Morro Bay Library Upcoming Events
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Morro Bay Book Discussion Groups, Friends of the Library, and Other Library Program News for July

by Christine Johnson

Some locals say that summer in Morro Bay doesn't begin until after the 4th of July. This may be true.  Our children are still out of school, our tourists have definitely arrived and much summer reading is underway.  The Morro Bay Library is where it all comes together—books for kids, books for travelers, books to complete summer reading lists.

Have you noticed how busy your Morro Bay Library is these days?  The Library is reporting ever-higher circulation numbers and that means more and more people are taking advantage of all services that a public library has to offer.

It's a great feeling to live in a community with a vibrant library culture.  Help us maintain it by shopping at the Friends'-sponsored HUGE Used Book Sale on Saturday, August 20 from 9 am to 2 pm.  Shop for yourself, your neighbor, your mother-in-law! Our new location in the Morro Bay Community Center is much bigger and allows for more books plus plenty of time and space to browse.  Come on in and shop! 

Here's what's happening in August at your Morro Bay Library.

Wednesdays

Morro Bay Book Discussion Group meets Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to Noon in the John Kim Room at the Morro Bay Library. 

Join us in August as we have the opportunity to read, discuss and appreciate the literary Steinbeck's as well what's know in California as Steinbeck country.  In addition, view a local author's underwater photography book, participate in a free workshop about embarking on your own elder quest and discuss the dynamics of mysteries with one of our very own local mystery authors. 

August 3, 10 a.m. - Noon   The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck
Steinbeck's last great novel focuses on the theme of success and what motivates men toward it.

August 10, 10 a.m. - Noon  Steinbeck Country by Steve Crouch
What better way to see what Steinbeck describes than through the vision of the photographer's lens? Join us as we discuss another view of Steinbeck country.

August 17, 10 a.m. - Noon In the Shadow of the Cypress by Thomas Steinbeck
A turn-of-the-twentieth-century discovery of ancient jade artifacts on California's Monterey Peninsula by a Stanford marine biology professor is marked by violent debates and a tragic accident.     

August 24, 10 a.m. - Noon  Meet Local Author of  Wise Woman's Way& enjoy a free workshop with Berta Parrish.  Workshop title is "Where Are You on Your Elderquest?”  The evening of our lives is an opportunity to transform knowledge into wisdom. It is time for the elder's quest with its distinct trials and triumphs that are met by using different tactics and abilities than early adulthood.  Discover where you are on life's most important journey.

August 31, 10 a.m. - Noon Meet with Local Author, Jodi Compton 

Join us as we have the opportunity to sit down with Jodi Compton, successful author of the Detective Sarah Pribek series, and now her latest character, Hailey Cain. She will read from her latest novel that will have just been released,Thieves Get Rich, Saints Get Shot, and share what it is like writing sequels.

Thursdays

August 4, 4-5 p.m. Supervisor Bruce Gibson - Open Office Hours with the Community

No appointment is necessary to meet with Supervisor Gibson.  Come on in!

Fridays

August 26, 10-Noon  4th Fridays Mystery Readers Group where we will discuss The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith.
Precious and her fiancé, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, still have not set a wedding date, but they continue to nurture the sibling orphans in their care, as well as the entrepreneurial ambitions of Precious's assistant, Mma Makutsi, who sets out to open a typing school for men. Along the way, Ramotswe handles a few cases and negotiates the arrival of a rival detective in Gaborone.

Saturdays

KIDS! August 6, 12:30 p.m. – Kids' Movie Time!

Join us for a special children's movie time event.  Free popcorn will be provided! For more information call 772-6394. 

KIDS! August 13, Noon - 1 p.m. Marine Mammal Center Event!

Our close contact with marine mammals gives us the unique opportunity to learn about the species that are treated at the Marine Mammal Center.  Learn from our local expert as she shares with us what she has learned in order to foster an understanding of the interdependence between the animals, the ocean, the planet and ourselves. This program is for kids and families. There will be many opportunities to touch, feel, learn and ask questions!

August 20, HUGE Book Sale fundraiser for the Morro Bay Library at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way.

Friends of the Library Members Only Sale from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Not a member?  Join at the door!  Public Sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $3 Bag Sale from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Please support the sale!  This is the #1 fundraiser for your Morro Bay Library produced by the Morro Bay Friends of the Library.

August 20, 2011   10 a.m. - Noon Meet Local Author Dorothy Cutter and discuss her book Our World Underwater

Without words, this book captures the miracles of the sea in vivid natural colors. Learn about the sea and it's living creatures through the author's photographic lens and join us for a fascinating discussion.  

A few reminders…

Central Coast Writers Conference at Cuesta College for Authors and Aspiring Authors is September 16 & 17. Deadline to register is Friday, August 12 at 4:00 p.m.

When you sign up for the 27th Central Coast Writers Conference, for only $10 more you can enter the esteemed Lillian Dean First Pages Competition in one (or more, $10 each) of five categories: novel, short story, children's/young adult, poetry, non-fiction/memoir. Email submissions are due by 4:00 p.m. on August 12. Details under Writers Conference at C0mmunity Programs or for more information contact Sue McGinty, the Competition Coordinator via email  or 528-7155.

Friday, August 26 @ Noon - Deadline for suggestions for what you would like to read and discuss in the Morro Bay Book Discussion Groups in 2012.When you make a recommendation, please first check SLO Library  and be sure that there are at least 15 copies of your selected book available in the Black Gold system. Send recommendations to Karen Robert at the Morro Bay Library or email them directly. Your suggestions will taken into consideration for next year's series.

SAVE THE DATE!  Central Coast Book & Author Festival, Sunday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo.

Books (for the Wednesdays program only) are available for checkout in advance at the Morro Bay Library. The Summer Series Booklist, 4th Fridays Mystery Readers 2011 Booklist, and Local Authors Series Flyers are available at Morro Bay Book Discussion Group or at the library. For more information contact the Group Facilitator, Karen Robert via email or at 225-3131. 

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 contact Christine Johnson, the President through email  or go to Morro Bay Friends of the Library.

See you at the Library!

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