Fund Our Library Campaign!

The Library has launched a Fund Our Library campaign to help cover costs for fiscal year 2010-2011.

This campaign is a direct result of people asking, “What can we do to support the Library, now that Measure J did not pass?”

The Fund Our Library campaign is not just for PG residents. Anyone and everyone can make a contribution of any amount.

Every penny contributed to the Fund Our Library campaign will be used for the Library, and only for the Library. Donors have the option of specifying if they would like their contribution to be used for: Operating Expenses; Books, CDs and DVDs; or “Greatest Need.”

To make a donation, click here to download a form you can print and send in with your check. Or make an online donation with your credit card by going to our website and clicking on the Make a Donation button. All donations are tax deductible.

December Booksale - Ongoing & Indoors

There will be no booksale in the arcade this month;

(our booksale volunteers are on holiday vacations).

However

inside the Library,

booksale shelves

are overflowing.

Come in & find

the perfect gift

for your friends

or yourself!

Ellen Hopkins @ the Library

Join us Thursday,

when the New York Times Bestselling Author

Ellen Hopkins

talks about writing,

an author's life, and

"the stories behind the stories."

Thursday, December 3rd

@ 4 pm

A Free Event for Teens

Adults - Suggested $10 Donation

Ellen Hopkins has been writing poetry for years. Her first novel-in-verse, Crank, became a word-of-mouth sensation, elicing praise from teens and critics alike. Ellen's other bestselling novels include Burned, Impulse, Glass, Identical, and Tricks. Don't miss this special opportunity to meet this highly acclaimed and popular author.

Thanksgiving Holiday

For the Thanksgiving Holiday

the Library will be closed

Thursday, November 26th - Monday November 30th

We wish you all a

Happy Thanksgiving

Today, today, today. Bless us...

and help us grow.

From the Rosh Hashanah Liturgy

May the blessing of light be on you, light without and light within. May the blessed sunshine shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire, so that the stranger may come and warm himself at it, and also a friend. -Traditional Irish Blessing

Gratitude is heaven itself.

-William Blake

Give us thankful hearts...in this the season of Thy Thanksgiving. May we be thankful for health and strength, for sun and rain and peace. Let us seize the day and the opportunity and strive for that greatness of spirit that measures life not by its disappointments but by its possibilities.... - W.E.B. Du Bois.

Round the table

Peace and joy prevail

May all who share

this season's delight

enjoy countless more.

-Chinese Blessing-

All quotes taken from A Grateful Heart, edited by M. J. Ryan.

Meet the Author: Pat Tanumihardja

So what do you do when something terrible happens, like your favorite library doesn't get the 66.67% vote it needs to win a stable and secure source of funding?

Go sit in your grandmother's kitchen and let her comfort you with her wisdom and delicious home-cooking. Or this Thursday evening, go to the Library and experience the comfort, culture and cuisine of Asian Grandmothers.

Pat Tanumihardja will present her new cookbook, The Asian Grandmothers Cookbook. along with some tasty samples - Thursday, at 7 pm.

For more information, go to Pat's web site and blog:

http://www.ediblewords.com/

http://theasiangrandmotherscookbook.wordpress.com/

A Narrow Loss for Measure J

65.91% is a tremendous amount of support for the Library. But according to law, it is not enough to win. Measure J required 66.67%, approximately 30-35 more votes to pass.

The specific numbers posted yesterday on the Monterey County Election website are:

Semi-Final Election Results for Measure J
YES 2,747 votes 65.91%

NO 1,421 votes 34.09%

Thank you to the 2,747 residents who voted for Measure J. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who worked on the Yes on Measure J campaign. Thank you to everyone else, who lent their time and support, in seen and unseen, large and small ways.

Library's Lucky Day???

"Ballot Tabulation" is on the schedule today for the Monterey County Election Department. That means they will be counting vote-by-mail and provisional ballots, and adjusting the numbers that were posted November 3rd.

"There will definitely be new numbers," we were told Thursday by Election Department officials. How those new numbers add up regarding Measure J remains to be seen. As noted in previous posts, the Library is trailing by 1.5%.

FYI, there may be more than one update during the day. It was suggested that interested voters check the Election website after 5 pm on Friday. Numbers posted Friday will not be "the final certified" results, but they will be a good indicator of final results. "There may or may not be additional changes on Monday," (a day reserved for "ballot duplication and tabulation, if necessary.") Therefore, it was suggested people check their website again Monday after 5 pm.

Your comments, letters, and the vote demonstrate undeniable support for the Library. Thank you - for speaking up to keep the library open, help guarantee a vibrant future for our community, and a continuing legacy of literacy and learning in Pacific Grove.

While We Wait.....

While we wait for the final election results.... an evening of poetry and prose awaits you at the 2nd Writers Readings : An evening of Prose and Poetry.

Since the last event, many local authors have expressed interest in participating. "Who is on the program?" you wonder.... The only way to find out is to show up! Please join us for another evening of inspiration, laughter, and celebration of the written word.

