass, flashlight, solar charger, rain poncho,

mosquito net, waterproof pouches, safety horn, two nature

guides and a state park pass.

AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS

The library has five American Girl dolls available for checkout. Each doll comes with a carrying case, a book, and some accessories.

Doll options include Julie, Kavi, Leon, Lucia, and Makena.

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.

Monterey Public Library | (831) 646-3933 | monterey.gov/library

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