City Council

CITY OF MONROVIA LIBRARY BOARD AGENDA REPORT DEPARTMENT: Community Services, Library Division MEETING DATE: June 25, 2026 PREPARED BY: Kurt Gally AGENDA LOCATION: CC-2 Adult Services Supervisor Ginger Antunez Youth Services Supervisor __________________________________________________________________________________ ADULT SERVICES REPORT Adult Programs Trivia Night On May 1, staff hosted its monthly Trivia Night, where participants enjoyed snacks and refreshments while testing their knowledge across a variety of categories, including sports, music, television, and more. Attendees spent the evening sharing laughs, engaging in friendly competition, and demonstrating their knowledge on a wide range of topics. The event was well received, and participants expressed enthusiasm for returning to challenge themselves again at next month's Trivia Night. The program was attended by 40 participants. Adult Craft – Stashbusting On May 5, staff hosted a "Stashbusting" themed craft program that encouraged participants to creatively reuse leftover materials from previous programs. Available supplies included mini canvases, planters, blank notebooks, air-dry clay, paint, markers, picture clippings, yarn, and tissue paper. Participants mixed and matched materials to create unique projects while exploring their creativity in a relaxed and collaborative environment. The program was attended by 12 participants. Manga Munchies On May 9, staff hosted Manga Munchies, a cooking demonstration and hands-on activity inspired by Japanese bento lunches. Participants learned how to assemble traditional-style bento boxes, beginning with seasoned rice and steamed edamame. Using leftover seaweed from a previous program, several participants also created onigiri (rice balls). Attendees then prepared decorative food items, including rabbit-shaped apple slices and octopus-shaped hot dogs, before assembling and enjoying their completed lunches together. The program provided a fun and engaging opportunity to learn about Japanese food culture while encouraging creativity and social interaction. The program was attended by 15 participants. Brookdale Senior Living Tech Help On May 13, staff visited Brookdale Senior Living to provide one-on-one technology assistance. One resident participated in the monthly session and received instruction on using the Libby app and applying search filters to more effectively find library materials. Staff also engaged in conversation with the participant about her life experiences and enjoyment of assisted living, helping to strengthen the library’s connection with the senior community. CC-2 Heritage Park Senior Apartments Outreach On May 18, staff conducted outreach at Heritage Park Senior Apartments. Six residents participated in six rounds of Bingo and received information about the library’s Summer Reading Program. Staff also assisted residents with accessing library resources, including demonstrating how to search the online catalog, place holds, and register for library programs using their mobile devices. The visit provided valuable opportunities to connect residents with library services and programs that matched their interests. Dungeons & Dragons On May 19, staff hosted Dungeons & Dragons. Volunteer Dungeon Masters and library staff facilitated three separate adventures, each offering unique storytelling, problem-solving, and collaborative gameplay experiences. Participants worked together to overcome challenges, investigate mysteries, and navigate imaginative fantasy settings. The program continues to provide a welcoming environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and social engagement. The program was attended by 19 participants. Game Night for Adults On May 22, staff hosted Game Night for Adults. Regular attendees shared a variety of board and card games, while new participants brought games they had recently borrowed from the Library’s collection. Popular activities included Nintendo Switch gaming and virtual reality experiences, with several participants trying Beat Saber VR and First Encounters. The program continues to foster community connections through interactive and engaging recreational activities. The program was attended by 19 participants. Novel T’s Book Club On May 26, the Novel T’s Book Club met to discuss So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport. Participants sharing insights and perspectives on the book’s themes and ideas. Members are looking forward to next month’s meeting, when they will discuss The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. The program was attended by 16 participants. Literacy Services In May, a total of 82 Learners and Tutors participated in nine programs. News & Views and Word Workshop continue with weekly meetings. Book Club continues as a biweekly program. On May 28, literacy staff shared best practices and procedures with literacy staff visiting from Oxnard Public Library. Veterans Services During the month of May, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) had a total of 194 interactions with veterans. County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) 69; Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) 35; and VRC staff 90. Veterans Movie Night On May 2, the Veterans Resource Center hosted Veterans Movie Night with 10 participants in attendance. Veterans and community members enjoyed an evening of fellowship while watching Stripes, starring Bill Murray. Guests were provided with pizza, popcorn, refreshments, and desserts, creating a welcoming environment for social connection and relaxation. Veterans Thank You Dinner On May 6, the Veterans Resource Center hosted its annual Veterans Thank You Dinner, welcoming 48 attendees. The event honored local veterans and brought together community members in an atmosphere of appreciation and support. Representatives