Friday, April 22, 2011

Thank You and Adieu

Last night the Library was alive with laughter, curiosity, intelligence, passion, and the love of a good story, as we gathered to listen to Cara Black share how and why she writes her mysteries set in Paris. It was wonderful.

During the ten years I have worked at Pacific Grove Public Library, there are not many moments when I have just sat and imbibed the atmosphere of the Library. When you're part of the staff, there is always something or somebody, (if not many things and many people), waiting for your attention.

For the most part, I find the constant movement, interaction, variety of questions and responsibilites energizing.  But there is something peaceful and settling about entering the Library and quietly imbibing its atmosphere.  It's like a good poem or a soft melody or the company of a dear friend - it holds you and opens your awareness to new possibilities.

I have worked in more than a dozen libraries during my career: public, academic, legal, even a bookmobile driving around San Francisco. But this library, the Pacific Grove Public Library, is my favorite.

It's my favorite for many reasons. I love the Carnegie arches and the high ceilings. I love the Children's Room and the Landaker mural. I love the collection, which has been carefully honed to contain old and new titles - to be discovered and rediscovered by one generation, then another. But mainly I love the spirit - of the library, the staff, the community it serves.

I love the staff who welcome you as you walk in the door. I love the exuberance that rings out from the Children's Room. I love the inquisitiveness of people who stop by the reference desk.  I love the fact that visitors feel at home here. Because the reality is - this is part of every Pagrovian's home.

The Library is  the community's living room - a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, engage. There's something for everybody: books, newspapers, magazines, music, movies, eBooks to read, audio books to listen to, story times for children, events for adults. 

When I've entered the Library through the staff entrance, I've been inspired by the potential - for the Library to build on its natural beauty and spirit and become even more for its community. More programs for teens and adults; more workshops on writing or using technology, on cooking (during the Farmers Market), or even knitting; a speaker's circle highlighting the creativity and expertise of local residents; an oral history program; local history exhibits; game night; bookclubs, etc.

There is so much I had hoped to do: to help rebuild the Library after the devasting budget cuts of 2008; to help make it a "village library for the 21st century."

And so it is with some sadness that I bid the Library, its staff and patrons adieu. I have accepted an offer to join the staff at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, and will begin working there next week. (I feel like I am going to graduate school: so many new resources and databases to learn, while I meet and assist students from all over the world!)

I have loved being here. I have enjoyed meeting you, chatting with you, working with you.  Thank you for trusting me with your questions, sharing your ideas and inspiration, lending a helping hand, being wonderful patrons.

My wish for you is that your Library receives stable and secure funding - soon. And flourishes for another century or two.

Best Regards,
Pamela

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Meet the Author: Cara Black

Cara Black frequents a Paris little known outside the beaten tourist track. On her research trips, she interviews French police, private detectives and café owners to come up with ideas for her popular Aimée Leduc detective series.For readers new to Black, each of her mysteries is set in a different arrondissement of Paris.

As Black's many fans have learned, every part of the city has its secrets and political intrigues. The quiet, wealthy Passy neighborhood in the 16th arrondissement is the setting for the 11th installment of the series, Murder in Passy. 

Thursday evening, Black comes to Pacific Grove to read from Murder in Passy; talk about writing, and answer questions. Don't miss this opportunity to visit Paris without leaving P.G.!
 
Meet the Author: Cara Black
Thursday, April 21st
7 p.m.
Sponsored by The Friends of the Pacific Grove Library

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Exhibit: Roadside Vernacular Architecture

"Roadside Vernacular Architecture"
What's that?

Buildings that told you at a glance what was inside. The style's heyday was during the 1920s and 1930, and it had a resurgence in the 1950s.

"Taking their inspiration less from professional architects and more from the business owners who knew the value of catching the attention of someone in a moving car, these structures combine whimsy, practicality, and visual appeal." - Jim Heimann, California Crazy and Beyond: Roadside Vernacular Architecture.

Snick Farkas' own miniature interpretations of these unique buildings - along with related ephemera from his collection are currently on exhibit at the Library.

Come take a look, and imagine the surprise and delight of driving down the highway decades ago....

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Grand Openings! Great Beginnings!

Pacific Grove's Poet-in-Residence

Dr. Barbara Mossberg

presents

OPENING LINES

THAT MADE HISTORY


A hands-on workshop with an extraordinary poet and teacher

who will inspire you to "be bold in your beginnings."


Saturday, April 16, 2011

9 a.m. - noon

$15 per person


Come write your opening line

for your new beginning,

for this new day.


To make your reservation

contact Lisa Maddalena

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Mark Your Calendars!

April offers something for everybody

at the Library.

There's entertainment

and serious discussion.

Creative workshops

and civic activism.

A hunt in the park,

and a fascinating look

at murder mysteries

set in Paris.


Mark Your Calendars!


Wednesday, April 6th --- 6 p.m. - City Hall --- City Council Meeting on THE BUDGET. Come join the Library's Friends; speak up for the Library.


Saturday, April 9th --- 9:15 a.m. - Alder and Pine Streets --- March in Good Old Days Parade with "Miss Lisa's" Story Hour Kids. All ages welcome. Walk to support the P.G. Public Library.

Saturday, April 16th --- 9 a.m. - noon - The Library --- Grand Openings! Great Beginnings! Opening Lines that Made History. A hands-on workshop with P.G.'s Poet-in-Residence, Dr. Barbara Mossberg. $15 per person.

Wednesday, April 20th --- 11 a.m. - The Library & Jewell Park --- Pre-School Easter Egg Hunt

Wednesday, April 20th --- 6 p.m. - City Hall --- City Council Meeting on THE BUDGET. Let Council Members know what you want funded.

Thursday, April 21st --- 7 p.m. - The Library --- Cara Black reads from her latest detective novel, Murder in Passy; talks about writing and answers questions. Don't miss this opportunity to visit Paris without leaving P.G.