"Wait and See"

Today we were told by the Monterey County Elections Department that the Measure J race is still too close to call. Countywide, there are 8,500 ballots that have not yet been tallied. We do not know how many of those are ballots regarding Measure J. (We were told that information is not available.)

According to the official Schedule regulating the verification and tabultation of ballots, the Ballot Tabulation for vote-by-mail and provisional ballots will be on Friday, November 13th. After those ballots have been counted, the results will be posted on the Election Department's website .

Please note: the results posted on November 13th may not be the final count. The Elections Department has until November 23rd to submit the official election results.

So here at the Library, we continue to "wait and see." A win is still possible....

What Now?

Semi-Final Election Results for Measure J

YES 2142 votes 65.23%
NO 1,142 votes 34.77%

In yesterday's election, the residents of Pacific Grove came out in solid support for the Library. But according to the Semi-Final Election Results, posted on the Monterey County Election website, 65.23% voted in favor of the parcel tax and 34.77% voted against the tax. 66.7%, a two-thirds majority, is required to win.

Does that mean Measure J lost? Not necessarily.

At this point, the key factor is how many votes are left to be counted, e.g., remaining absentee ballots and provisional ballots. (A provisional ballot is a paper ballot used by a voter when there is some problem in establishing a voters eligibility. The ballot will be counted only if election officials determine that the person was in fact entitled to vote.)

According to Measure J volunteers who were calling registered voters over the weekend, there is still hope. Among absentee voters, there was strong support for Measure J.

We have not heard when the final results will be posted. But as Yogi Berra said, "It's not over until it's over."

HAUNTED HOUSE

There's a Haunted House in the Library!

If you're 4 years old or older come take a tour-

that is,if you're brave enough to enter......

Thursday, October 29th 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

Happy Halloween!

A New View

The view from the Children's Room is lighter and brighter these days. The three windows on the north side of the Library have been replaced with beautiful new windows which retain the historic shape AND don't leak! An added bonus is the new windows can be opened - sweet relief on those rare hot days in Pacific Grove.

Termite damage prompted the project. Monies from the Library's Building & Equipment Fund will be used to pay for it. And carpenters expect to finish the job by the end of the month.

Library Resolution

Dedicated Library Advisory Board members left the comfort of their homes Tuesday evening, (as the storm continued to howl), to draft a Resolution that will be presented to City Council on Wednesday, October 21st.

The Board is asking for A Resolution of the City of Pacific Grove Declaring the Intention of the City Council to Continue Its Efforts to Support the Library.

The Resolution presents the facts that:

• The Library is a department of the City.
• The City has already reduced Library funding by more than 50%.
• The City has proposed a special tax to provide funding for the Library.
• The tax, if approved by voters on November 3rd, would generate approximately $630,000 a year, (for 10 years), for the Library.

The Library Board is requesting the City Countil to:

• Encourage citizens to vote for Measure J.
• Acknowledge that the proposed tax, if approved by voters, can only partially fund the Library at the desired level of service.
• Continue its efforts to financially support the Library.
• Confirm the City's responsibility to maintain Library facilities.

What do you think?.... Attend the City Council meeting, and let us know.

Power Outages Close Library Tuesday & Wednesday

Wind and rain played havoc with trees and power lines causing a power outage shortly after 10 am today.

The Library did not open at 11 am, due to safety concerns (there were no lights in the building). However the staff remained, working by windows and flashlights, until the power came back on at 1:20 pm. The Library's doors were promptly opened.....but only for 20 minutes, when the power went out again.

At 2 pm, City Hall directed staff to close the building and go home. We hope all of you are staying warm and dry today, and that we'll see you later this week.

[photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwen/2174957090/]

2nd Saturday Book Sale This Month

This month only, our Saturday book sale will be on the 2nd Saturday of the month, October 10th.

The storage area is overflowing with books... so there will be plenty to choose from!

Book Talk with Denise Sallee

Denise Sallee speaks

about her latest book:

Daughters of Time.

Wednesday, September 30th

6 pm.

When Denise isn't assisting patrons at the reference desk, she's busy researching and writing books of her own.

Come listen to her talk about her latest story of three young women who live in distinctly different historical eras: 13th century Spain, 17th century England, and 1880’s Mississippi. With a touch of magical realism the characters lives unfold in a way that shows the interconnectedness of women’s lives and the spiraling flow of the past with the future.

This is a special opportunity to hear Denise before she leaves for Ireland, where she will continue her research and writing on a book about the Irish poet Ella Young and her influence on California culture.

To find out more about Denise and her work, visit: :http://www.denisesallee.com/ and http://spirallinginward.blogspot.com/

Loving What Is

400 people, from Pacific Grove and beyond, gathered in the auditorium at Robert Down Elementary School on Thursday night to experience The Work of Byron Katie. It was a wonderful evening, filled with insight, inspiration, laughter and joy.

The evening was a huge success for the Library. Ticket and book sales totalled more than $10,000! (Byron Katie graciously waived all speaking fees.)

Comments from attendees exiting the hall included:

"WOW!"

