PREG

Preservation and Restoration of East Garrison

A group of residents working together to make East Garrison an even more wonderful place to live

March 2024 News

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The Feb. 21 meeting for the EG library was very exciting! Led by County Librarian Hillary Theyer, the meeting included Managing Librarian Be Astengo and EG Supervising Librarian Dave Tavarez, the architect and project manager, plus a sheriff and Supervisor Root Askew’s chief of staff. These folks are all working to get an actual free-standing library constructed at the corner of Sherman and EG Drive. Yes - take a minute and let that sink in - a library in East Garrison!

The architect had posters of nearby libraries to give an idea of what the structure might look like. The project manager wants to submit preliminary plans in June.

The architect and our librarians had questions designed to get our input, so the library will serve the needs of EG residents (see below).

Sadly, there weren’t many EG residents at the meeting. The librarians will reach out one more time for input, so it’s vital that we respond. Keep an eye out for our branch to be listed  HERE  and if you have comments about the library, reply to this email or contact:

Hillary Theyer

Library Director

Monterey County Free Libraries

188 Seaside Circle

Marina, CA 93933

theyerha@co.monterey.ca.us

831-883-7566

CHISPA is open, and folks are moving in! The newcomers I've chatted with are very happy to be in EG. The apartments are named after Alfred Diaz-Infante, a champion of local affordable housing. Learn more about him HERE

We have the chance to create a library that really serves our needs! Our county librarians want to know:

What basic library services are most important to you?

• Checking out books, DVDs, etc.
• Free Wi-Fi
• Access to printing
• Access to computers
• Access to faxing
• A comfortable place to hang out
• Something else

The library will be staffed for 18 hours/week. What is most important to you when scheduling the hours?

• Open more hours for fewer days
• Open more days for fewer hours
• Variety of times of day available (some mornings, some afternoons, evenings)
• Saturday hours
• Consistency - easy to remember
• Something else

The architect and librarians are working on creating a public space that's accessible to organized groups when the library is closed. What services are most important to you when the library is not open?

• Use of meeting room
• Pick up items on hold
• Return items
• Use free Wi-Fi (access internet)
• Device charging station
• Something else

What programs do you want most from your library staff?

• Speakers/lectures for adults (what type?)
• Activities for teens (what types?)
• Workshops (what type?)
• Adult literacy tutoring
• Book groups for adults
• Performances for young children (like the bookmobile performances in summer - musicians, actors, etc.)
• Story time for young children
• Something else

Off-road Bikes, Our Ft Ord Neighbors

Hopefully you've seen one of the wonderful events put on by MORCA - the Monterey Off Road Cycling Association. As their website says: "MORCA is an organized voice for responsible mountain biking in Monterey County. We accomplish this by advocating for mountain bike trail access, maintaining area trails, and sharing good will with other trail users. We are involved in mountain biking advocacy at all levels of the community." MORCA folks work on trail upkeep and future plans for trails and parking. They are currently working with the County to install porta-potties (paid for by MORCA) at the 8th & Giggling entrance to Fort Ord. Then they'll tackle posting markers on currently unmarked trails.

Go to their website morcamtb.org for more information

More Neighbors - FORTAG

• CSD meeting: March 13, 6:00, Fire Station, next mtg May 8
• HOA meeting: Mar 19, 6:00, zoom (go to east-garrison.com for link)