On March 17, the Library participated in the City of Monterey's annual Cutting Day. This is a half-century-old event where folks can get free cuttings of plants, culled from the City's parks to grow in their own gardens.

But people need more than plants to make their gardens flourish - they need know-how! And that's why the Library has an information table at each year's event - to remind gardeners that we have books, instructional cds, magazines and other resources to help them learn how to make their little corner of the earth bloom and grow. As we like to say, "Read 'em and reap!"

Do you have a favorite gardening book? If so, log onto your Pals account, look up the title in the catalog, and give it your star rating - or better yet, write a review.

Happy gardening!

Youth librarians are busy now planning the summer reading program. This year's theme is "Get A Clue @ The Library", a mystery theme. Let us know if you have any ideas! We especially need ideas for taking this theme into activities that will appeal to teenagers. Your ideas are needed!

Last week I visited the Monterey Museum of Art's wonderful exhibit, "Artists at Continent's End: The Monterey Peninsula Art Colony, 1875-1907. It is a beautiful show and everyone who lives in our area would enjoy it. - And then everyone will want to come to the Monterey Public Library to see the related art here and find out more about the artists. The Library has large paintings by both Francis and Gene McComas. Currently reference works on California artists are on display. There is a book with the same title as the show. More information on California artists is available in the California History Room. If you like art and you like Monterey, both the Museum and the Library have special things for you. The exhibit continues through April 29.

There hasn't been a new blog post for several days. That's partly because many of your bloggers are working hard to prepare the proposed Library budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Monterey Public Library services and collections are now free for all California residents, but libraries do cost money! Staff members, Trustees, and City officials do their best to make sure that the Library uses taxpayer and donor funds as wisely and efficiently as possible. Like most service organization, the Library spends most of its money on staff. The budget for books, CDs, DVDs, and online resouces is another major item. 21st Century public libraries must be many different things to many different people. We always welcome your suggestions about our priorities.

Some parents have been confused by the advertising for Bridge to Terabithia. They are not expecting a sad, sophisticated film. If you have read the book, however, you will know why librarians recommend the award-winning title for older children. The movie was created by the author's son (for whom the book was written). It is quite true to the book. But the advertising is not! That is why the Monterey Public Library has a display of similar books (longer chapter books about friendship) and a discussion group later this month for ages 8 and up. What did you think of the movie?

Did you love One Good Turn, or was it a letdown? Now you can read and post your own reviews of books and other materials in the Library Catalog. Search for the title you want to review and click on the Customer Reviews tab in the full record display. Click on a review title to read the full review, or click on Add a review to submit your own. Reviews appear in the catalog after they have been confirmed by Library staff. We hope you will share your opinions with other Library customers!

About a year ago, I read a wonderful mystery by Kate Atkinson called Case Histories. The main character is former cop and private detective Jackson Brodie, who has a tough-guy exterior, a self-deprecating sense of humor, and a tender heart. Brodie is simultaneously working on three cold cases, most of which are about 20 years old, and feature people and situations that intertwine at various intervals. This mystery is very different from the who-dunnit where you are introduced to the crime and, as you follow the investigation, pick up various clues in a more or less linear way. In this mystery, the author takes you back and forth from the past to the present, where you become acquainted with the victims while they were alive, and get to know the people they left behind. Atkinson develops a cast of very unusual, diverse and well-drawn characters, the best of which is Brodie himself.

Happily, Jackson Brodie is back as the central character in Atkinson's newest book, One Good Turn, another not-to-be missed title for readers who like contemporary mysteries with well-developed characters and situations that inter-connect; that feature really, despicable bad guys, and somewhat less-then-perfect good guys. Enjoy!