We're Just Joking!
Did you get April Fooled today? You never know what practical jokes your closest friends may play, and the web is filled with prank suggestions. And don't you wish that the Year 2020 could turn out to have been a giant prank?! Everybody needs a laugh these days... why not request a joke book, a comedy DVD, or a comedian's biography to have a chuckle?
Easter is Hopping In
Spring is recognized as a time of celebration, cleansing, and renewal around the world, from Ching Ming, Tomb-Sweeping Festival in China, to Holi, the Hindu Celebration of Colors, and from Songkran, the Thai Water Festival, to Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, prayer, and community. Easter Sunday falls on April 4. Whether you mark the holiday with prayer or a basket of candy left by the Easter Bunny, the library is filled with resources to help you celebrate this season of growth, hope, and renewal. 
National Library Week, April 4-10
During the Covid pandemic, libraries nationwide are continuing to serve their communities, even though many are physically closed. With limited staff, Monterey Public Library offers curbside pickup, email and telephone help, and online programs.
We invite readers and local leaders to please celebrate library services during this week, and look forward to more this year! Want to show your library love? 
  • Get on social media and support your local library... tell everyone what you love at #mylibraryis.
  • April 6 is National Library Workers Day, say thanks to your library staff!
  • Try #Librarygivingday on April 7... Some of you recently received an appeal letter from the MPL Friends & Foundation with information about the Monterey Learns! campaign. Visit investinmpl.org/monterey-learns or contact Mary Jane Perna at (831) 646-5632 or Perna@Monterey.org to receive info or to discuss giving opportunities. 
  • April 8 is Take Action for Libraries Day, call or email local leaders to tell them why we need public libraries.
~ 2nd Annual Local History Slam!
April 10 from 10 am - 4 pm
~ 1st Annual Student History Slam!
April 24 from 10am to 4 pm
Come for the history of Japanese-Americans’ roles in the local flower industry...stay for "Tiburcio Vasquez: The Musical"! The virtual stage is set for History Slam, co-presented by the Monterey Library and Western Flyer Foundation, with intriguing topics such as "Joseph Campbell, Monterey, and the Popular Mythology of Star Wars," or "Sisters in Art: Margaret, Esther and Helen Bruton," in addition to presentations about the Chinese fishing legacy and the Larkin House. Cash awards for the most creative, informative entries on a local history topic! For more information or to register, visit History Slam.
Local history also comes alive on Saturday, April 24, when Monterey County middle and high school students present Zoom exhibits. Register here to cheer on our student historians!
Farewell Beverly Cleary

Beloved local children's author Beverly Cleary passed away March 25 at her longtime Carmel home at the age of 104. She was a librarian before becoming the author of many children's classics such as "Ramona the Pest," "Henry and Beezus" and "Ribsy." The library also owns her memoir, "A Girl From Yamhill." Beverly Cleary was a supporter of libraries, including MPL, and she will be missed. Think of her fondly on April 12, what would have been her 105th birthday.
Free Tax Filing Help
They say nothing is guaranteed except death and taxes. However, on March 17, the tax filing deadline was extended until May 17! The Library still offers the common tax forms (such as CA 540 and US 1040) at our curbside pickup, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 am to 6 pm. If you need a special form, call 646-3933 Monday through Friday or email us, and we can often print forms for you to pick up at the main door.
For even more detailed help, the United Way of Monterey County is again hosting free tax assistance, by appointment for eligible taxpayers. Visit the VITA Tax Prep page for more information.
ONGOING EVENTS
Ms. Orquidea's Read & Sing: Second Saturday every month, 10:30-11:30 am. Sign up here.

Mindfulness Meditation: Every Wednesday, 12:15-12:45 pm. More info and register here.
Monterey Public Library | (831) 646-3933 | www.monterey.org/library