This librarian's foggy Saturday morning was brightened considerably after reading the just-released results of a national survey of 1,000 teens, tweens and parents and their reading habits.

The 2008 Kids and Family Reading Report, from Scholastic Publishing and the Yankelovich research firm, described some of the ways young people's use of the Internet reinforces interest in reading those solid, handheld reading devices known as books.

This study of kids ages 9-17 found that young people who are high frequency Internet users are more likely to read books for fun - every day. More than half of the kids surveyed say they read a book printed on paper at least two to three times a week. More than two-thirds surveyed use the Internet to connect with other readers, learn about the author and about what other readers think of the book they're reading.

The title of this blog post came from a Tech Notebook article in the Saturday, June 14 San Jose Mercury News - "Books, Web can co-exist in kids' world". Any visit to the Monterey Public Library, especially during after-school hours, will show this is true. You'll see teens and tweens on the Internet, sliding books back into the returns slot and making use of the self-checks. And talking about what they're reading - with each other, online and with library staff.

The solitary joys of reading a book combined with access to seemingly unlimited information and online conversations that leap geography and time - all encouraging signs of not just co-existence, but flourishing! With apologies to Timbuk 3, after reading this report, I feel that "The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades".

Lots of people have been asking us, "When are you holding the Chocolate & Wine Tasting event?" This delicious annual fundraiser organized by the Friends of the Monterey Public Library has been moved from its usual July date to February, when the weather is a little cooler and there’s a little less activity going on around town to compete with the event. This is a wonderful gathering where friends and neighbors get together in the Library after hours to sample scrumptious wines and savor chocolate in its many forms – cakes, brownies, fudge, candies, ice cream sundaes, fondue, cookies, and even chicken molè! The event includes music, prize drawings, silent auction, a "Best Chocolate Cookie" contest, and lots of good company and conversation. Best of all, the proceeds go to help the library buy books, present cultural programs for all ages, and fulfill other library needs.

So, mark your calendar for Friday, February 20, 2009, and watch for announcement of ticket availability!