"That was a dream come true."

"Thank you, SO MUCH for bringing her to PG."

"Fantastic! We're over-the-moon."

"We hope you have more events like these."

This event was sponsored by the Friends of the Pacific Grove Public Library, as part of their Meet the Author series. All proceeds raised will be given to the Library to purchase new books and materials.

An enormous THANK YOU to

Byron Katie & the Friends of the Library.

Who is Byron Katie?

Byron Katie is an internationally renowned speaker and the bestselling author of: Loving What Is; I Need Your Love—Is That True?; A Thousand Names for Joy, and Who Would You Be Without Your Story.

She is also the next author in the Library's,

Meet the Author series!

In her books and lectures, "Katie" teaches a simple yet powerful process of self-inquiry called, "The Work." As she guides people through it, they find that their stressful beliefs—about life, other people, or themselves— radically shift. In a matter of moments, confusion is replaced with clarity, tears turn to laughter, sorrow is replaced with joy.

“Who Would You Be Without Your Story?”

Come find out.
Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 7 pm
Robert Down Elementary School Auditorium
485 Pine Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA

Tickets: $25 per person
All proceeds benefit the Pacific Grove Public Library.

Fundraising

Last month we received a suggestion to please consider fundraisers as a means to sustain the Library.

We're happy to report that fundraising events, large and small, are always going on at the Library. Some events are sponsored by our Friends of the Library. But many are initiated and carried out by loyal library patrons, like you. So if you have a great idea, and are ready to roll up your sleeves and organize it, let us know.

Every cent and event makes a difference. Fundraising helps the Library: purchase new books, CDs, DVDs; update computers; purchase new techonology;and fund programs for children and adults.

Examples of 2009 fundraising activities include:

• The Meet the Author series, featuring authors from the Monterey Peninsula and afar. Sponsored by The Friends of the Library.
• The 1st Saturday Booksales. Organized and maintained by a trio of dedicated patrons.
• The Writers' Reading event. C0-hosted by the Central Coast Writers, and organized by Cameron Douglas.
• The Read-a-thon. Over $10,000 raised by local school children! Organized by Linda and Mei Bailey.
• A birthday party, where all the "gifts" were donations to the Friends of the Library. Organized by friends of Judy Archibald.
• Cypress Cleaners will donate 2-5% of your dry cleaning bill to the Library. (This offer is available through 12/31/2009.)

Our next fundraiser will be Thursday September 10th... Stay tuned for more information in the next blog post. (Or if you can't wait, check out the Events page on our web site.)

Early Photographs & Cases Exhibit

This month our exhibit cases feature historical photographs known as dageurreotypes, ambrotypes and tintypes.

The daguerreotype was the first successful, commercial, photographic process. Invented in 1839 by the French chemist, Louis J.M. Daguerre, the glittering mirror-like images elicited amazement, and caused a world-wide sensation. As reported in the American Journal "The Knickerbocker":

We have seen the views taken in Paris by the 'Daguerreotype,' and have no hesitation in avowing, that they are the most remarkable objects of curiosity and admiration, in the arts, that we ever beheld. Their exquisite perfection almost transcends the bounds of sober belief.

The quality of the photographs was stunning, in part due to the remarkable degree of detail. Carl Dauthendey, a 19th century professional photographer observed:

"People were afraid at first to look for any length of time at the pictures he produced. They were embarrassed by the clarity of these figures and believed that the little, tiny faces of the people in the pictures could see out at them, so amazing did the unaccustomed detail and the unaccustomed truth to nature of the first daguerreotypes appear to everyone."

Daguerreotypes and ambrotypes – and to a lesser extent tintypes – are fragile and highly susceptible to breakage, oxidation, and scratching. Very quickly, cases were designed to protect them. The earliest were made of pressed paper and leather; they featured a variety of geometric, floral, and patriotic motifs. Hundreds of different designs became available, with themes derived from nature, literature, history, and art.

The fragile photographs on display come from the collection of Esther Trosow.

An Evening of Prose & Poetry

The Central Coast Writers and

Friends of the Pacific Grove Library

present

Writers' Readings

Thursday, August 13th at 7 pm

"Not since the days of the Thunderbird Bookstore has such a wide variety of local wordsmiths come together to share their work with an audience." Pacific Grove authors and poets reading include: Cameron Douglas, Walter Gourlay, Ed Jarvis, Bill Minor, Neal Whitman, and Kerry Wood. Other authors from the Monterey County will also share their work.

Library Parcel Tax Approved for November Ballot

On Wednesday, August 5th, the City Council unanimously approved placing a Special Parcel Tax on the November 3rd ballot "for the sole purpose of maintaining and improving services at the Pacific Grove Public Library."

As outlined in the Resolution, the measure would levy a special tax at the rate of $96.00 per year for single-family parcels, and $75.00 per year for multi-family parcels. (Note: multi-family parcels does not include residential parcels with a second unit, such as a "granny unit.") All other property, including commerical, industrial and public utility property would pay the same rate as single-family residences.

