August Library Happenings
Fiber Mascot Contest:
It's Time to Vote!
In June, Berkeley Public Library invited the community to create a fiber mascot for the Library's Instagram that captures the spirit of the Library and Berkeley.
Over 100 submissions were received!
The entries are incredibly creative - they are knitted, crocheted, sewn, felted, woven, embroidered, quilted, or mixed media. Each are highly detailed and many
Now it is time to vote!
Browse the submissions and then cast your vote for:
- Most Berkeley
- Most Creative
- Best Youth Submission
The vote is open until August 9 at 11:59pm.
108 mascot candidates are counting on you. Don't let them down!
There's still time to claim your
Summer Reading prizes!
Summer Reading runs all summer, from June 4 to August 15. There's still time!
You can sign up in person at any of our locations, online, or by calling (510) 981-6223.
Kids, Teens and Adults: get a book in English, Spanish, Chinese or Arabic just for signing up and there are more prizes when you complete the challenge and log your participation!
This year's summer reading program honors Jim Jacobs, Berkeley Public Library’s first African American librarian, who founded the summer reading program with "Summer Fun Clubs".
Tattoo Art Show Exhibit & Programming
Berkeley Tattooer Artshow
Exhibition of work by local artists, plus vintage tattoo equipment and materials
Reception:
Monday, August 3
5 pm
Central
Exhibit "The Books are Open":
August 3 to 31
Central, 2nd and 5th floors
Art Talk: Women in Tattooing
With Karen Roze, artist and founder of Sacred Rose Tattoo
Monday, August 10
6 pm
Central
Tattoo Talk: Tattoo Art and Methods
With Bay Area tattoo artists Leslie Mah and Xochitlpili 'Prince' Faulkner
Saturday, August 15
2 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Tattoo Story Time (and temporary tattoos)
With local artists from Berkeley's Old Crow Tattoo
Saturday, August 22
11:30 am
Central
Upcoming Event Highlights
StoryWalk
Take a stroll and enjoy successive pages from the book Nieve en la Jungla/ Snow in the Jungle along your path.
A StoryWalk is an interactive, outdoor or indoor reading experience where the pages of a children's picture book are deconstructed, laminated, and displayed sequentially on posts or signs along a walking route. It combines early literacy with physical activity and family time in nature.
August 1 to 15
All day
North
Meet a City of Berkeley Firefighter
The Firefighter will give a show and tell of their gear and answer questions. We will also read firefighter stories and sing songs!
Monday, August 3
1 pm
Central
Pet Care Class with Pet Care Professional Wren Reeve
Tuesday, August 4
4:30 pm
North
Communicate through storytelling, dance and music
A fun interactive workshop for kids and families by Participatory Children's Theater
Wednesday, August 5
3 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Peace Day Crane Folding and Obon Dance
Thursday, August 6
5:30 pm
Central
Join us for our Intergenerational Peace Day Commemoration. Listen to beautiful koto music, fold origami cranes, dance an Obon dance and hear about the story of Sadako. Ages 8 and up.
Board Game Nights
For Families:
Thursday, August 6
5:30 pm
West
For Teens and Adults:
2nd Wednesdays, August 12
5:30 pm
West
For Adults and Older Children:
Tuesday, August 18
6 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Chat GPT and Me: An AI Overview
Friday, August 7 at 3 pm
Saturday, August 15 at 1:30 pm
Central
A discussion on what AI is, how we use it, and the challenges it raises; covering popular platforms like Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini, plus hands-on exploration time.
Marin Poetry Traveling Show
Saturday, August 8
2 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Dholrhythms Bhangra Dance for All Ages
Saturday, August 8
3 pm
Claremont
Sing, Dance, Play Instruments, and Explore Healthy Habits with Aguacate Music Kids
Monday, August 10
11 am
North
Through the power of music, kids and their families will be inspired to drink water, eat veggies, exercise and brush teeth - all while having a blast.
Tai Chi for All Levels and Ages
2nd and 4th Tuesdays
August 11 and 25
2:30 pm
Central
Resume Workshop: Leverage Elements that Empower Your Job Search
Tuesday, August 11
5 pm
Autism Support Group and Social Club
A safe space where individuals with autism can connect, share experiences, and build friendships
2nd Tuesdays
August 11
6:30 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Paranormal Experiences Discussion
Tuesday, August 11
6:30 pm
Have you had a paranormal experience or want to hear from those who have? Come share and discuss!
Eviction Defense Support
Thursday, August 13
10 am
Central
Come to get help with substandard housing, subsidized housing, rent increases, fair housing, and eviction defense, plus Rental Assistance Applications for the City of Berkeley.
