5 Things for May from Monterey County Free Libraries

The merry month of May is here. May was named after the Roman Goddess Maia representing fertility, growth and nurturing.

1. During the month of May we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage by featuring authors of Asian descent on our Facebook and Instagram pages. This year MCFL is participating in the One Book One Coast community reading program and reading, They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei; a graphic memoir about Takei's childhood living in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Branch libraries have programs scheduled as part of this venture including two in collaboration with the Japanese American Citizens League. May 9, at 1:00 pm the Seaside Library is hosting: Japanese Americans on the Monterey Peninsula: The Early Years. May 30, at 1:00 pm Marina Library will host Enduring Democracy: Japanese Americans and the Monterey Petition.
2. May 4-10 is Children's Book Week which celebrates reading and literacy. Getting children interested in reading will set them up for success for the rest of their lives. With so many digital distractions nowadays, making time for reading is more important than ever. Visit your local library, check out some books and read to a child this month.
3. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. In addition to books and DVDs, MCFL has a Library of Things and checks out Mental Wellness Kits, Outdoor Adventure Kits and Play & Learn Kits which can all boost mental health. This year we got a grant to expand our Outdoor Adventure Kits with volleyballs, basketballs, footballs, yoga, birdwatching and hiking kits and much more.
4. The Online Resource of the month is JobNow. It's always a good idea to keep your resume up to date. JobNow can help with that. Login to meet with a live Resume Expert, Interview Coach or Job Coach, available from 1-10 PM daily. Or find resume templates and interview tips. Make sure you visit this excellent employment resource.
5. MCFL branches will be closed to observe Memorial Day on Saturday, May 23 and Monday, May 25. Ebooks, Audiobooks and Online resources are open 24/7.

If you have not come by your library recently, come by to say, "Hi." We love meeting our communities.

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For more information contact:
Be Astengo [email protected] 831-884-4370
Alison Day [email protected] 831-883-7542