The Council voted to add a 10 year "sunset clause" to the resolution, stipulating that the tax end June 30, 2021.

If the measure receives the required two-thirds majority to pass, it is expected to generate $630,000 a year for the Library. That amount would enable the Library to restore staff and services, and open the Library five days-a-week instead of the current schedule where it is only open four days-a-week.

The Council Chamber was filled with Library supporters, who spoke up in favor of the Measure. No one spoke up against the Measure.

1st Saturday Book Sale!

Saturday, August 1st is the monthly Book Sale, in the Library arcade. (Hours: noon-3 pm.)

The Library recently received a large donation from a lovingly cared for personal library. Many of these books will be available at this month's book sale. Featured topics include art, travel, gardening.... and a little bit of everything else.

Come pick up a few books for summer reading....or stock up for the winter months ahead.

FYI, the 1st Saturday Book Sales have raised $4446.00 for the Library in the past year. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers!

New Library Advisory Board Member

We are delighted to announce that Anthony Pearsall was appointed to the Library's Advisory Board by the City Council on July 15, 2009.

Mr. Pearsall jumped into his role immediately. During the City Council meeting that followed his appointment, he spoke emphatically on the need to maintain General Fund support for the Library and place a parcel tax on the November ballot, designated solely for the Library.

Mr. Pearsall is a Pacific Grove resident and homeowner, with two children who attend Pacific Grove Middle School. His entire family visit the Library frequently, often several times a week.

As stated in his application for appointment:

"As a PGMS parent, a member of the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Pacific Grove, the downtown Business Improvement District, and the Friends of the Library, I am eager to work for the good of this city and the future of one of its central institutions, as a member of the Library Board."

The next Library Advisory Board Meeting will be Tuesday, August 11th at 7 p.m. The meeting is at the Community Center, and the public is welcome to attend.

Council Removes Library from List of Budget Cuts & Recommends $95 Library Parcel Tax for November Ballot

The Council Chambers were packed Wednesday night - with passionate and patient Library supporters. It was after 10 pm when the Council began discussion on The Plan for Closing the Long-Term Budget Gap. When it was time for public comment, library advocates of every age lined up to speak. And they spoke eloquently.

Author, Michael Katakis opened comments with a tribute to libraries as the place in a town "where dreams and wonder are stored."

Others echoed his comments. “The library is not just a big building with books…” It’s a place “where children embark on magical trips.” It’s a place for "people who understand the love of exploring.” "People are using library computers to look for jobs." "It's an anchor for families." It’s practically my 2nd home."

Every speaker expressed, in their own unique way, that “the Library is not an extra. It is essential.” “It’s a basic need.” "People need it to nourish themselves."

A 10 year old observed, “What is a city without a library? It’s a disaster.” Older PG residents made similar comments. “When you get down to closing your library, you’re saying, ‘this a is failed city.” “When a town loses its library, it loses it soul.”

Linda Bailey Smith, chair of the enormously successful Read-a-thon spoke for all Library supporters when she addressed the Council. “Sometimes unseen solutions come from taking a stand….I’m asking you to take a stand…. draw a line in the sand….No more cuts to the Library.”

You spoke up. And the Council listened. In a 5-1 vote, they agreed to remove “Close library/Eliminate General Fund support for library” from the Plan for Closing the Long-Term Budget Gap.

Later in the meeting, after midnight, the Council voted to place a $95 Library Parcel Tax on the November ballet. Designated specifically for the Library, this measure would require a two-thirds (66%) majority to pass. The second reading on this resolution will be August 5th. Stay tuned….

"Close Library/Eliminate General Fund support"

As part of the "Plan for Closing the Long-Term Budget Gap", the following strategy is being presented to the City Council on Wednesday, July 15th.

"Based on City Council priorities established in March 2009, library services is of secondary priority, to be pursued upon resource availability after public safety and infrastructure maintenance are secured. Given the minimal hours of operation and staffing levels in place already, we must consider elimination of General Fund support altogether. If this option is adopted, staff would work to determine whether there is an effective model that relies heavily on volunteers to keep the library open at a fraction of the current cost. If such a model appears feasible, the savings from this strategy could be reduced. The City Council will also consider a special tax to continue library operations as a separate agenda item on July 15th. If a tax measure is approved by voters and the City Council wished to keep the library open until special tax revenues would be received in December 2010, this savings option may not be available until the spring of 2010, with full effect not realized until FY 2010/11."

This strategy would save the City $400,000 per year, (out of a $15 million dollar budget).

To express your views on this topic, contact your City Council Members and attend the City Council meeting on July 15th at 6 pm.
(We have been informed that Agenda Items pertaining to the Library may not be discussed until 7:30 or 8 pm due to the lengthy agenda.)

