Library News Archive From August 2025

NOTICE: HVAC Replacement Work

NOTICE: 

HVAC REPLACEMENT WORK

As part of a planned construction project, the City will be replacing rooftop HVAC systems at both the Kittredge and Bancroft library buildings. This work will take place in two phases and will temporarily affect building cooling systems and nearby street access.

Phase 1 – Central Library Main Building, 2090 Kittredge Street

Start Date:

August 14, 2025

Estimated Completion:

October 27, 2025

Scope of Work:

Replacement of four rooftop air conditioning units, one exhaust fan, and associated equipment

Impact

Air conditioning will be very limited or unavailable at the main building during this period

Phase 2 – Bancroft Wing, 2031 Bancroft Way

Start Date:

November 25, 2025

Estimated Completion:

December 22, 2025

Scope of Work:

Replacement of one rooftop air conditioning unit, one exhaust fan, and associated equipment

Impact

Air conditioning will be unavailable at the Bancroft Wing during this period.

Crane Operations and Street Closures

To support rooftop equipment removal and installation, a crane will be deployed on Kittredge Street in front of the Main Library on the following estimated dates:

  • Week of September 10
  • Week of September 24
  • Week of October 12
  • Week of November 3
  • Week of December 8

Each crane deployment will take one day. During these times, Kittredge Street between Shattuck Avenue and Harold Way will be temporarily closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Traffic control personnel, signage, and detour routes will be in place to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety.

What to Expect

  • Limited cooling at affected library locations during construction
  • Intermittent street and sidewalk closures on Kittredge Street near the Main Library
  • Project schedules are subject to change. Updates will be shared as needed.

We appreciate your patience as we complete these essential facility improvements. Thank you for helping us maintain safe and comfortable library spaces for the future.


 

August Library Happenings

August Event Highlights

Berkeley Barb: A 60th Anniversary Celebration 

Central
Wed, Aug 13
3 pm doors open
4 pm program begins

Come celebrate, remember, and/or be introduced to the Berkeley Barb — the “social media” of the Counter Cultural / Youth Movements of the nation and the world.

Founded in Berkeley in 1965 on the heels of the Free Speech Movement, this newspaper was at the center of the massive societal changes of the 1960s & ’70s.

At 4 pm a panel of leaders and former Barb staff will discuss its history, significance, and more.

Issues of The Barb will be on display throughout August at Central.

Zine Fest 

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Sat, Aug 23
11 am - 5 pm

This free, all-day event invites zine enthusiasts, creators, and curious newcomers to immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere filled with unique vendors, engaging workshops, and lively music.

Discover an array of one-of-a-kind zines and indie publications from talented local artists and writers.

Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out, interactive workshops offer the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and connect with fellow zine lovers.

Local Artist Book Launch 

Guy Colwell's Go Figure: Figurative Social Surrealist Paintings

Central
Sat, Aug 23
2 pm

Guy Colwell, a resident of Berkeley, is a painter and cartoon artist best known for his role in the underground comics scene.

His new book, Go Figure: Figurative Social Surrealist Paintings, collects 44 figurative paintings spanning 1987–2023.

More August Events

Games Galore, Retro Edition 

Kids, Tweens & Teens

Central
Fri, Aug 1
3:30 pm

Cat Cafe 

Registration required.

North
Wed, Aug 6
3 pm

Qué Hacer, Qué Saber: Seguridad, Fortaleza y Cuentacuentos sobre la Diversidad de Inmigrantes y ICE 

North
Fri, Aug 8
4 pm

Para niños y familias, este cuentacuentos informativo y pacífico será dirigido por la Poeta Laureada Juvenil de Berkeley, Anita Marie Julca, y se llevará a cabo en español e inglés.

What to Do, What to Know: Safety, Strength, & Storytime on Immigrant Diversity & ICE 

North
Fri, Aug 8
4 pm

For children and families, this informational and peaceful storytime will be led by Berkeley's Youth Poet Laureate, Anita Marie Julca, and will be in both Spanish and English.

Author Talk: Dr. Shelley Sella 

Beyond Limits: Stories of Third-Trimester Abortion Care

Claremont
Wed, Aug 6
6:30 pm

Learn All About Obon 

North
Thurs, Aug 7
3 pm

Learn about Obon, a Japanese holiday celebrated to honor ancestors.

This program features a talk from Reverend Kiyonobu Kuwahara of the Berkeley Buddhist Temple plus dance demonstration and instruction from Yumi Hatta.

Crafts and light snacks will be provided while supplies last.

Northbrae Lamp Re-Lighting Ceremony 

North
Sat, Aug 9
12 pm

Join us for a special event hosted in conjunction with local historian Darrell Owens and the Friends of the Fountain and Walk.

The Northbrae Lanterns will return to North Berkeley after being removed over a half century ago.

Autistic Connections: Autism Support Group & Social Club 

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Tues, Aug 12
6:30 pm

Craft: Stick Farm Creations Honoring California Farm Workers 

West
Sat, Aug 16
11:30 am - 1 pm

Poetry Circle: Bring a poem, find a poem, share your own poem! 

