It's been a few weeks since my last posting. I had high hopes for New Year's Day, and then Tet, or Vietnamese New Year. Since both have come and gone Groundhog Day seems the next best bet.

And no, I haven't been hibernating deep in the book stacks in the back of the Library. Or even in the pile of magazines and paperbacks that grows by my side of the bed. Although I will admit to choosing a couple of great mystery books, and a chair in the sunshine this past weekend, over my laptop and the blank page of this blog.

And yet, what better time to be visiting with each of you, gentle readers (as Miss Manners likes to say), then this pivotal time in the life span of public libraries, and of Monterey Public Library?

I can't remember when libraries have been so much in the news - from USA Today to the Wall Street Journal to the San Jose Mercury News. From KION-TV to NBC News to the Salinas Californian. And the common thread through all is the paradox that public library use is rapidly growing while public library funding is quickly declining. 

Because public libraries are supported by public monies - whether from tourism or sales or property taxes or State funds - when those monies are reduced - because fewer people are taking vacations or eating out in restaurants or buying cars or buying houses or even working - funding for public services, such as libraries, is reduced. 

With reduced funding comes difficult choices. More people are using the library to survive difficult economic times - checking out more books and other items, going online to hunt for jobs or connect with family and friends, receiving homework help and story time support, sharing one newspaper subscription or bestseller among many.  

How do we decide - as a staff, city and community - what services we can afford to continue and which we can no longer maintain?  Every service we provide at the Monterey Public Library has a core group of customers, for whom that service is important and expected.  I deeply wish we could continue our current services, as is, to all. 

In the coming weeks and months, as the economic downturn plays out, I will be working with Library and city staff and the Library Board to develop our best thinking for the future.  I hope I will hear from as many of you as possible - via the Library or City Manager's blog, online or in-house suggestions, through future survey responses or community meetings.

Your thoughts, ideas, questions and suggestions will be critical to helping imagine the future of the Monterey Public Library. I look forward to hearing from YOU. Thank you!