January Library Happenings
January Event Highlights
Author Visit: Claire Kahane
Nine Lives: My Risky Road from Fifties Rebel to Feminist Critic
North
Wednesday, January 7
6 pm
Film Screening with Director Linda Rosen: Inside the Berkeley Free Speech Movement
Central
Saturday, January 17
2 pm
Intro to Game Design
with Randy O'Connor
for teens and adults
Claremont
Saturday, January 24
2 pm
Metal in the Dead of Winter
Central
Tuesday, January 27
6 pm
This extreme music listening session is focused on the heaviest, bleakest sounds from the fringes of noise and beyond. Feel welcome to bring a copy of your favorite tune on a slab of wax, tape, or CD.
Youth Poet Laureate Kickoff Party
Celebrating and announcing our newest Poet Laureates!
Central
Tuesday, January 13
6 pm
BUSD Partner Series
Author Visit: Steph Cherrywell
Unboxing Libby
Virtual
Thursday, January 15
12:30 pm
In partnership with the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) Book Club.
Author Visit: Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Kareem Between
Virtual
Tuesday, January 27
10 am
In partnership with the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) Book Club.
New Year's Resolutions
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Hiring Examined
For active job seekers
Virtual
Tuesday, January 13
5 pm
Overcome “job-itis” and “title-itis” to land your next job
For active job seekers
Virtual
Tuesday, January 27
5 pm
New Year Vision Boards
with artist Cristina Edwards
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Wednesday, January 14
6 pm
Cozy Crafts: Vision Boards
Claremont
Saturday, January 17
11 am
Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Saturday, January 17
2 pm
Decluttering for the New Year
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Saturday, January 24
3 pm
Unfinished Craft Projects
West
Wednesday, January 21
4 - 5 pm
Document Family History through Narrative Writing
with the Historical Society & Museum
West
Saturday, January 24
1 - 3 pm
In this workshop also learn about the Museum's current exhibit: Berkeley's Latino Community: A Story of Pride and Resilience.
Music at the Library
Tamales Karaoke
Tamales plus tunes for a happy, healthy 2026.
West
Thursday, January 8
5 - 7 pm
Do tamales and singing go together? Does Bad Bunny have a hearty appetite? Does Lalo Guerrero have the best lyrics about Mexican food?
Music for Everyone!
A neurodiversity-affirming music series focused on ages 8 and under.
Central
Fridays: January 9, 16, 23 and 30
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Jazz Lounge
Tarea Hall Pittman South
12 - 2 pm
- Saturday, January 10 — Michael Mitchell Quartet
- Saturday, January 24 — Sylvia Cuenca
Chorus Song Circle
Intergenerational folk song circle
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Saturday, January 10
2 - 5 pm
Electronic Music-Making Studio
Drop-in, open studio to play with Ableton music software and instruments.
Central
Monday, January 12 and Tuesday, January 27
4 - 6 pm
K-Pop Party
North
Saturday, January 17
1 pm
Join us downstairs at North for an afternoon of K-Pop:
- Play your favorite music videos
- Decorate a photocard frame
- Make a picket or bracelet
- Meet and trade with other fans
Registration is not required.
SF Chamber Orchestra Very First Concerts
For young listeners
Central
Saturday, January 31
11:30 am and 12:30 pm
More January Events
Social Services Drop-In
Support on healthcare, housing, employment, and more.
- North — Friday, January 2 — 10 am - 2 pm
- Tarea Hall Pittman South — Monday, January 5 and 19 — 10 am - 2 pm
- Claremont — Tuesday, January 6 — 10 am - 2 pm
- West — Friday, January 16 and 23 — 1 - 3 pm
Games Galore - Retro Edition
For ages 5-12: play video, board, and card games.
Central
Friday, January 2
3 - 5 pm
Community Craft Circle
Knitting, embroidery, or any craft you like.
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Friday, January 2
1 - 4 pm
Family Photo Fun Crafternoon
Create a lasting memory with family and friends.
Central
Saturday, January 3
3 - 5 pm
Flower Painting Workshop
Claremont
Saturday, January 10
2 pm
Puzzle Swap
Claremont
Saturday, January 10
2 pm
Japanese Stab Bookbinding Workshop
Central
Monday, January 12
5 - 7 pm
Berkeley City Council Agenda
Learn to understand how to read it and become involved in local government.
Central
Monday, January 12
6:30 pm
Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Thursday, January 29
4 pm
Astrology Salon Series
Claremont
Saturdays
2 - 4 pm
- Class One: The Anatomy of a Chart — January 31
- Class Two: Symbols in Practice — February 28
- Class Three: Bringing It All Together — March 28
There are many more library programs happening in January:
Winter Bingo (with prizes!)
Teens & Kids — Keep learning over the winter break!
The Library's Winter Reading Bingo Game is on! Bingo cards are available at any library location or online.
Now - January 20, 2026
To earn the prize, participants must complete all the squares on the game card and turn in completed Bingo cards while supplies last.
K-8 students receive a prize voucher for two tickets to the Cal Women’s Gymnastics match on March 7, 2026.
Grades 9 and up receive a pop-up keychain and squishy toy.
Pardon Our Dust
Part of the 4th floor of the Central Library is under construction.
A beautiful new Story Time Room is in the works!
Holiday Reminders
All Libraries are closed on January 1 and January 19.
All Libraries will close early at 6 pm on December 31.
eBooks, eAudiobooks, newspapers, music, movies & more are available 24/7 at berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
Thank you!
Working together to make a great public library extraordinary...
Thank you, Foundation & Friends!