Getting By With Less

On July 1st the Library entered a new phase of reduced funding. Changes include:

• The Library is now open only four days a week, for a total of 24 hours. (Click here to see the new schedule.)
• Late fines will increase to 25 cents per day for children and young adult materials; 50 cents per day for adult materials.
• The Thursday morning Storytime program has been cancelled. (See The Children's Calendar for the new storytime schedule.)
• Interlibrary Loan Service may not continue, (due to reductions in part-time staff). It is temporarily limited to 1 request per person, per week. And the fee will soon be increased to $3 per request.
• The Reference Desk will no longer be fully staffed. (The recently hired part-time Librarian position has been cut.)
• Lines may be longer at the Circulation Desk. (A full-time Library Assistant retired and was not replaced.)
• No money was allocated for books and other materials, so there will be fewer new purchases, and longer waits for best sellers and high interest materials.

The staff deeply regrets any inconvenience these changes may cause you. We are committed to serving you as well as we can, considering the limitations of a reduced staff and budget.

Be Creative with Song!

Be Creative!

Summer Reading Program continues

with musician,

Linda Arnold

Thursday, July 2nd, 12:30 pm

Meet the Author: Anne-Marie Drosso

Anne-Marie Drosso was born and raised in the heart of downtown Cairo, Midan El Tahririn. She left Egypt to pursue graduate studies in British Columbia, Canada. Her studies led to teaching positions in Economics, a law degree, and working for an administrative tribunal.

Although she returned to Cairo frequently to visit, she moved back there to live in 1999, while her husband served as Director of the American Research Center in Egypt .

“In a way, much of my life has been spent writing,” Drosso said. But it was only when she stopped working, and joined her husband in Cairo that she tried her hand at writing fiction.



Her first book, Cairo Stories, offers fabulous sights, sounds and smells of Cairo. However Ms. Drosso's focus is first and foremost on her characters. "I would have called it Cairene Stories," she remarked, "but the publisher thought I was crazy." The stories transcend geographical boundaries, and have universal appeal.

Her most recent book, In Their Father's Country, is also set in Cairo, and follows the lives of two sisters from childhood to old age. When asked what the novel is about, she deferred to readers' comments: "a woman in difficult circumstances;" "a minority living in Egypt;" "a socity in decline." And then she hinted the title holds a clue. In Their Father's Country, suggests alienation or estrangement in one's own home.

Anne-Marie Drosso is the fourth author in The Friends of the Library's Meet the Author series. The series will break for summer and resume in September.

Memories of a Giants Fan

Play Ball!

It's summertime, and that means baseball. Jana Deck is a SF Giants fan, and has the memorabilia to prove it. Come see baseballs signed by Willie Mays and Willie McCovey, a program from the 1989 World Series, a ticket from the last game at Candlestick Park and other items collected over the years.

You may leave whistling, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game...." or be inspired to drive up to the AT&T Park for some old-fashioned entertainment.

(Come soon. The exhibit ends July 1st.)

It's a Talent Show!

Be Creative @ Your Library

It's a Talent Show!

and YOU are the STARS.

Each child has 1-5 minutes to:

Sing your heart out;

Do a skit;

Show your artwork.

Recite a poem;

Wow us with you creativity!

Wednesday, June 24th. 2-3 pm. In the Children's Room.

Reduced Hours Begin July

Due to budget cuts, the Library's hours are being reduced from:

• 31 hours to 24 hours a week
• 5 days to 4 days a week.

Effective July 1, 2009, the new schedule is:

• Monday             closed
• Tuesday          11 am - 6 pm
• Wednesday     11 am - 6 pm
• Thursday           closed
• Friday             12 pm - 5 pm
• Saturday         12 pm - 5 pm
• Sunday               closed

The new schedule is based upon patron input gathered from the Library Hours Survey.

Lucy is Retiring!

After 23 years of devoted service to PGPL and its patrons,

Lucy is retiring.

We will miss her

smiling presence at the check-out desk,

fastidious management of the periodicals collection,

hospitable nature,

remarkable recall of library history....

Come wish her a fond farewell.

Friday, June 19th

2 - 4 pm

in the Periodicals area

Cake & Punch will be Served.

If you cannot drop by on Friday, Lucy will be working at the Library until June 30, 2009.

Summer Reading Club Continues

Be Creative @ Your Library !

The fun continues....

Sign up for the Summer Reading Club!

Read Books, Wonderful Books, & Earn Prizes!

Come to the SPECIAL PROGRAMS ON WEDNESDAYS @ 2 pm!

Wednesday, June 17th, there will be lots of laughs

with DAFFY DAVE!

Survey Comments

In addition to answering our questions, you offered comments of your own. We've read them all. Here's a sampling of comments on when our patrons would like the Library to be open:

• "Morning hours are very convenient for me."
• "I am retired, so I mainly use the Library in the afternoons."
• "I like evening and afternoon hours so my kids can come after school."
• "It is important to stay open some hours for people who work M-F 8-5."
• "SUNDAY IS THE BEST DAY OF ALL!!!"
• "Would be nice to have the library open the same evening as farmer's market."
• "There is a line out the door at 10:00 am openings. This indicates a huge need!"
• "If 24 hr/wk are the max hrs, it would be optimal for individual time managment purposes to be open 6 days a week from noon to 4 P.M."
• "Although I only use the Library once a week in Pacific Grove, I feel it is important to have it open as much as possible for the entire community."
• "I love the library and would come by everyday its open."

