Today is a bittersweet day for the staff at the Monterey Public Library. Senior Librarian Joe Johnson is retiring after 34 years of dedicated service. We wish him all the best in his retirement, but we will miss his friendly face, and his expertise at the reference desk. Joe’s dedication, innovation, and knowledge of reference sources has helped set the standard of excellence in reference service at Monterey Public Library for the 34 years. Many library customers will miss him too. See Steve Hauk’s blog  post for what customers are saying about Joe.

The new Bookmobile is now in service! Just like the old Bookmobile, the new one continues the over a half-century tradition of bringing books and services to people living in outlying areas of the City. The new vehicle features a low floor and a ramp instead of steps for easier access, as well as free Internet service. The new vehicle has several green features including solar panels that power the lights and computers, and it runs of bio-diesel fuel! The exterior graphics of the Bookmobile feature larger-than-life portraits of Library and Bookmobile customers and staff which puts a friendly, familiar face on the vehicle. Over half the cost of replacing the Bookmobile was made by a generous bequest from the estate of a grateful Bookmobile customer. Drop by and visit the Bookmobile when it stops in a location near you!

Thanks to a generous donation of the Friends of the Library and advice from the Library Teen Advisors, the new Teen Zone has emerged! Just a few hours ago, the Library received two new couches and two new armchairs. We hope the redesigned space will be more inviting to teens, as well as those customers who use the Teen Zone during school hours. We're not quite finished with the space, yet, so be sure to come by soon and enjoy the final product of this great new space!

For everyone on your holiday gift list, the Library has several ideas. Visit the Library Store for copies of books by local history authors, colorful "Stacks of Books" scarves and ties, Bookopoly board games, sturdy book bags, aprons, t-shirts and other goodies.Or donate to the Library’s Bucks for Books campaign!  How about a pair of tickets to the most delicious fundraiser in town? The Friends of the Library’s annual Chocolate and Wine Tasting benefit is coming up on February 20 and tickets are now on sale at the Library Check-out Desk.  Now that’s a sweet gift idea! Finally, if you’re in the market for a great "green" gift idea, visit our used bookracks and recycle some good gently used reads. 

Happy shopping at the Library!