What are Banned Books? Every year the ALA (American Library Association) lists the top books challenged or banned across the country. These are books that are often removed from collections based on topics such as race, gender, language, mythology, etc.

Banned Books Week was celebrated across libraries nationally from September 18th - 24th this year, and our library displayed various challenged books for our library community to checkout. It's not just modern books that get challenged, libraries and librarians across the country still get challenges to books by Steinbeck (Of Mice & Men, Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird), Margaret Atwood (Handmaid's Tale), and J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter series) among others.

Public Libraries have a role to serve a wide range of topics and ideas - and support intellectual freedom. Books allow new ideas to grow and expands our knowledge of the world around us. We don't need to live in silos; as a community we need to live, learn, and grow together. What is your favorite banned book?

Cheers - Brian 

WE ARE MPL: PROUD AND THANKFUL
Wow - we are feeling the love! We are so ecstatic and grateful to be named “BEST LIBRARY IN MONTEREY COUNTY” by Monterey County Weekly for the 14th year in a row!

Our success is YOUR success. So thank you! A huge shout out to our devoted library patrons, MPL and City of Monterey staff and Council, Board of Library Trustees, Friends and Foundation members, donors, and volunteers for everything you do to
support the Monterey Public Library
each and every day. 
 BOLO: RUBY SIGHTING

SHELF TO SHORE AQUARIUM PASSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE !
Have you met Ruby? BOLO for her at the The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sea Otter exhibit. Or, go Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean for an extraordinary experience viewing the vast collection of deep sea animals. 

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has generously donated a limited number of day passes for those families who live in the tri-county region, who otherwise cannot afford to visit the Aquarium. Current passes must be used up through November 30th, and future passes will be available in the Spring. 

Please note the following eligibility requirements (please see the rack card with further instructions and black out dates at pick up):

-Library patrons are only able to get ONE PASS PER YEAR, not one per session. 
-Each pass admits 6 people for one visit. Children under 5 are free. 
-Customers must be 18 years or older and have an MPL or PG card with a verified residential address within the City of Monterey or Pacific Grove.

The mission of the nonprofit Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the ocean. Check out their educational programming and support their awe inspiriting efforts here.
WHO KILLED WELLINGTON?
OCTOBER BOOK FLIGHT BOOK CLUB

Mark Haddon’s tale of a 15 year old autistic boy named Christopher Boone takes you on an adventure of investigation and change in his YA classic book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Who killed his neighbor’s poodle, Wellington? Christopher analyzes this tragedy in a heartfelt journey as he is pushed beyond his comfort in his quest to find some answers.

Tuesday, October 11th
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
Zoom 

Register here or or call 831-646-3933 for further information.
HOOKED ON BOOKS?

You’ve come to the right place. We are too! Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is hosting another used book sale - books and DVD’s for adults, teens and youth are ready to find a new home.

Expand your personal library, purchase recycled books for gifts, or just browse for some fun movies.

Hardbacks - $2, Paperbacks - $1, Childrens - $1, DVDs - 3 for $1

Saturday, October 15th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 
MPL Back Patio 

Thank you Friends & Foundation for hosting this event and helping to support the Monterey Public Library. For more information, check out InvestInMPL.org.
KIDS GETTIN' CRAFTY

It may not be summer camp arts and crafts, but we are super stoked to now offer Crafty Kids, an afternoon of creative and fun art activities twice a month right here in the Library. We heard your requests and created this program specifically designed for kids in K-3rd grade. Check it out here!

Wednesday, October 19th
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM 
MPL Community Room 

No registration required.
All materials will be provided.

TEEN TALK: COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS WITH OHANA
Stressed out? Teen friend issues? Need a recharge? Today’s teens are under so much pressure. Please join us for two hours out of your busy schedule to learn tips on relaxation and navigating this crazy world.

This talk will be facilitated by mental health professionals from Montage Health's Ohana and geared towards teens, adolescents, and parents.

Wednesday, October 26th
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 
MPL Community Room

Seating is limited so please register here.
MPL Hours of Service:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sidewalk Holds Pickup:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 AM to Noon (door near library driveway)
Bookmobile:
Tuesday: 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, Wednesdays: 12:30 PM - 5:45 PM,
Thursday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Call (831) 646-3710 or click Bookmobile for details.
Monterey Public Library | (831) 646-3933 | monterey.org/library