Are you thinking about preparing chocolatey treats or a romantic night out for Valentine's Day? Or perhaps you just need to brush up on your cookie-baking skills for our chocolate cookie contest coming up in just 2 weeks? Either way, we have you covered. On your next trip to the Library, visit our Decadent Delights display of books all about wine, chocolate, and other treats. Make your trip soon, as these books, like their edible and potable counterparts, won't last.

Be sure to get your ticket to the Friends of the Monterey Public Library Annual Chocolate and Wine Tasting Benefit. The event is Friday, February 17th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. right here in the Library. Enjoy your only chance all year to eat, drink, and win prizes at the Library! For information call 831.646.3949.

January is prime whale watching time off the coastal waters of Monterey.  During this month the migrating California Gray Whales travel from Baja California where they give birth to their offspring, and make the long journey back to icy arctic waters.  Grays and their young stay closer to shore on the return journey north, providing wonderful opportunities to glimpse these amazing creatures!  On Saturday, January 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monterey Whalefest will take place on and around the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, where community and visitors alike will celebrate our California Grays and learn more about local marine life and ocean conservation. The Library will be there to help distribute information from our booth. Drop by and say hello.  Better yet, if you have your Monterey library card with you, you may borrow West Coast Whale Watching or similar guidebooks about whales.  Hope to see you there!

The Library staff was touched by the lovely letter of appreciation that appeared in today’s Monterey County Herald.   Olivia Brianna Morgan wrote, “In a few short weeks, I’ll be receiving a new teaching degree, and I truly believe every staff member of the Monterey Public Library should be on that platform with me! “  She explains that her honors British credentials were not recognized by the state of California, so she enrolled in an accelerated program at Chapman University in Monterey.  “The amount of reading and research necessary for this fast-paced program was staggering and I fled to the library in desperation.” 

“Despite all the budget cuts, reduced hours and staff trimming, I was assured that all the help I needed would be available. For almost two years, I have been able to email the masses of books, papers and media I needed, and all my materials would be shelved and ready for pick-up.  This saved me countless hours of library searching and I was able to keep my part-time job and my volunteer work.  In closing, she wrote, “ ‘Thank you’ seems insufficient, but know that I’ll be inspired in all my teaching to carry on your integrity and your deep devotion to learning. “

I think everyone here at the Library enjoys knowing that the work we do is valued and appreciated.  Thank you, Olivia, for your kind words and congratulations on completing your degree.  We’ll be on the platform with you in spirit!

The Friends of the Monterey Public Library and the MPL Endowment Committee present an Acupuncture Roundtable Discussion on Wednesday, January 18, 6-7:30 p.m.  Find out from a group of licensed Acupuncturists from the local community more about this method of encouraging the bodyto promote natural healing.  Free, but reservations are required.  Call 831.646.5632 or email thongchu@ci.monterey.ca.us.  More info at www.monterey.org/library

There is still time for you to "visit" all 50 states in the U.S and win your family prize for completing the Winter Family Reading Program before the program ends on January 14.

Did you receive an eBook reader or a tablet this holiday season? Or do you want to explore the rapidly evolving world of electronic books?  If so, join us on Saturday, January 7, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and learn about devices, bookstores, free libraries and other topics related to digital reading.  There will be demonstrations and sharing time.  Here are more details. 

Tax forms for the 2011 tax season have begun to arrive!  However, please note there is no set schedule as to when the forms will arrive.  If the library is out of a particular form or does not carry the form you need, copies can be printed at the Library Help Desk for $.10 a page. The deadline for filing Federal and California forms is April 17, 2012.  For those looking for Tax Preparation Assistance call 211 Monterey County for help or visit the 211 Web site: http://211mc.org/ 

For more information please call the Library Help Desk at 831-646-3933.