May Library Happenings
EVENTS ONLINE CATALOG LIBRARIES
Announcing: Group Read Events
Read along with your Berkeley and Albany neighbors the powerful book, The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest by Berkeley author, Satsuki Ina, and attend related events all summer long.
Through shared reading and library programs, we will reflect on history, foster dialogue, and connect past injustices to present-day conversations about civil liberties and belonging.
Author Event: Satsuki Ina
Saturday, May 9
1 pm
Central
Free copies of The Poet and the Silk Girlwill be given out while supplies last.
This program is in collaboration with Albany Public Library.
"Never Again" Discussion: Civil Liberties, Detention, and Community Responsibility
Tuesday, May 5
6 pm
Albany Public Library
1247 Marin Ave
Virtual Book Club Discussion
Tuesday, May 26
2 pm
Zoom
In-Person Book Club Discussion
Thursday, May 28
2 pm
Central
Documentary Screening: And Then They Came For Us
Followed by a conversation with Director Abby Ginzberg and Author Satsuki Ina
Wednesday, May 27
6 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
The documentary looks at the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and its lasting effects, told through the voices of survivors and their families.
Using personal stories, archival footage, and historical background, the film shows how fear, racism, and wartime hysteria led to widespread violations of civil liberties. It also explains why this history is still important today.
This program is in collaboration with Albany Public Library.
More "Group Reads" events coming in June and July, including:
- Author Talk and Story Time: Love in the Library with Maggie Tokuda-Hall
- Reading and Craft: Honoring Yoshicko Uchida
- Exhibit and Artist talk: Alberto Ledesma
- History Talk: Wakasa Monument History
- Documentary screening and conversation: Defiant to the Last: Resistance at the Tule Lake Jail
- Exhibit and Talk: Topaz Toddlers
- Film screening of Omoiyari: A Song Film
- Author Talk: Brandon Shimoda
- South Berkeley Walking Tour with Arlene Acuna
Keep an eye on next month's newsletter for more details and/or check the online event calendar:
Free Comic Book Day
Free Comics + New Mural Unveiled in the Central Library's Adult Graphic Novel Nook
Saturday, May 2
10am - 1 pm
Central
The Berkeley High School Mural Club led the reimagining and revitalizing of Central Library’s 2nd floor Graphic Novel Nook. The mural features an imaginative collage of original characters and scenes that reflect the diversity and evolution of the graphic novel medium.
Free Comics + Kids Comic Workshop with Local Author-Illustrator Dean Stuart
Saturday, May 2
12 pm
Central
Teens: Polaroid Party
Saturday, May 2
12 pm
Claremont
Stop by the Claremont Branch to pick up a free comic book, pose for a comic-themed Polaroid, and decorate a photo card to celebrate Free Comic Book Day!
Magic in the Mundane: An All-Ages Comic Art Workshop with Cartoonist Dimetria Tokunbo
Monday, May 4
4 pm
West
Our featured guest, cartoonist Dimetria Tokunbo, will teach us how to utilize our most precious memories and stories as inspiration for memoir-style comic art. All supplies provided.
May Event Highlights
New Weekly Event: Let's Get in a Game of Bones!
Fridays
3pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Everyone’s welcome, no matter your level! We’ll have dominoes sets on hand, or feel free to bring your own.
Opera For Kids: The Barber of Seville + Opera glasses craft
(A shortened film version of the classic opera for kids)
Friday, May 1
4 pm
Central
Author Talk with Jeff Chang
Saturday, May 2
3 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
In WATER MIRROR ECHO: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, award-winning author Jeff Chang delivers a groundbreaking cultural biography of Bruce Lee and a story of the creation of Asian America.
Spring Egg Painting: Celebrate Nowruz
Saturday, May 2
1 pm
Central
Conflict Deescalation
Saturday, May 2
2 pm
Claremont
Participants will leave the learning space with a deeper sense of community, an understanding of ways conflict is linked to history, as well as an ability to identify types and levels of conflict and communication styles. Recommended for ages 13 & up.
Teen Music Showcase: Folk Artist Aeryn Roseman
Saturday, May 2
4 pm
Central
East Bay Vivarium's Traveling Reptile Show
Monday, May 4
11 am
North
Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day)
Tuesday, May 5
3:30 pm
North
Hear a few songs and stories in English and Japanese, sample some Japanese snacks, decorate your own koinobori, and learn how to fold an origami kabuto.
Minhwa Folk Art Guided Paint and Sip
Tuesday, May 5
5:30 pm
North
Take Back Your Privacy: Learn how to use Signal for Private Messaging
Tuesday, May 5
5:30 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Author Josie Iselin and Illustrator Ellen Litwiller Event: The Mysterious World of the Bull Kelp Forest
Wednesday, May 6
6:30 pm
North
How Money Works: Financial Literacy for Everyone
Saturday, May 9
10:30 am
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Berkeley City Ballet performs excerpts from Sleeping Beauty
Saturday, May 9
11:30 am
Central
Story Time Band at KQED Fest
Saturday, May 9
1:30 pm
SF Mission District
Join The Story Time Band for a joyful set filled with music and stories at one of San Francisco's best family-friendly street festivals!
