An amusing ad in my local paper caught my eye this morning. Over the announcement of a housing outreach effort was a graphic of a favorite imaginary character - the "Marian-the librarian" stereotype - a bun-wearing woman with half-glasses perched on her nose, with a row of card catalog drawers arrayed behind her reference desk. As one of my kids might say "That's so 20th century!"

And that's not what I see reflected in my monitor screen, or at the reference desk downstairs. While I am, indeed, wearing glasses (rather trendy bifocals, I like to think :) I'm also sporting a black leather jacket, no bun, (and for the record) haven't shushed anyone in - oh, my whole career as a librarian.

As for the rest of the male and female librarians I know and work with, not a stereotype in sight. The librarians I know are helpful guides for your research and information needs, enthusiastic experts who help develop and share the joy of reading, imaginative proponents of a cultural center for our community.

I invite you to stop by the Monterey Public Library (in person or online)and meet them for yourself - discover our unique, welcoming, and knowledgeable 21st century librarians!