Monterey Learns!

Even in a community that loves its library, public funding alone has never been enough to provide all the important resources our residents seek.

In March 2020, the Library’s doors closed because of the global pandemic: the impact on tourism and the local economy drastically reduced City—and Library—funding: the staff was cut by 80% — and the book budget eliminated entirely.

Monterey Learns!
Honorary Campaign Committee

Joanne & Dan Albert Sr.
Ted Balestreri
Kip & Jay Hudson
Fred & Phyllis Meurer
Leon & Sylvia Panetta
Anne Parker & Yann Lusseau
Chris Shake

In September 2020, the MPL Friends & Foundation seized the moment and quietly began raising funds, with a $200,000 goal. The goal was increased in the Summer of 2021 and, with your help, we will reach our revised goal of $300,000 when the Monterey Learns! Campaign concludes in February 2022.

While our doors are now open and the local economy is beginning to recover, we know that it will be years before Library funding is appropriately restored.

Please join us!

Campaign Giving Opportunities:

  • Collections Sponsorships
    Children, Teens, Adults
    Audiobooks, Ebooks, Music, DVDs, Databases
  • Preserving Our History & Our Stories
    California Research Historian
    Our Past in Pictures: making the photographic  record accessible
    Preserving Monterey’s Public Record
  • Learning Together: Virtual & In-Person Programs & Events for Adults, Children, and Teens
  • Laptop Lending Program
  • 21st Century Circulation Technology

Libraries are at the heart of community, culture, education, and democracy. Working together, we will meet the moment, sustain our public library, and help our community thrive.

How to Make a Gift or Become Involved

Support the Monterey Public Library and, together, we will learn into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions