Friday, October 29, 2010

How Libraries Stack Up: 2010

In the United States of America:
  • More than 12,000 public libraries - including PGPL - provide free wireless Internet access.
  • Library cards are almost as prevalent as credit cards.
  • Every day, Americans borrow 2.1 million DVDs from libraries. (Pagrovians love our library's DVD collection!)
  • Every day, U.S. public libraries circulate as many materials as FedEx ships packages around the world! (Last fiscal year, even with our shortened hours, PGPL checked out more than 200,000 items to our patrons!)

Click here for more fun facts about libraries.

(This information was complied by OCLC, a nonprofit library corporation.)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

1000 Librarians in Monterey!

If you've been by the Monterey Conference Center this week, you may have noticed hundreds of people sporting chartreuse bags emblazoned with Internet Librarian 2010. This annual conference is an amazing opportunity to meet and learn from some of the brightest information professionals, who are using technologies in creative and exciting ways for the benefit of library users like you.
After three days of presentations, my mind is swimming with ideas and inspiration. There are so many programs and services our staff would love to develop and share with you: cool websites; more reading recommendations; digital collections on PG's history; more use of social media; and all sorts of programs to educate, entertain and inspire!

We confess, it's happening more s-l-o-w-l-y than we would like, (due to limited staffing and resources), but it is happening. Plans for some new equipment and services are in the works.... and now we have even more ideas! Stayed tuned...

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Magazine In the Spotlight


Did you know Scientific American publishes a spin-off magazine called: Scientific American Mind?

Well, they do. And the Pacific Grove Library subscribes to it.

During the past decade, the amount of research (and reference questions) about the brain has increased exponentially. Our collection contains numerous wonderful books on the subject. But in response to your requests, you can now find a copy of this magazine in our Reading Room.

In addition to regular columns like: Head Lines; Illusions; Facts & Fictions in Mental Health; We're Only Human; Ask the Brains; every issue has feature articles on a current research of interest to the general public.

Check it Out. Your Mind will thank you!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

26th Annual Haunted House


Save the Date!
The Pacific Grove Library
presents


the 26th Annual
Haunted House!




Thursday, October 28th
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Recommended ages: 4 and up
$2.00 donation at the door
Come in costume - get a treat!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Gorgeous Gourds

October means Indian Summer in PG. But it also conjures up images of autumn leaves, staffs of wheat, bushels of apples, pumpkins and gourds.

We're all familiar with jack-o-lanterns. But the tradition of carving gourds extends far back in time and across cultures - when gourds were used as bowls, bottles, musical instruments, masks, and even national currency.

This month, our exhibit cases feature Gorgeous Gourds from Africa, Mexico and the United States' Southwest, as well as some decorated by local artists. Melissa Pickford has put together an exquisite exhibit that delights and inspires.









The PG Library owns two titles specifically on Gourd Crafts: The Complete Book of Gourd Carving by Jim Widess, and Bonnie Gibson's Gourds: Southwest Gourd Techniques & Projects from Simple to Sophisticated.
Check it out!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Celebrate the Right to Read

Banned Books Week has come and gone. But our Banned Books Display will remain up for the rest of this month. We think it's important to remember what can happen when communities stop celebrating their right to read.

Of course, at the Pacific Grove Public Library, reading is continually celebrated: in our 100 year old Reading Room where adults are absorbed in the latest issues of magazines and newspapers; during story times in the Children's Room; at special events like our Meet the Author series; and wherever someone is sitting at a table or study carrel.

Banning books is not a thing of the past. Every year old and new titles - some as non-threatening as the dictionary - are challenged. Frequently banned books include those on this list from The American Library Association. But there are some surprises too, such as some of those listed in this article by Pam Gaulin of the Associated News.

Next year, during Banned Books Week, we'd like to host a Banned Book Reading - where you can read a page or two from your favorite banned book. Meanwhile, celebrate your right to read whatever you want. Stop by and pick up a book of your choice.

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the National Association of College Stores. Banned Books Week is also endorsed by the Center for the Book of the Library of Congress.

Friday, October 8, 2010

The Library was humming with inspiration and laughter last night as Dr Barbara Mossberg entranced the audience with her presentation, The Power of the Butterfly: How Books Have Changed the World.

Her talk wove poetry with history, physics, civil rights, "earth rights," personal anecdote, and fascinating facts about John Muir, Henry Thoreau, Abraham Lincoln, and Emily Dickinson to create a rich tapestry - of creative thought - for reflection and as a springboard to action.

Numerous attendees commented on their desire to hear more from PG's Poet in Residence. And we're delighted to report that she is already scheduled to celebrate Emily Dickinson's birthday with us on Friday, December 10th (in costume and gingerbread made from Emily's recipe).

You won't want to miss it. So Save the Date
December 10th
at the PG Library
with PG's Poet in Residence

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

"How Books Have Changed the World!"

Please join us in welcoming Pacific Grove's new Poet in Residence,
Dr. Barbara Mossberg
Thursday, October 7th
at 7 p.m.
Dr. Mossberg will speak on "The Power of the Butterfly: How Books Have Changed the World." The evening promises to be a lively literary adventure as she looks at civic, cultural, and spiritual icons such as Jefferson, Lincoln,Twain, Thoreau, King and Gandhi to illustrate the profound importance of books - and libraries - to us all.

This program is sponsored by
The Friends of the Pacific Grove Public Library.
Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

For more information about Dr. Mossberg, visit her website, It's time to slow down for poetry!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Measure Q Debate Tonight!

The League of Women Voters will moderate a public debate on Measure Q - a designated parcel tax for the Pacific Grove Public Library - tonight at 7 p.m.
Come hear both sides of the issue!
Public Debate
Measure Q
Tuesday, October 5th
7 p.m.
Pacific Grove Community Center
515 Junipero Avenue
There is no cost to the public.
This debate is sponsored by the Cedar Street Times.