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