Claremont
Thurs, Aug 21
6 pm

Interactive Read-aloud & Craft with Author Laura Atkins 

Bringing the Beach Home

Central
Fri, Aug 22
4 pm

Menstrual Health & Body Literacy 

For teens, tweens & their caregivers

North
Sat, Aug 23
1 pm

There are many more library programs happening in August:

View the event calendar 

National Make-A-Will Month

father and daughter reading a book

This August, during National Make-A-Will Month, the Berkeley Public Library Foundation is launching FreeWill , a trusted (and free) online tool that makes writing your will simple, secure, and doable.

It takes just 20 minutes to gain long-term peace of mind by caring for the people and communities you love most.

There is also an option to support your library by joining the Berkeley Public Library Foundation’s Legacy Society.

Make a will online 

Working together to make a great public library extraordinary...

Thank you Foundation & Friends!

Berkeley Public Library logo Berkeley Public Library Foundation logo Friends of the Berkeley Public Library logo

June Library Happenings

June Event Highlights

Summer Reading countdown artwork

Summer Reading — June 5 to Aug 9

Sign up, read, and win prizes to “Level Up” this summer!

Some prizes include a kid's bike from Mike's Bikes of Berkeley, tickets to the Litquake Bookseller's Ball, and a family membership to Chabot Space and Science Center.

All summer long, enjoy games, a free sign-up book, Lunch at the Library, and fun events for all ages at every branch.

Learn more about Lunch at the Library 

Attend the Summer Reading Celebration at Central on June 14 from 2–4 pm.

Author Visit: Dennis McNally 

North
Sat, June 7
2 pm

McNally is the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Strange Trip and longtime publicist for the Grateful Dead.

Exploring the Wisdom of Jane Austen's Novels 

With scholar Mary DeForest

Central
Tues, June 10
5:30 pm

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a discussion of her literary genius and character development.

Berkeley Juneteenth Presentation 

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Wed, June 11
3 - 6 pm

Join us for a talk on reparations and Black mental health with Gloria Lecure from Conscious Voices.

8-Week Series: Beginning Mandarin for Adults 

North
Thursdays
4 pm

Registration required.

Register for Beginning Mandarin 

Author Talk: Caro De Robertis in Conversation with Kate Schatz 

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Sat, June 14
3 pm

Caro De Robertis discusses So Many Stars and The Palace of Eros in conversation with author Kate Schatz.

Dungeons & Dragons Celebration 

All Ages

Central
Sat, June 28
1 - 5 pm

Enjoy snacks, crafts, beginner-friendly gameplay, and one-shot campaigns throughout the afternoon.

Registration is required to join a game session.

Register for the D&D Celebration 

Want to learn how to play first?

Attend the D&D 101 session 

Chiura Obata: Renowned Artist Talk 

In conversation with granddaughter Kimi Hill

Central
Sat, June 28
12 pm

Learn about the life and work of renowned artist and UC Berkeley professor Chiura Obata.

More June Events

Workshop: The Weight Stigma Convo Doesn't Have to Be Scary 

All Ages

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Thurs, June 5
6 pm

Weight discrimination expert Virgie Tovar discusses how weight stigma impacts health and community wellbeing.

Local Music Live in the Library 

Claremont
Wed, June 11
6:30 pm

Enjoy a live performance by Bay Area musician Connoisseur Rat, blending jazz, lo-fi hip hop, indie rock, and pop.

Zine & Comics Making Workshop Series 

Tarea Hall Pittman South
3rd Thursdays
5 - 6:30 pm

Learn the basics of creating zines and comics in this workshop series with Oakland Creates founder Avy Jetter.

There are many more library programs happening in June:

View the event calendar 

Transmissions Quilts: A Multimedia Exhibit of Objects, Stories, and Trans Care

Photograph of a bearded person with a quilt

Transmissions is an ongoing multidisciplinary art and community-building project creating quilts for trans people.

Coinciding with Pride Month, this exhibit centers the creative vitality of trans and queer communities in Berkeley and beyond.

Attend the opening reception 

Join the curator tour and community quilting bee 

Learn more about the exhibit 

Pride Month Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Photographs of LGBTQIA activistsPhotographs of LGBTQIA activists

Beginning June 1, ask for a game card at any branch or on the 4th floor of Central.

Celebrate Pride and learn about famous LGBTQIA+ Bay Area people through this scavenger hunt activity.

History Room... Did you know?

Historical documents and newspaper clippings

One invaluable Berkeley History Room resource is the clipping collection, containing Berkeley-specific information from the pre-Internet era.

Come check it out! The room is open Wednesdays from 10 am - 1 pm, and by appointment.

Your history awaits!

Working together to make a great public library extraordinary...

Thank you Foundation & Friends!

Berkeley Public Library logo Berkeley Public Library Foundation logo Friends of the Berkeley Public Library logo

All Libraries will be closed on Friday, June 20 for Juneteenth.

Stream movies, read eBooks and magazines, and listen to eAudiobooks and music 24/7 at berkeleypubliclibrary.org .