Future posts will include your "additional comments" on Library operations.

Summer Reading Club

Be Creative @ your library !

That's the theme of this year's Summer Reading Club. And the Library has LOTS of wonderful programs and prizes planned to help kids stir up their creative juices.

Sign-up begins June 9th.

The FUN continues through July 29th.

And Every Wednesday @ 2 p.m. is a Special Program.

Our first program, on June 10th:

PETER BRIZZI PUPPET THEATER!

(Stay tuned for future programs.... or pick up a schedule, next time you're in the Library.)

Booksale on Saturday!

June 6th is the first Saturday of the month, and that means the Friends of the Library are having their monthly book sale, in the Library arcade.

For over a year, volunteers have adopted the colossal task of sorting through heaps of donations, organizing the books, hauling them outdoors, and collecting money.

It sounds like a team of ten or twenty, doesn't it? But all of this is done by 3 amazing volunteers: Amy, Frances & Gary.

From noon until 3 pm, they will be selling DVDs for $3, hardback books for $2, trade paperbacks for $1, and mass market paperbacks for .50. Rare books and special editions are individually priced. And for the adventurous, there are pre-packaged "Surprise Bags:" 10 books for $1!

Come take a look, and pick up some summer reading. Every buck goes to the Library, to purchase new books and materials. And every purchase makes a difference!

p.s. If you can't make it on Saturday, the Library has a small ongoing book sale in the Library also. Books for sale are located on two carts outside the Children's Room, underneath the glass wall.

Survey Results

We asked. And you answered.

And the overwhelming consensus is:

• You're most likely to visit the Library in the afternoon.
• It's "extremely important" to be open weekday afternoons and Saturday afternoon.
• It's "not very important" to be open weekday mornings.
• Wednesday is the weekday you're most likely to visit.
• Monday is the weekday you're least likely to visit.
• You're most likely to attend programs for children during the afternoon. (Wednesday and Saturday in particular.)
• You're most likely to attend programs for adults in the evening. (Wednesday and Thursday in particular.)

From May 15th to May 31st, our patrons picked up approximately 200 Library Hours Surveys: from the circulation desk, reference desk, and our web site. More than 150 were returned, giving us a 75% return rate.

77% of the surveys were completed by PGPL cardholders. Monterey Public Library cardholders filled out the rest. And the vast majority of surveys were completed by residents who live here, in 93950.

We greatly appreciate your input. It will help guide us through the difficult decision of which hours to cut for next fiscal year....

......and when times improve, it will help us decide which hours to add.

Our "Patrons"

Here at the Pacific Grove Public Library, the staff refers to the people who use the Library as our "patrons." It's an old-fashioned word. Many libraries have replaced it with customer, member, visitor or some other synonym. But "patron" still works best for PGPL.

Why? Because it captures the spirit of support that exists between the Library and its visitors. The Library supports the community - with its collection of books, magazines, music, and DVDs; storytime programs; lectures; assistance in finding information; public access computers; a quiet place to study.

And the community supports the Library. Many of our visitors offer something in return. Some make donations - of money, gently used books, services-in-kind. Others volunteer; they come in every week and do whatever is needed. Several speak up at City Council meetings. A few present programs. A handful mastermind terrific fundraising events. Students from our local schools do community service at the Library.

That's what patrons do. They "support with money, efforts, or endorsements." They "sponsor social functions." They "use their wealth or influence to help an institution or a cause."

This reciprocal relationship of support benefits everyone. It builds and sustains community. It enhances the quality of our lives. It offers us all the opportunity to give back or "pay it forward." It helps make a city - a home town.

For 101 years, PGPL had been serving its "patrons." Let's keep it going for another century or two.....

Advisory Board Chair Resigns

Susan Steele has resigned from the Library Advisory Board, effective June 1, 2009.

It is a great loss for the Library. As Chair of the Advisory Board, Ms. Steele has been consistently proactive in her efforts to get the Library back on firm footing. She has worked collaboratively with the Senior Librarian, the President of the Friends of the Library, and her colleauges on the Advisory Board. She orchestrated hiring an independent consulting firm to study the Library and submit a strategic plan. And she has attended a multitude of meetings: with the City Manager, the Director of Management and Budget, the State Librarian, and a tax initiative consultant, as well as monthly Board meetings and City Council meetings.

As noted in her resignation letter:
"I have attempted during my tenure as Chair of the Board to bring to the City Council our best advice regarding the Pacific Grove Library, including a strategic plan for the Library's future. As fas as I can determine, the City Council has either ignored our advice or dismissed it out of hand."

We are grateful for Susan's dedication to the Library's well-being. We intend to build upon the plan she was instrumental in obtaining. And we look forward to seeing Susan in the Library.

Last Call - Dionne Quintuplets Exhibit

This exhibit has elicited more comments, reference questions and interlibrary loans than any other exhibit. So if you haven't seen it, come in now before it leaves on Tuesday, June 2nd.

