Happy Library Week! From April 10 to 14 is time to celebrate National Library Week! And here’s an innovative program to do some good for all involved.
Food for Fines in Honor of National Library Week
* Any SLO County Library patron with overdue fines or hold fees may bring nonperishable food items to the Library in lieu of paying fines, and the food goes to the local food bank.
* Any packaged item may be exchanged for up to $1.00 off existing fines and hold fees---but NOT lost or damaged fines/fees nor collections charges--and because we have no way to "bank" funds on a patron account, food cannot be used to pay for possible future charges.
* If a fine is $4.25 or $4.50 or $4.75--it takes five food items to pay it off--and we DO NOT give change. Library staff can accept a combination of food and cash: for example, 4 cans of food and a quarter (25 cents) to pay a $4.25 fine. Of course no one is required to have money owing to contribute food, and all food received will go directly to the SLO County Food Bank Coalition.
* There isn't a dollar limit per patron, because there is no way for staff to track that on a patron's record.
* The Food Bank Coalition wish list includes canned or dry soup, canned vegetables or fruit, tuna and other canned meats, peanut butter, pasta, rice, beans, and cereal.
Here’s what’s happening at your Morro Bay Library for the month of April.
Wednesdays
April 4, 10 a.m. – Noon, Night Road by Kristin Hannah
For a mother, life comes down to a series of choices. To hold on…to let go…to forget…to forgive…which road will you take? Our book discussion group won this book for the library collection. In return, the author is looking to hear from readers about what you think about your reading experience. Please feel free to share your views on Hannah's Facebook page, and/or the blog on KristinHannah.com. When you contact the author, be sure to mention that you are a part of the Morro Bay Book Discussion Group at the Morro Bay Library.
April 11, 10 a.m. – Noon, Food Rules – An Eater’s Manual by Michael Pollan
Since this is the week we are thinking about feeding others, it’s never too late to reevaluate how well we are doing with our own nutrition. The author, our nation's most trusted resource for food-related issues, offers this indispensible guide for anyone concerned about health and food. Join us during this special topics Wednesday’s discussion, as we evaluate this simple, sensible, and easy to use, set of memorable rules for eating wisely. What can we do to become more mindful of the food we eat?
April 25, Beginning @ 10 a.m., 4th Wednesdays @ the Movies. Protektor (102 min) – Czech with English subtitles.
This fateful love story is set in Prague during the late 1930s and subsequent Nazi occupation. It focuses on radio journalist Emil, who is deeply in love with his glamorous Jewish movie star wife Hana. When the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia is established, Hana's career is cut short and Emil's radio station put under German control. Emil chooses to collaborate with the occupiers in order to survive and protect his wife. Ironically, this choice threatens to destroy the very thing he's trying to protect: Hana.
Thursdays
April 5, 10 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. - Pre-School Storytime
This program also meets at the same time on April 12, 19, 26.
Join us for stories and music. On April 12, there will be a special Spring Craft program.
April 26, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Morro Bay Library Volunteer Appreciation Program
This is an opportunity for staff to thank the many library volunteers for their volunteer service. This is an invitation and RSVP event.
Fridays
April 27, 10 a.m. - Noon
Join Us for our 4th Fridays Mystery Readers Discussion Group as we read and discuss The Troubled Man – A Kurt Wallender Novel by Henning Mankell. The 60-year-old Swedish detective unofficially pursues a baffling case that's part mystery, part spy thriller.
Saturdays
April 7, 1 p.m. Bucket Busters (for all ages)
Come join us for a special presentation of the "Bucket Busters," a group of dynamic kids and young adults who use buckets, cans, and sticks to make beautiful drum music.
April 14, 10 a.m. Adult Winter Reading Program Closing Party
Have you read your books and turned in your application? Well now is the time to come to the closing party and join in the fun, have some coffee and be available for the special prize drawings! You must be present to win. Who knows, you could be a winner!
April 18, 10 a.m. – Noon, The Widower’s Tale by Julia Glass
Seventy-year-old Percy Darling is settling happily into retirement: reading novels, watching old movies, and swimming naked in his pond. But his routines are disrupted when he is persuaded to let a locally beloved preschool take over his barn. With equal parts affection and humor, Julia Glass spins a captivating tale about a man who can no longer remain aloof from his community, his two grown daughters, or — to his great shock — the precarious joy of falling in love.
April 21, 10 a.m. – Noon, Writer's Support Group with local author Robert Hyde
The Writer's Support Group is here to lend support, accountability and encouragement for your writing projects - especially if you are interested in self-publishing. Bring your writing samples. More information: 772-2657.
April 21, 1 p.m. Furs, Feathers and Scales (ages 6 and up)
The Rancho El Chorro Naturalists are coming to our Library to present two very exciting programs. One is about raptors and the other is about reptiles and amphibians. Both programs provide interaction with live birds, reptiles and amphibians. The program also includes an introduction to birds of prey, reptiles, and amphibians, while highlighting each of their similarities and differences. This is definitely an experience you will want to share with your children and/or grandchildren.
Books (for the Wednesdays program only) are available for checkout in advance at the Morro Bay Library. The Spring Series 2012 Booklist, 4th Fridays Mystery Readers 2012 Booklist, 4th Wednesdays @ the Movies List and Special Event Series Flyers are available for download at Morro Bay Book Discussion Group or at the Library. For more information contact the Group Facilitator, Karen Robert at 225-3131 or email Karen.
The Morro Bay Friends of the Library fund all expenses of the library programs listed above. The MBFOL's purpose is to establish and maintain an association of persons interested in libraries; to focus public attention on Morro Bay Library branch needs; to support and cooperate with the county, city and state to enhance library services and facilities; and to stimulate gifts, endowments and bequests. For more information email Christine Johnson, at President, Morro Bay Friends of the Library or go to Morro Bay Friends of the LIbrary.
