Finding that Spark of JOY

Dear Friends,

There's something to say about finding goodness and peace in the simple things of every day life. This week, I watched a little girl with a smile that went on and on beaming across her face as her grandmother read her a story in our picture book area. I stopped for a minute to take it all in. I thought to myself how important that time, that connection, and that sense of community is now, especially in light of the past few years of isolation. I thought about what simple traditions bring joy to people. Is it a cup of coffee with a friend? Is it the excitement of reading a new book outside as the sunshine beams down on the crisp pages? Is it playing an instrument for the first time or learning a new skillset like researching your families' genealogy?

Whatever it is that brings you joy, seek it out! Today, I challenge you to put down your phone, shut off all the electronic devices and find YOUR simple celebration. It may just be hidden in an every day place like your local library.

MPL's Event Calendar

Thank you for being part of our community,

Inga Waite

Library & Museums Director

A ROAD TRIP TO REMEMBER...

And this one doesn't include Cheerios all over your car, multiple stops to the gas station or even booking a hotel.

Historian and Librarian Kathy Nielsen takes us on a zoom adventure in organizing a genealogy road trip. Travel remotely with her from the U.S. and Canada to overseas as she gives tips on planning your own adventure of a lifetime.

TOMORROW, May 12th

On Zoom

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Note: Registration closes an hour before the program begins

HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH?

We hope you'll join us for a screening of the documentary To Climb a Gold Mountain. This haunting film tells the story of three women from

different times and different places. Their stories of struggle, tragedy and

triumph are the stories of immigrants, and are the stories of America. Winner

of a Los Angeles area Emmy Award for Best Independent Programming, the

documentary is narrated in part by novelist Lisa See.

Friday, May 20th

On Zoom

4:00 - 5:30 PM

A live question and answer with the filmmaker follows the screening.

U CAN UKULELE!

What's that instrument that looks like fun, that no one knows how to spell, and that has vastly different stories about its naming history. It is the UKULELE! One less popular tale of the naming origin is that the Hawaiian word for ukulele translates to "the gift that came here." Some note that the Portuguese Vaqueros brought the ukulele to Hawaii possibly from Monterey, CA. How cool is that? Regardless of the many different possible scenarios about the naming of the ukulele, we think it's a blast to play and hope you will too.

Check out a ukulele for three weeks with your free library card. Each ukulele kit contains a soprano ukulele instrument, an instruction booklet with a music CD and a tuner. Send us your photos of your ukulele celebrations to refdesk@monterey.org.

FEARLESS FLIGHTS AND

HISTORICAL INSPIRATION

From courageous journeys to embracing different cultures, below are some children's book suggestions that celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage. Celebrate with stories!

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CLASSROOM CONFIDENTIAL: TIPS AND TALES FROM AN EXPERIENCED EDUCATOR

Can you imagine being a teacher for 33 years! Meet local author Victoria Lucido, as she shares her secrets to success - the love, the energy, and the patience that guided her career in the classroom. She will discuss challenges like "Staff Lounge: Fitting In" to tips on acquiring the skillset needed to train administrators. Thank you Friends & Foundation for hosting this event and helping to support the Monterey Public Library.

Saturday, May 21

Monterey Public Library, upstairs terrace

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM - book signing and discussion

Series events are complimentary for Friends or $10 suggested donation