A very cute "insect" enjoying an early Halloween at the Library today! 

How many pumpkin seeds were in the jar? There were lots of good guesses, but Joshua Henderson came closest. He guessed 444, and the correct answer was 456. Joshua receives a big pumpkin as his prize. The pumpkin was donated by Monte Vista Market. 

Monterey Public Library will join libraries across the state on Thursday in "Snapshot: One Day in the Life of California Libraries."

The goal of this event is to show how important academic, public schools, special libraries and library systems are to the people of California.

"Snapshot Day" was developed by the California Library Association (CLA). Libraries across the state are picking a day this week to compile statistics, customer comments, photographs and other data.

"In communities across the state library usage is rising,“ says CLA president Kim Bui-Burton. “The demand for books and other resources, knowledgeable staff assistance and computer Internet access is growing, despite budget cuts, reduced hours and programs." This is true in Monterey, as Kim knows firsthand.  She is also our Library Director!

During times of economic hardship libraries are busier than ever. At Monterey Public Library we’ve seen an increase in the number of customers using library computers to search for jobs and post their resumes online. Attendance at our youth, teen, and adult programs is up as well. Customers and future leaders rely on the essential services and life-changing experiences that libraries provide, especially during times of severe economic distress.

On Thursday Monterey Public Library will gather statistics, customer comments, photographs and other data chronicling a typical library day. The California Library Association will add the results collected at Monterey Public Library to statistics collected at additional participating libraries.

Please visit the Monterey Public Library on Thursday, October 7, either in person, or online, and share your comments. Help us tell others about how important your library is!

Established in 1849, the Monterey Public Library has been a community priority for 161 years.  We can look back to many generations of Monterey residents who have reaped the benefits of the library - a community center for knowledge sharing, literacy, and lifelong learning.  During these difficult economic times we are challenged to continue that proud history and ensure that the Library will be here for future generations.  To that end Fund Development Coordinator Sirie Thongchua is working alongside the Library Board, Friends of the Library, and others who believe in the importance of libraries, to build the Library’s endowment at the Community Foundation for Monterey County.

As Sirie plans the Library’s campaign for giving, it is important that she is able to share with potential donors true life stories about how the Library has made a difference in the lives of the people in our community.  You can help!  Has the Library enriched or transformed your life in any way? Have you found inspiration and ideas at the Library?  If so, please let us hear your stories!  You may share with us on the blog, send Sirie an
e-mail at thongchu@ci.monterey.ca.us or give her a call at 831.646.5632.