Honor Mothers and Mothering, May 9
In early May, we honor Mothers, and all the selfless caregivers in our lives. She's gone to great lengths to bring you into this world, comfort and encourage you, and help you to be a good person. Next weekend (May 9), all mothers deserve a hug, breakfast in bed, or some thank you gesture. The holiday began as a US celebration of all mothers around 1907. Founder Anna Jarvis wanted to bring attention to "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world," following older traditions of nurturing women (maybe a nice teacher, aunt or neighbor?) who care for children or even those who are missing children. The library has a collection of mothering stories, sweet to sassy, to celebrate Mother's Day.
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
The Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the last few decades the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture (especially in California) including dance, music and food. In Mexico, the day is marked more ceremonially by military reenactments. At this time, the US Civil War was underway (1861-1865) with northern California counties sending troops by the end of 1861. Also at the end of 1861, historic flooding occurred in Monterey, influencing the end of a cattle boom which had begun with the Gold Rush. To learn more about Monterey history, check out a book, or browse the webpage for the California History Room and Archives. Watch for a new monthly local history program coming soon.
May the 4th Be With You
Calling Star Wars fans, Mandalorian fans and everyone in between! Star Wars Day began as a clever pun based on the Jedi slogan, "May the Force be with you." The Star Wars movie and book empire has become one of the most successful science fiction sagas in the world. Between 1977 (the original Star Wars movie, now called A New Hope) and 2019 (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker), the movie franchise alone has earned a staggering worldwide box office of $10.32 BILLION! The library has many books and movies to check out right in our building, not in "a galaxy far, far away"!
An Alzheimer's Conversation
Local writer Alyson Kuhn and gerontologist Jane L. Mahakian invite you to join a Zoom discussion on Friday May 7, from 4:00-5:30 pm about Alzheimer's disease, other dementias and how they affect caregivers. Their new book, "I Hear You," is a practical guide for promoting purposeful living and preserving independence. Register for the event on the MPL Calendar of Events, or call 831-646-3933.
Read a Good Book: Try Novelist for Your Next Favorite Read!
Do you feel like you've read all the books by your favorite authors, all the trendy bestsellers, and everything your best friend has suggested (often a hit-or-miss idea)? One of the most helpful tools for book recommendations on MPL's website is called NoveList Plus, found in the "Articles and Databases" section. The service is free to use with your Library card. The book suggestions here have been compiled by professional librarians into many categories, including genres such as Historical Fiction or Horror or Nonfiction. Further narrow your searches by entering details for Storyline or Writing Style, and you'll find new gems. Enter a favorite title or author and you'll get a read-alike list. Most books and authors in NoveList will have a direct link to our library catalog to find if it's in the collection. NoveList Plus has ideas for adults to kids, or NoveList K-8 Plus specializes in children's and young adult books.
Download Free Audiobooks for Teens
For the last few summers, AudioFile Magazine, in partnership with Overdrive, has been offering free pairs of audiobooks geared toward teens (but available to anyone with the app). These audiobooks are free to keep after downloading a free app called Sora, found in the Apple or Google app stores. The 2021 Sync season (April 29-Aug. 4) features current and classic authors writing about immigration, injustice, romance, art, gender identity and more. The audiobook pairs are available only for one week so be sure sure to check back each week to download them. If you've used the library's Overdrive or Libby digital collections, this should be a snap. Otherwise, call us Monday-Friday at 831-646-3933 for help.
Literary Birthdays
ONGOING EVENTS
Ms. Orquidea's Read & Sing: Second Saturday every month, 10:30-11:30 am. Sign up here.

Mindfulness Meditation: Every Wednesday, 12:15-12:45 pm. More info and register here.
Monterey Public Library | (831) 646-3933 | www.monterey.org/library