Painting Workshop for all ages with Local Artist & Educator Yami Carrion
Saturday, May 9
2 pm
Claremont
Lucky Flowers & Fruit: Chinese Brush Painting Class with Pauline Tsui
Monday, May 11
10:30 am
Claremont
Urban Cycling 101: Equip your bike, fit your helmet, and avoid common hazards
Saturday, May 9
2 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Author Talk with Nicole Wong
Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora
Thursday, May 14
5:30 pm
Filipino Folk Songs and Storytelling featuring The Sampaguitas
Thursday, May 14
6 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Master of Prestidigitation: The Magic of Michael Nguyen
Saturday, May 16
11 am
North
Jewish Dance
Saturday, May 16
3 pm
North
Individual Poetry Writing Workshops with Berkeley Poet and Teacher Ray Hsu
12 - 3 pm
Central
4 - 7 pm
Central
Are you a poet seeking feedback on your own work or new to writing poetry?
Work one-on-one with an award-winning poet and experienced poetry teacher to get feedback on your own work and craft.
UC Berkeley Seminar Series: Popping the Science Bubble
Tuesday, May 19
5:30 pm
Central Library & Zoom
May topics:
Is the ‘perfect’ embryo a myth? DNA glitches in early development
- Anuradha Mukherjee, Molecular & Cell Biology
Sticky Science: A Better Way to Heal
- Subhajit Pal, Bioengineering
Craft with Picture Book Illustrator Eugenia Yoh
Friday, May 22
4 pm
Central
Jewelry Making Event for Kids
Saturday, May 23
10 am
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Exploring Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Craft
Saturday, May 23
11 am
North
Mental Health Workshop for Kids
Saturday, May 23
2 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Machine sewing for beginners
Tuesday, May 26
10 am
Claremont
On the Record: Miles Davis Centenary Listening Session
Tuesday, May 26
6 pm
Central
Free Bike Repair Day
Saturday, May 30
10 am
Tool Lending Library / Tarea Hall Pittman South
Vietnamese Tea Tasting
Saturday, May 30
11 am
Claremont
Bay Area Book Fest:
Saturday, May 30th at Central
Bay Area Book Festival YouthLit takes over the library!
The festival’s ever-popular YouthLit returns and will feature programs on Saturday, May 30, at Central, as well as on two dedicated stages on Sunday, May 31, in the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park.
YouthLit will again be filled with readings, panels, discussions, and interactive fun featuring the most exciting and engaging names in young people’s literature. This year, we also will feature a stage with panels and discussions for adults about children’s books and literacy to address how to best support the children in our lives.
From the Berkeley Public Library Foundation
SUMMER BENEFIT CONCERT:
Where Music Meets Imagination with The Story Time Band
Where Music Meets Imagination is a family-friendly benefit concert featuring Berkeley’s beloved The Story Time Band, presented by the Berkeley Public Library Foundation
June 13, 2026, 10:30 am
The Freight, 2020 Addison, Berkeley, CA
Proceeds benefit the Berkeley Public Library.
From the City...
Berkeley Bay Festival
Berkeley Bay Festival
Saturday, May 2
11 am - 4 pm
Shorebird Park
Celebrate the San Francisco Bay at the Berkeley Marina and connect with the community through live music, food, and hands-on educational activities.
Join us for the Berkeley Bay Festival to enjoy:
- Interactive learning exhibits
- Fun activities
- Boat rides
- Food vendors
- Free bike valet
- Adventure Playground
- Music by the West Grand Brass Band, Taylor Mountain Band & Battria Batuki
This free, family-focused event celebrates the Bay, its local wildlife, and the people and agencies dedicated to its protection.
Over 30 environmental and wildlife conservation organizations from around the Bay will share their exhibits with the public.
North Branch - Spring Food Drive
The library is partnering with the Alameda County Community Food Bank for a spring food drive at North Branch during the month of May.
Food our community loves:
- Ready-to-eat meals (easy-open cans or pouches)
- chilis, stews, ravioli, soups, etc.
- Canned chicken, tuna, salmon, etc.
- Snacks for kids (healthy lunch snacks, bars, and fruit/veggie pouches)
- Non-perishable fruit (cups, bowls, or cans)
- Peanut butter
- Cereal (boxes or single-serve bowls)
- Nutrition/protein bars
Please no glass containers, medications, pharmaceuticals, supplements, or soda.
Thank you for considering a donation!
There are hundreds of upcoming library programs for all ages and a diversity of interests:
Many library programs are funded by the generous support of the
Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.
Thank you, Friends!
All Library Locations will be closed Monday, May 18 & Monday, May 25.
All Library locations will open late on Friday, May 29.
Thank you!
Working together to make a great public library extraordinary...
Thank you, Foundation & Friends!
For more event info,
book recommendations and other fun things...
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Berkeley, California 94704
510-981-6100
berkeleypubliclibrary.org