Housing, Shelter, and Employment Resources
By Bay Area Community Services
Thursday, August 13
1 pm
Come to meet one on one for assistance with housing assessments, employment counseling, housing problem solving, shelter coordination, and more.
For more information call (510) 981-6240 or drop in on the day of the event.
Learn About Seeds and Plant Some to Take Home With You
With Compost Gal, Lori Caldwell
Friday, August 14
3:30 pm
West
Kids Yoga
Saturday, August 15
11 am
West
Suitable for children ages 4 to 8.
Please bring a yoga mat if you have one.
Storytime at Edible Schoolyard
Saturday, August 15
11 am
The Edible Schoolyard Berkeley at King Middle School
Please bring a picnic blanket or mat to sit on.
Science Seminar with UC Berkeley
Tuesday, August 18
5:30 pm
Central and Virtual
Topics:
- Tracking viruses in wastewater: Some are more vulnerable to soaps and detergents than others — Allie Nguyen, Environmental Engineering
- Plant sunscreen: Zooming in on how plants avoid the light — Jeff Chen, Plant and Microbial Biology
College Admissions Practice and Essay Prompts Tryout
With Rae Shaw, Professor at San Francisco State University
Tuesday, August 18
6 pm
North
Recommended for students in 10th-12th grade but all teens are welcomed.
Need Help Paying Your Energy Bill?
Wednesday, August 19
11 am
Central
A representative from Spectrum Community Services will be on-site to collect applications and answer questions about the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program.
Make a Quilt Top for West Branch
Wednesday, August 19
2 pm
West
All supplies including sewing machines will be provided. All levels welcome!
Participants are also invited to bring your own quilting project and use one of the library's sewing machines.
Make Needle Felted Macarons
Wednesday, August 19
5:30 pm
Claremont
All ages and skill levels welcome though children must have a caregiver's supervision.
Digital Security
Thursday, August 20
5:30 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Learn how to better protect your data while you browse the internet.
Poetry Circle: A Friendly Reading Circle
Thursday, August 20
6 pm
Claremont
Share poetry, your own, the famous, the ancient, something new, with friendly ears. We take several turns around the circle. Everyone is welcome, even those who just want to listen.
Learn how to Play Canto Mahjong
Saturday, August 22
1-4 pm
Central
Mahjong coaches will teach beginners, answer questions, and help players build confidence while playing & up to 4 tables available for open play.
Experienced players are invited to join open play, meet fellow mahjong enthusiasts, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of community and connection.
Mural Art with Local Artist Yazmin Shi Shi Madriz
Saturday, August 22
2 pm
West
Presentation followed by a stroll to the nearby mural, "Sacred Waters Run Deep," on University and Bonar.
Author Tea Party with Annie Barrows
Saturday, August 22
3 pm
North
Listen to excerpts from her books (such as the Ivy & Bean series) while enjoying cookies and lemonade. Also, make Little Fruit Friends with Annie.
Registration Required.
New Monthly Series: Sticker Club
Monday, August 24
(4th Mondays)
4 pm
Claremont
Design and make a sticker you can keep and share. Please call 510-981-6280 to reserve your space.
Overdose Prevention Workshop
Saturday, August 29
2 pm
Central
Teens: Poetry Reading with Youth Poet Laureates
Saturday, August 29
2 pm
Claremont
The 2026 Berkeley Youth Poet Laureate, Nolawit Ketema, and Vice Youth Poet Laureate, Rachel Dunn, read their poetry then sit for an interview and discussion.
Cookbook Author and Tasting Event:with chef and mixologist Nelson German, and culinary anthropologist and chef Andréa Lawson Gray
Saturday, August 29
4 pm
Central
Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks and Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora contains recipies while exploring Caribbean food and drink as a lens onto broader histories of migration, cultural exchange, and the African diaspora. Join in the reading, tasting and book signing.
There are hundreds of upcoming library programs for all ages and for a diversity of interests:
Many library programs are funded by the generous support of the
Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.
Thank you, Friends!
From the Foundation:
August is National Make-a-Will Month
A bequest costs you nothing today but creates lasting support for Berkeley Public Library - as a percentage of your estate or a fixed amount, no impact on your finances now.
Get started for free at partner.freewill.com/BerkeleyPublicLibrary
Already included us in your plans? Let us know at partner.freewill.com/record/berkeleypubliclibrary
Thank you Friends & Foundation!
Working together to make a great public library extraordinary...
Thank you, Foundation & Friends!
For more event info,
book recommendations and other fun things...
FOLLOW US:
2090 Kittredge Street
Berkeley, California 94704
510-981-6100
berkeleypubliclibrary.org
