Greetings!

I wanted to reflect on the recent Monterey County Gives (MC Gives) campaign for the library - our Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation (MPLFF) raised $85,664 for the library and we will also be getting a percentage match! This means that over $90,000+ was raised to help support your Monterey Public Library. This was the best year yet for us. What does that mean for you? Well, those funds go directly to supporting digital collections, expanded library programs, furnishings, and the variety of services that you see when you come into the library. We are grateful for our community for continuing to show support for the library and trusting us to be stewards for a sharing economy. I believe that we have a library team here that is committed to serving the public, and I'm grateful for the Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation and community for continuing to support our library! As a reminder, their largest event, the 21st Annual Chocolate & Wine Fundraiser is being held on February 21st here at the library. Visit the MPLFF website to learn more or to get tickets. The funds raised go directly back to supporting your library!

We hope that you find something that you enjoy at one of our library events, online, or within the stacks in our collections. The community donations have allowed us to continually think as a team and listen to feedback about "how can your Monterey Public Library best serve the community?" The Frog and Toad event was a recent "win" in my opinion about how we could find a fun way to engage families in the community. The expanded digitization of our newspapers and acquiring new public technology was also made possible with grants and donations.

And a reminder that if you need help with technology, we offer 1:1 technology help on Tuesdays from 11-12 and Thursdays from 12-1pm. Stop by and get your questions answered! Feel free to reach out and let me know your ideas about the library. We do listen and we appreciate hearing from you, our community.

Warmly,

Brian

MPL's Event Calendar

Join us for a special storytime with guests from the

Monterey Bay Aquarium!

We’ll explore the ocean through exciting stories, sing silly sea songs,

and move like our favorite underwater creatures. Wiggle like a fish,

hop like a crab, and dance like a dolphin as we dive into storytime fun, laughter, and imagination! Perfect for little ocean explorers of all ages.

Storytime with the Aquarium

Friday, January 23rd

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM 

MPL Community Room 

Step into a world where design meets fantasy! Join the CAD character workshop and watch your ideas come to life with our 3D printer.

We recommend you bring your own laptop.

Please note: Chromebooks don’t work with our WiFi.

Don’t have a laptop?

No worries—we have a limited number available to borrow.



Tech, Design, and Print

Saturday, January 24th

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

MPL Makerspace

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Open to teens ages 13 and up

 It will be “SNOW” much fun!

Puzzle lovers - let’s swap pieces? Bring a gently used puzzle

and exchange it for a new one to piece together.

The Great Winter Puzzle Exchange

Saturday, January 31st

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

MPL Community Room

Monterey Public Library

Please make sure that puzzles contain all

of the pieces and are securely packaged. 

Relax Your Everything 

Saturday, January 31st

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

MPL Community Room

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

SkyyeSong founded the Monterey Reflexology Center in 1995, following

many years as an RN. Her wholistic healing sessions include Hand

and Foot Reflexology, Deep Tissue Massage, Advanced Reiki

Energy Healing, Sacred Sound Infusions and Reflexology Training.  

ValiAnna Frances brings years of experience and a grounded, heart-centered presence to her work with sound. Her sessions are known for creating

deep calm, clarity, and connection — an experience that’s a powerful

way to reconnect with your inner peace. 

Special guest: Flutist Julie Roseman, an active member

of the Monterey County Composers' Forum

This Valentines Day, take a chance on love without the commitment. 

Here’s your step by step instructions on finding literary love:

1 - Read the brief descriptions on the front of the book wrappers and choose one to take home.

2 - Check out the book and don't forget a "Rate Your Date" bookmark.

3 - After you've checked out the book, unwrap it to officially meet your date. Give the book a chance but if things don't work out, simply return it. No hard feelings!

4 - Fill out your "Rate Your Date" bookmark and return it to the Library Help Desk with your book. We want to hear all the details!

Blind Date With A Book 

February 1st- February 28th

Monterey Public Library

No cheating - choose a book without peeking! 

It’s super easy and fun! Simply choose a wrapped secret Valentine book and coloring sheet. Read the book, color your sheet, and bring both to the library or bookmobile for

a chance to win a prize.

Read. Color. Win. Repeat!

Secret Valentine with a Book

February 1st- February 28th

Monterey Public Library

Join Tim Thomas, local historian and captivating tour guide, as he explores the multicultural fishing industries and fascinating stories of the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey’s waterfront. Learn firsthand how Monterey’s early maritime history shaped the City of Monterey to be a prime tourist destination.

Wharf Walks with Tim Thomas

Saturday, February 7th 

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Old Fisherman's Wharf

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Tim's expansive career spans from a historian and curator,

to author and collaborator. He’s partnered with several organizations

such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks,

and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

He is the author of several books, including The Abalone

King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter and The Japanese on

the Monterey Peninsula, and is the co-author of Monterey's Waterfront.

Eric Weiner spent years as a foreign correspondent reporting from unsettled areas of the world. Ready

to see the world in a brighter light, Weiner embarks on a yearlong journey to discover and research the world’s happiest places.

Join us for this this month’s Book Flight Book

Club as we wander though Weiner's book

The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search

for the Happiest Places in the World.

Book Flight Book Club - The Geography of Bliss

Tuesday, February 10th

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

MPL Community Room

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Did you know batteries disposed of improperly can lead to fires at our recycling plants?

Used batteries need to be recycled. Residents can place batteries in a clear plastic bag on

top of their blue recycling carts or feel free

bring old batteries to the Monterey Public

Library or to ReGen (Monterey Regional

Waste Management District) in Marina. 

Check out MPL’s Director Brian Edwards with

382 pounds of recycled batteries!

Thank you for recycling! 

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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