Monterey Public Library - Library service during the storms

Greetings!

What is the value of a community place? Over the past few days the library has been packed with people charging their devices, using the wi-fi or computers to make vital communications, and finding a warm spot for a break. We appreciate being that space for you in our community. Seeing our community use the library space for ways that meets their own needs brings a smile to my face.

I want to point out that we had a number of people helping us out : from the electrician and Public Works staff who setup the generator, our Library staff who stepped up to provide a safe & welcoming space, to the CERT team volunteers that helped distribute supplies, County Library and County Emergency Services staff who came out, and our staff who got the internet up and working. We appreciate you! It's great to see people all come together for a common purpose here at the library.

To me the library is one of a few community places or third spaces that can provide services during emergencies as a community hub. Libraries are owned by the community and we've been happy to serve.

Warmly~

Brian

MPL's Event Calendar

HAVE YOUR SAY - CITY OF MONTEREY BUDGET

IT'S VALENTINE'S MONTH AND HERE'S

30 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MYSELF

…the book for this month’s Book Flight Book Club is top of the list. Join us, in person or on zoom, as we discuss Radhika Sanghani’s 30 Things I Love About Myself. This hysterical novel is about a British Indian woman who unexpectedly spends her 30th birthday in jail and realizes how all aspects of her life are pretty screwed up…until a book lands in her cell and destiny takes over. She spends the next year finding thirty things she loves about herself. You too will love yourself for reading this hilarious book!

Tuesday, February 13th

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

MPL Community Room AND on Zoom

REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ZOOM.

SPECIAL EDITION: FROM THE ARCHIVES

Boy do we have some special Monterey treasures in the MPL California History Room! “From the Archives” is a new series showcasing various historical and commemorated collections.

This edition is focused on Reynold "Rey" Ruppel (1914-2011), a professional photographer who worked on the Monterey Peninsula from 1938 to 1968. He chronicled some of the most important local events of his time, including the Centennial Celebrations of 1946 and 1949, the early years of the Bing Crosby Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Salvador Dalí's stay in Monterey, the sardine season of 1946, the construction of Monterey Peninsula College and Las Padres Dam, and the tragic railroad accident that killed Ed “Doc” Ricketts.

Retired Historian, Dennis Copeland, and Local History Librarian, Andres Garza will present the lecture and digital exhibit. Volunteers who assisted in researching Ruppel’s work will also be available following the program to answer additional questions.

Thursday, February 15th

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

MPL Community Room

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

THE BLIND DATES CONTINUE...

But with no long term commitments here. Blind Date with a Book allows participants to pick a wrapped book from the display, grab a “rate your date” bookmark and you are on your way. Super easy and super fun.

Kids can participate in the fun too. Secret Valentine with a Book, the kid version, is located near the youth cake stand. Each child is also welcome to take a magnetic bookmark and Valentine coloring sheet.

All rate your date bookmarks and returned coloring sheets will be entered into a prize drawing, with winners announced the second week of March.

Blind Dates and Secret Valentines February 1st- March 2nd

HEALTHY HEART. HAPPY HEART.

In collaboration with the Monterey Public Library, Blue Zones Project invites you to learn how to make a delicious plant-based dish that supports longevity.

This is a great opportunity to learn how to prep a new dish, meet others, and connect with those in your community.

You don’t have to be an expert chef to make great meals — follow along with the simple instructions and enjoy the results!

Tuesday, February 2Oth

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

MPL Community Room

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

SMILE WITH WOW! SMILES

Join WOW! Smiles, a Monterey orthodontic office, on a discussion regarding proper dental care, braces and straightening teeth, and the overall importance of dental health.

Free dental care kit (including toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss) and dental swag just for showing up!

Wednesday, February 21st

3:45 PM - 4:45 PM

MPL Community Room

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Walk ins also welcome.

Best for Ages 7-14