On May 28, 1934, five identical girls were born in rural Ontario, Canada. Worldwide frenzy ensued. The Ontario government took custody of the girls, who became known as the Dionne Quins or Quints. They spent their first nine years at Quintland, behind a one-way screen, and tourists came from around the world to watch. This exhibit showcases some of the Depression-era memorabilia that was incredibly popular at the time. It was collected by local artist Snick Farkas.

FYI, Annette and Cecile are the only quints alive today. Happy Birthday Annette! Happy Birthday Cecile!

Council Approves Budget Cuts

Last Wednesday evening, the City Council approved the Recommended Budget for FY 2009/2010. What did they approve for the Library?

• Hours cut to 20-24 hours per week.
• Days open per week cut to 4.
• One full-time position cut.
• Part-time Librarian position cut.
• Part-time Staffing cut.
• 1-2 Storytime programs per week cut.
• Book budget cut.
• Magazine subscriptions cut.
• Databases cut.
• Supply budget cut.
• Overdue fines increased.
• ILL fee increased.
  

This is the best case scenario... The worst case scenario is to simply close the Library, if the State "borrows" money from cities (as anticipated).

If you're unhappy about the proposed cuts, NOW is the time to speak up. Write, email, (or forward this blog post with your comments attached), to individual City Council members. And/or attend the next City Council meeting on June 3rd. After that, it will be fait accompli.

"Fantastic." "Wonderful." "Inspiring."

Last night more than seventy people gathered in the Library to listen to Michael Katakis read excerpts from his recent book, Traveller: Observations from an American in Exile.

Katakis surprised us by beginning his talk with a heart-felt tribute to a librarian and libraries. "It is an honor to be here in this library," he began. "I consider libraries hallowed ground." He continued, "If you lose your library, I believe you lose your town. This is a lovely town. I hope you don't lose it."

Katakis' reading highlighted his visits to Istanbul, Sierra Leone, Paris, China, and the United States. He then answered questions about writing, photography, and being a traveller. "A traveller is one who travels alone or with one other person...and who always allows serendipity in."

Mr. Katakis graciously let us into his life and travels. And the response was unanimous.
"Fantastic," "Splendid," "Fascinating," "Inspiring" were the parting words of attendees.

It was a wonderful evening in the Library. And it was made possible by the wonderful Friends of the Pacific Grove Public Library.

A Sign for the Times

Sign in the Pacific Grove Public Library.

Quote attributed to Anne Herbert,

The Whole Earth Catalog, 1980.

Library Surveys - Let Us Know What You Think

Due to proposed budget cuts, the Library will be reducing hours and services beginning July 2009. To help us plan for the future, the Library is currently conducting two surveys. We would greatly appreciate your input on the following two issues:

1) Library Hours. Hours will be reduced from 31 hours to 20 or 24 hours per week. Currently the Library is open Tuesday through Saturday. If hours are reduced, the Library will be open only four days a week. When do you use the Library? When would you like to use the Library?

2) Interlibrary Loan (ILL). This service allows our cardholders to borrow books or receive photocopies of documents that we do not own, from other libraries. Currently, for a $1 fee, a cardholder may request an item at the Reference Desk. Our staff identifes owners of the desired item, places the request, receives the item, makes it available to the cardholder, and arranges for its return. Although books and journal articles are the most frequently requested items, we have also made ILL requests for audio recordings, sheet music, and microforms.

Survey forms may be picked up at the Library. Or go to our website and download the Surveys. Or just click here: InterLibrary Loan Survey • Library Hours Survey. (Please note: Surveys must be printed, filled out, and returned to the Library. At this time, they cannot be completed online.)

Thank you for helping us plan for the future.

Library Budget Cut - Again

Pacific Grove's Recommended Budget for FY 2009-2010 has been released. For the third consecutive year, the Library's budget has been substantially reduced.

As summarized on page 89 of the Recommended Budget:

• FY 2006/07 $1,080,361
• FY 2007/08 $ 994,976 (Staffing: FTE 15.25)
• FY 2008/09 $ 696,810 (Staffing: FTE 7.50)
• FY 2009/10 $ 610,389 (Staffing: FTE 6.50)

Reductions in Library services, caused by these cuts, will include:

• Operating hours reduced from 31 hours to 20-24 hours per week. (A 22-35 percent reduction.)
• Library open only four days per week.
• Elimination of one full-time position.
• Reduction in part-time staffing, including the elimination of the recently approved Librarian I position.
• Increased fines for overdue books.
• Increased fees for Interlibrary Loan.
• Elimination of one or two storytimes per week.
• Reduced coverage at the Children's and Adult Reference Desks.
• Reduced funds for books, magazines, DVDs and CDs. (The Friends of the Library donation will be used for operating costs rather than for new books and materials.)
• Fewer online databases. (The online World Book Encyclopedia, Oxford English Dictionary, and Litfinder database have already been cut for next year.)
• Inability to implement objectives outlined in the Library Services Study, (commonly referred to as "The Strategic Plan").

