April is National Poetry Month, but many poets will agree that Fall is the season that inspires them most to apply pen to paper. Come to the Library and practice your poetry writing at a Poetry Writing Workshop led by the Patrice Vecchione, on Saturday, October 29, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. For ages 14-up.  Reservations are required, but attendance is free. To reserve a place in the workshop call 831.646.3949 or email mccombs@ci.monterey.ca.us

Here are some online sources of interesting information about the setting and author of Call of the Wild.  It is fun to see a photo of the dog who inspired Buck, to hear quotes from mushers and miners, and to hear the book read by Robert Redford.

Resources, including quotes from miners, images and video clips

 The Big Read's audio guide (something like an NPR radio program) withRobert Redford, Richard Rodriguez, and other famous people. A transcript and a song are also here.

 The Jack London Online Collection,by Sonoma State University, offers a wide variety of resources on Jack London, including digital versions of documents written by the author.

National Postal Museum's Stories from the Gold Rush

 Public Broadcasting’s American Experience: Gold Fever

 University of Washington’s Klondike Gold Rush: The Perilous Journey North

 The  Alaska Gallery at the Anchorage Museum includes information on Alaska's native people, exploration and settlement, the Gold Rush era, World War II, and Alaska’sstatehood. 

 

 

Lindsay, with her guess of 331 seeds, came amazingly close to guessing the actual number of pumpkin seeds in the jar on the Bookmobile. Her prize is a giant, more than 100 pound, pumpkin generously donated by Monte Vista Market. There were 327 seeds in the jar. Congratulations Lindsay.

The Library is making plans for the future.  We value your ideas and want your input so that we can make certain that the services and resources that we provide in the future reflect community priorities.  

There will be two upcoming opportunties to engage in a dialogue with the library.  Tell us about your interests, needs, hopes, concerns, and ideas.  We're listening!

Meet in the Library Community Room on Monday, October 17, 6 - 7:30 p.m. or on Monday, October 24, 6 - 7:30 p.m. 

The Library is making plans.  Come plan with us!

 , Jack London, author of the classic novel, The Call of the Wild
will be making an appearance at our Big Read conversation about his work on Friday, October 21 ,at 4 p.m.  Actually, actor Talen Thomas will be portraying the famous writer and adventurer, in a short piece from his 90-minute performance created for the Big Read.  Also featured at this event will be a miners' snack, a dog, knot-tying, and your comments on the book.  The event is for ages 10-adult. 

Eager to begin talking?  Start here.  Comment on your feelings as you read.  London criticized other authors who gave feelings to their animal characters.  He said that Buck is based on reason and instinct.  Is that true?  Is it fair?  How does Buck, compare to other fictional dogs you've met, or to Black Beauty to name another classic?

Don't miss an evening of Stories for Adults with Diane Ferlatte, Tuesday, October 11, 6:30 p.m.  For ages 16-up.  Tickets are still available at the Help Desk! 

The Library's making plans for the future.  On Saturday, October 8, you may participate in a group discussion in the Library Community Room from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., or from 2-3:30 p.m.  Let's plan together!  For more information check our  Web site.

As part of our Storytime theme, “Across America,” this Thursday we will be celebrating the cowpokes of our west coast. Do your children have boots, hats or other cowpoke gear they like to wear for dress-up?

Be sure to wear your Western clothes this Thursday, October 6th.  Also, everyone can get in the act by putting their head in our cowpoke stand-up for a cowgirl or cowboy photo. The Toddler Storytime at 10:15 is for children ages 18 to 36 months. The Preschool Storytime at 11:00 is for children 3 to 5 years old. Remember to bring your cameras and be ready for Western stories, music and fun.

 

 

Go on board the Bookmobile between October 1 - 14 to guess the number of pumpkin seeds in the jar. If your guess is closest to the correct number, you will be the winner of a giant pumpkin donated by Monte Vista Market in Monterey, just in time for Halloween.  The winner will be notified on October 15.

Hear the Call of the Wild and join everyone in Monterey County as we read and discuss this Jack London classic.  It’s an action-packed dog story, much beloved for almost 100 years.  It’s short, but the language is sophisticated.  It’s exciting, but often seen as violent with some racial stereotypes.    The Library has many copies, thanks to the NEA Big Read project, and it’s available free online.  The catalog takes you to many editions. We even have a class set or two to give to any teachers who want to participate with the whole class.    Start reading now or contact us for help in getting started.  I’ll be leading a discussion with helpful links here on the blog, and we’re having an event at the Library too.  Come on Friday October 21 at 4 pm, to meet a dog, explore the book’s territory and talk about the story.  This book group is open to everyone, age 10 to adult.    If you’ve already read Call of the Wild, when did you read it and how did you like it?