5 Things for April from Monterey County Free Libraries

The fourth month of the year, the name April is believed to be derived from the Latin "aperire" meaning "to open" representing spring, and the blossoming of flowers and possibilities.

April opens up many possibilities at MCFL where we celebrate National Poetry Month, and equally as notable, National Library Week. This month we are also launching our One Book, One Coast community reading program. The book everyone is reading is, They Called Us Enemy by George Takei; a graphic novel available online or in print. Ask at your library for details about book clubs and programs.

1. If poetry is your passion, the library is your destination! You can find a plethora of poetry books on the shelves. All month long, during National Poetry Month, your library branches may have poems scattered on the tables or on shelf ends to inspire a love of poetry. Look for poetry activities at your local library, like "Black-Out Poetry" where you black out words on a page from a discarded novel to create a unique poem.
2. National Library Week, is celebrated from April 19 through April 25, to recognize libraries, bookmobiles and library workers! The theme is "Find Your Joy." Anyone who spends time in libraries knows that libraries are places of exploration, discovery, and joy. Whether your passion is reading, gardening, 3-D printing or cooking, you can find books, programs and resources to satisfy your curiosity.
3. We also recognize Arab American Heritage Month in April and will highlight books by Arab American authors with displays in the branches and on social media. Look for the "Author of the Week" posts on social media and posts of books by Arab American Authors on Libby. How about challenging yourself to read a book by an Arab American author this month?
4. In honor of Earth Day on April 22, MCFL will feature the online resource Greenfile from EBSCO which has articles about the human impact on the environment. Be sure to also check National Geographic Kids online, to explore and celebrate the natural world.
5. At the end of April, all our branches will recognize Dia de los Ninos or Children's Day with activities or craft programs. Dia de los Ninos is recognized on April 30 each year to celebrate children, reading and the importance of literacy. Ask at your local library what days they will host programs for this special day.

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Visit: MCFL Virtual Programs on YouTube

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