...with the uncertainty of the Library's possible budget cuts and then the relief of saved staff positions, Sunday open hours and public services - well,  August has seemed like the slowing glide and the resting place before the start of another ride.

In some ways this month has been less busy in the Library since the suspension of laptop lending and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services.  Staff are working on bringing ten new laptops online and ready for use; we are planning to have them back for customer in-Library checkouts before the end of September.   And staff are making good progress in our study of what it might take to return a sustainable ILL program for the Library.  We don't yet know when that study will be completed; stay tuned.

In other ways this month our busyness is noticeably increasing - especially after school lets out at Monterey High and Colton Middle (just across and up the street). Every year we welcome hundreds of teens through our doors, set aside the Community Room as their special "Chill Time" on early release afternoons, and actively work to support their academic needs, provide opportunities to learn and grow through community service and appreciate their energy and enthusiasm.

And just around the corner - the season's first Literary Circle book discussion (of Babbit by Sinclair Lewis) on Monday the 31st of August at 7 p.m. in the Community Room.  And a new year of preschool, toddler and school-aged programs (starting the morning of Tuesday September 1st with toddler and preschool story times) that will take young listeners and their families "Around the World".

So join us as we jump back on board, and gear up for another ride through this fall's eventful season at the Library!