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
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!