10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Despite funding chaos on the national level, local libraries are standing strong. The Monterey County Free Libraries system, with 16 branches, is expecting a tight budget in the next fiscal year, but is still managing to deal with rapid changes transforming the library experience across the U.S. Not only is MCFL managing, it is growing. This year, ground will be broken for two branches set to open in 2027, in East Garrison (a first) and in Bradley (which has been without a library since 2017). A $5.2 million budget for the latter was approved last year. Earlier this month, the Gonzales branch moved to the city’s new community center complex, leaving behind its past as part of a shopping center. Meanwhile, the Pajaro branch in the historic Vallejo Mansion continues to undergo renovation, anticipated to be completed in late 2026. In the meantime, the area is served by a bookmobile twice a week. Changes are also happening inside the libraries, responding to community needs. Monterey County Free Libraries Director Hillary Theyer talks about reducing physical book collections. “We want less physical items,” Theyer explains. “We want to have space and time for other things.” Those other things include open, interactive spaces for gatherings and homework, for example, and more toys and arts and crafts opportunities, as well as resources during emergencies. The libraries carefully monitor users’ behavior, trying to be smart with money while the cost of everything is rising. Demand for e-books and audiobooks goes up every year and turns out to be pricey due to licensing each title. Equipment reductions include stationary computers, but not in all branches because in Gonzales, for example, most of the computers are always in use. “Library users come with their own devices,” Theyer says. “What they want from us is a wireless connection and the ability to print.” Another change is less circulation between the library branches, now that the book collections are smaller and more curated, although library card holders can still order books to pick up at any branch within the system. MCFL is currently asking the community to share feedback. “We want to know more about not only how and why our communities use our libraries, but to hear from community members directly about their own library experiences,” said Chris Ricker, assistant director at MCFL. The survey, available in English and Spanish at bit.ly/ MCFLsurvey, is open until Jan. 31. In November, the California Attorney General secured a decision from the U.S. District Court granting a permanent injunction blocking the dismantling of several federal agencies “responsible for, among other things, funding museums and libraries.” That allowed libraries to resume certain programs and services, such as the California Revealed program that digitizes local history, or daily access to The New York Times via the California State Library. “There’s hope,” Theyer says. Branching Out 2026 is shaping up to be a good year for Monterey County Free Libraries. By Agata Popęda Monterey County Free Libraries Director Hillary Theyer says changing preferences are leading to fewer books and physical objects. “We are buying less print and we get rid of any device we can let go.” NEWS “We want less physical items. We want space for other things.” DANIEL DREIFUSS MONTEREY PENINSULA Col lege NEW YEAR. FRESH START. SPRING AHEAD! mpc.edu/findaclass Spring Classes Start January 27th ENROLL TODAY! *Early Spring Classes: Jan 6-25 MONTEREY PENINSULA Col lege NEW YEAR. FRESH START. SPRING AHEAD! mpc.edu/findaclass Spring Classes Start January 27th ENROLL TODAY! *Early Spring Classes: Jan 6-25 MONTEREY PENINSULA Col lege NEW YEAR. FRESH START. SPRING AHEAD! mpc.edu/findaclass Spring Classes Start January 27th ENROLL TODAY! *Early Spring Classes: Jan 6-25 26 MONTEREY PENINSULA Col lege NEW YEAR. FRESH START. SPRING AHEAD! mpc.edu/findaclass Spring Classes Start January 27th ENROLL TODAY! *Early Spring Classes: Jan 6-25 *Early Spring Classes: Jan 5-24 831-230-0910 1730 The Mall | Seaside SullivansAutoService.com $30 OFF WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIAL *Most cars/ light trucks. See shop for details. Cannot combine with any other offers. Limited time only.
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