On Wednesday, May 20th, the City Council will hold a public hearing, as well as introduce and hold a first reading of an ordinance to approve the recommended budget for FY 2009/10. This is an opportunity to share your comments, requests, needs, ideas, and insight with your elected representatives. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. We encourage you to be there to support YOUR Library.

Meet the Author: Michael Katakis

Michael Katakis, acclaimed photographer, author, and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, will be speaking at the Pacific Grove Public Library Thursday, May 21st, at 7 p.m.

It promises to be a fascinating evening, as Mr. Katakis shares excerpts from his most recent publication: Traveller: Observations from an American in Exile.

For more than thirty years, Katakis has been traveling around the world, writing about and photographing a wide range of countries and cultures. As a photographer he is noted as one "who gets right to the soul of his subjects." And as an author, "in both his letters and in his journal, Michael has the infectious ability to sense the essence of a place and transmit it to the reader." The entries in Traveller are much more than travel guides. "They are personal, like letters from the most desirable sort of friend. "

Please join us for the third lecture of our Meet the Author series, sponsored by the Friends of the Pacific Grove Public Library. Mr. Katakis will read excerpts from Traveller, answer questions, and sign books. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.

"Informing, Educating, and Enriching the Community Since 1886"

Go to the City's website, click on Library, and this is what you read: "Informing, Educating, and Enriching the Community Since 1886."

The City and the Library share an amazing legacy. For 123 years, the citizens of Pacific Grove have had a commitment to enrich the community through its Library.

This commitment remains strong. Recent surveys and elections have confirmed that the public is in favor of dedicating funding to operate the Library.

In response, the Library's Advisory Board, Staff, and Friends have demonstrated their dedication to Pacific Grove through maintaining programs and services, investing in strategic planning, and sponsoring special events.

A 123 year commitment is something to be honored. Together we can get through these challenging times. With your continued support, the Library will continue to inform, educate, and enrich the Community. Because that's what libraries do.

A New Face at the Reference Desk

There's someone new sitting behind the Reference Desk. Her name is Ashlee Wright, and she is ready, willing and able to assist you.

Although Ashlee is a new to the Reference Department, she is not new to PGPL. She began working here two years ago, first as a Shelver, and then as a Library Assistant. She recently received her Masters Degree in Library & Information Science from the University of Washington.

Ashlee is filling the position approved in February, by the City Council. This position will allow us to staff the Reference Desk whenever the library is open, as well as increase staffing in the Children’s Department on Saturdays.

We're delighted to welcome Ashlee to the Reference staff. Please stop by and introduce yourself. And if you have any reference questions, be sure to ask!

Read-a-thon Raises $13,000!

Everyone who entered the Library on May 2nd noticed something magical was happening. Children were nestled in chairs, sprawled on the floor, leaning against book shelves, quietly and intently reading.

It was the 2nd Annual Read-a-thon. From noon until midnight, kids read books of their own choosing to raise money for children's books and programs.

Over 140 children signed up to take turns reading in the 14 chairs that were sponsored by local businesses, families and friends. And every minute a chair was occupied, they earned a dollar for the Library.

One child read 11 hours. A few young girls read 600 minutes each. And several readers logged in over 300 minutes before the gong sounded at midnight.

In only two years, the Read-a-thon has established itself as the event at the Library. It's enormously popular, by readers of all ages, and exemplifies what we can do when we all work together.

The Read-a-thon was conceived and orchestrated by Linda Bailey and her daughter, Mei. Pledges were made by more than 100 individuals and businesses. Additional donations were received throughout the day from PG patrons. Local teachers and performers stopped by to tell stories, sing songs, and dazzle the children with decorative face-painting. And Library Staff kept readers fueled with books, more books, snacks, and water.

It was definitely a night to remember. And some children are already asking, "When can we do it again?"

Library Blog Resumes

It has been almost a year since the last post in the Library's Blog . The lack of activity has not been due to a lack of noteworthy news and events. It was a direct result of the reduction in Library hours and staffing that began last July.

It has been a challenging year. Even though we've been open fewer hours, the Library has welcomed as many visitors as the previous year. Almost as many books have been checked out. And more questions have been asked at our public service desks.

As noted repeatedly in national news, during an economic downturn, people turn to their local libraries. They come for information, a recommended book, DVDs, storytime.... They come to write a resume, to read the latest issue of their favorite magazine, to logon to the Internet. Sometimes they come to meet a friend, or to study in quiet surroundings. Othertimes they come because it's a safe place with a friendly helpful staff. They come because they can find what they want, and get what they need. Whether we open at 10 am or noon, people are lined up outside, every day, waiting to get into the Library. It's happening on the East Coast. It's happening in the Midwest. It's happening in Pacific Grove.

Business is booming at the Library. But for the third consecutive year, the Library is facing major budget cuts.

Iimportant decisions will be made during the next few weeks that affect every library patron. We thought you would like to know since it is YOUR Library. And so the Library Blog resumes......