In my experience, people who work in libraries are often especially interesting, creative, versatile and talented people. This is certainly true of our staff members Sandre Cunha and Barbara Daniels, who have joined forces to create a wonderful exhibit in the Library lobby called You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover.  The exhibit features imaginative works of art created from old books, newly handmade ones,  and in some cases, a combination of both.  The artists make use of collage, stitching, fabric, photos, postcards, drawings, magazine clippings - even buttons, to transform books, which are already pretty cool objects themselves, into flights of fancy.  Check it out!  The exhibit will be on display through the end of March.

Demand at Public Libraries.  Read all about it.  http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_20023229/local-libraries-see-huge-uptick-e-book-use

There are still tickets available for the Friends of the Library’s Chocolate & Wine Tasting benefit coming up this Friday, February 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.   Enjoy a dazzling array of chocolate goodies and sample a wide range of wines – most made right here in Monterey County.   The Silent Auction features over 50 sensational items, so bring your checkbook or credit card!  There will also be an opportunity drawing for a one night stay for two Post Ranch Resort, as well as four theme baskets filled with goodies.  Live music and announcement of the Best Chocolate Cookie/Brownie Contest winners will round out the evening.  Come for a fun night out, and help raise money to benefit the Library.  Tickets $25 in advance or $30 at the door.  Must be 21-up to attend.

The Library cordially invites you to a Town Hall Meeting on Sunday,  February 12, at 2 p.m.  In recent months, we asked your for your input as we made plans for library services in the near future.  Come and hear more about how the plan is taking shape, and give us your feedback!   The meeting will take place in the Library Community Room.  Enter through the back patio doors.  We hope to see you there! 

The Friends of the Monterey Public Library are seeking entries to their "Best Chocolate Cookie or Brownie" contest.  To enter, bring two dozen homemade chocolate cookies or brownies on a disposable plate, and a copy of the recipe to the Monterey Public Library Help Desk on Thursday,  February 16, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Do not put your name on the recipe or on the plate.  You will sign in and receive a number to identify your entry.  Cookies and brownies will be judged on taste, appearance, texture, originality, and the most chocolate flavor.  Winners will be announced at the Friday, February 17, Chocolate & Wine Tasting Benefit at the Library.  Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners and an honorable mention. 

The Monterey Public Library is located at 625 Pacific Street, Monterey.  For more information call 831.646.3949 or visit www.monterey.org/library.

Happy 200^thbirthday to Charles Dickens and to his lasting contribution to English literature - David Copperfield, Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, The Pickwick Papers, A Tale of Two Cities, Bleak House, to name just a few.  And what would the festive season be without a reading or performance of A Christmas Carol?   Dickens novels have been transformed into plays, films, musicals, television mini-series, and even cartoons!   May his literary legacy endure for another 200 years and then some.

Did you know that the Library's California History Room collections contain books, magazines, newspapers, photographs, maps, drawings, pamphlets, diaries, letters, videos, DVDs, clippings and other materials illuminating every aspect of life in Monterey area communities?  Most titles, archived collections, and digitized sample images are included in the Library catalog.  

The California History Room is a treasure trove for historians, writers, scholars, and genealogists, and is an invaluable resource that preserves Monterey's community memory for today and tomorrow.