Monterey County Free Libraries promotes free kits, digital loans and mental health kits to support New Year goals

Berenice Astengo, managing librarian with Monterey County Free Libraries, told listeners on Jan. 7, 2026, that the library system offers free resources to support New Year's resolutions, from audiobooks and book-club kits to outdoor adventure and mental-health kits.

Astengo said the library's collection includes downloadable audiobooks and ebooks through Libby and the Palace Project marketplace and physical Playaway audiobook players for patrons who prefer a dedicated device. "Books are a great starting place," she said, and noted audio options help people access materials while driving or exercising.

The system also offers book-club-to-go bags (each bag includes about 10 books and discussion questions) and outdoor adventure kits—badminton, bird-watching, bocce, croquet and stargazing gear—that were purchased with grant funding and are being expanded after high demand. "We got a grant last year, and we got another grant this year," Astengo said, and credited additional funds from the Pacific Library Partnership.

Astengo described mental health kits available for kids, teens and adults that pair books with comfort items—stress balls, pillows or a so-called "worry monster"—to support wellbeing. She encouraged patrons who feel overwhelmed by library offerings to "talk to your friendly librarian," noting staff can point people toward appropriate resources and that locations and hours are listed on the library website.

Monterey County Free Libraries operates 17 branches across the county, Astengo said, and library cards are free for county residents and available to California residents through an online application. Programs include tech help, board games and community events such as "Wild Wednesdays" in Marina.

No formal policy or funding decisions were made during the briefing; the remarks were informational and described existing services and recently awarded grants.