from Los Angeles County Military and Veterans Affairs were present to provide information and answer questions regarding available services and resources. The evening fostered meaningful connections through shared stories, conversation, and camaraderie. CC-2 Monrovia Days Parade On May 14, four veterans participated in the Monrovia Days Parade alongside the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The event helped kick off the annual Monrovia Days celebration and provided an opportunity to recognize local veterans while engaging with the broader community. The parade brought residents together in a festive atmosphere and highlighted the Veterans Resource Center’s continued presence and involvement in community events. Veterans Meetup On May 26, 12 participants attended the monthly Veterans Meetup at Starbucks. The group welcomed several new veterans representing the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Attendees enjoyed coffee and conversation while discussing future program ideas, including transitioning the current meetup into a breakfast gathering. Participants also received information about upcoming Veterans Resource Center programs, and interest generated during the meeting resulted in several registrations for the June ceramics class, which has since reached capacity. YOUTH SERVICES REPORT Youth Programs Baby Storytime Baby Storytime continued to be a popular early literacy program for families with children ages 0– 2. Throughout May, caregivers and children participated in songs, rhymes, stories, and interactive activities designed to support language development and early literacy skills. The program promotes the five early literacy practices—talking, reading, singing, writing, and playing—while providing meaningful opportunities for families to engage in these activities together. A total of 255 caregivers and children attended. Storytime The Storytime series continued throughout May, with weekly sessions focusing on themes such as insects, fruits, shapes, and pets. Children ages 2–5 and their caregivers enjoyed stories, songs, crafts, and interactive activities designed to support early literacy, language development, and social-emotional growth. Storytime also provided caregivers with practical ways to continue learning through reading, music, and play at home. A total of 370 children and caregivers attended. Storytime with the Park Naturalists Children’s Services staff collaborated with Recreation staff to present Storytime with the Park Naturalists at Station Square Park. Families enjoyed community-themed stories, songs, and movement activities while learning about local wildlife. This ongoing partnership enhances access to library services, promotes outdoor learning, and strengthens community connections. A total of four children and caregivers attended. LEGO Free Play The Library hosted one LEGO Free Play session in May, providing children and families with opportunities to build, create, and collaborate. Through hands-on construction activities, participants developed fine motor skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, concentration, and self-confidence while engaging with family members and peers. A total of 50 participants attended. CC-2 Craft-tastic Families gathered for the library’s monthly Craft-tastic program, where participants created collages and mosaics using repurposed materials. The program encouraged creativity, artistic exploration, and family engagement while providing opportunities for both children and adults to design unique projects together. A total of 150 participants attended. Sensory Friendly Morning Staff hosted Sensory Friendly Morning for neurodivergent children and their families. Participants enjoyed a welcoming environment designed to support a variety of sensory needs, with access to library materials, sensory play opportunities, and accessible crafts. The program continues to provide an inclusive space where children can explore, learn, and connect comfortably. A total of four children and caregivers attended. Barks & Books Barks & Books provided children with a supportive and encouraging environment to practice reading aloud to certified therapy dogs through the Library’s partnership with Love on a Leash and Therapy Dogs International. The program helps build reading confidence and fluency while fostering positive associations with reading and supporting social-emotional development. A total of seven children participated. School Visits Youth Services staff conducted outreach visits to local schools to promote the Summer Reading Program, library collections, and available services. Visits also included a library-themed Family Feud activity for Monroe Elementary fifth-grade students, providing an engaging introduction to library resources and programs. A total 4 school visits with 146 students took place in May. Teen Programs Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Meeting The Teen Advisory Board met on May 4 to discuss upcoming volunteer opportunities and Summer Reading Program preparations. Members signed up to assist with preparing children’s activities and prizes, host monthly teen-led programs, and support Summer Reading registration and prize distribution. The meeting concluded with an end-of-year celebration recognizing members’ contributions throughout the year and honoring graduating seniors. A total of 22 teens attended. Pop-up Makerspace The Pop-up Makerspace for Teens was held on May 27 in the Teen Area. Participants’ explored creative projects using portable makerspace tools, including 3D art pens, coding bots, button makers, and craft supplies. Popular activities included bracelet-making and button creation. The program provided teens with opportunities to express creativity, develop new skills, and connect with peers. A total of five teens attended. CC-2