September Happenings
You made Berkeley Library's Fiber Mascot Contest such a roaring success. Follow us on Instagram to see what the new three winning mascots and the Berkeley Libraries are up to.
Thanks to everyone that entered, voted, visited the library mascot display, and supported the contest in any way. If you have not yet picked up your mascot, please schedule a time to do so through Friday, September 4.
If you are feeling inspired—like we are—by these incredible entries from our community, join other adult creators at some upcoming library events. Not only will you craft something cool, but you might also make a new friend and learn more about crafting from yarn, string, felt, and needles.
Adults can join these activities:
- Fiber Arts at Central on September 1 and September 15
- Sewing Circle at Central on September 5
- Fiber and Needle Arts at North on September 9
- Sewing Machine Open Studio at North on September 23
Teens and Adults can also bring any project you're working on, learn from each other, and enjoy conversation at the:
- Community Craft Circle at Tarea Hall Pitman South on September 11 and September 25
Please visit the Berkeley Public Library website for the most up to date information about events and services.
Library News
Not only is September "Back to School Month," but it’s also the start of the Fall Season.
What a great time to welcome our new Library Director , Rebecca Alcalá-Veraflor, following a yearlong search.
With more than two decades of Bay Area library experience, Rebecca is the first Latinx person to lead the Library in 65 years and brings a leadership approach rooted in community partnership, equity, and the belief that libraries can transform lives.
Fall marks fresh starts and growth—come explore possibilities and transform with us at the Library.
Catch the Luchador professional Mexican wrestling event, celebrate the Worldwide Day of Play with kids, or learn about living Ohlone culture. This month, enjoy different cultures, learn, grow, and have fun.
Event Highlights
Musical Story Time with The Story Time Band
Music, movement, and read-aloud stories for children and their caregivers.
10:30 - 11:30 am
The Freight, Main Music Hall
10:30 - 11:30 am
Frances Albrier Community Center
Berkeley & Portland LGBTQIA+ Book Club
Every month focuses on a book featuring prominent Queer characters and themes, not restricted by genre.
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Virtual
Registration required.
Celebrate Latinx Heritage w/ Museum of Children's Art
Bring the whole familia and crea algo bello!
Saturday, September 12
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
West
Ala Costa Art Walk
Walk or roll with us from Tarea Hall Pittman South Library Branch to the Ed Roberts Campus for a viewing of the Ala Costa X Ed Roberts Campus Community Mural.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South, Outside the Tool Library
mak-'amham/Cafe Ohlone
Learn about living Ohlone culture while enjoying tea and a treat.
Founders Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino (shown in photo) will discuss a topic related to East Bay Ohlone culture, experiences, and community.
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Central
Lucha Libro Wrestling
Join us for a live pro-wrestling event for all ages.
Watch as Luchador wrestlers take the ring and show off their high-flying moves in high-energy, story-driven matches.
Friday, September 4
3:00 - 5:00 pm
Tool Lending Library Lawn at Tarea Hill Pittman South
Author Talk: Punk and Archiving
Join Tom McEnaney and Judith Peraino, authors of We're Having Much More Fun , and Anna Brown, author of Hail Murray! , for a conversation about archiving and uncovering punk history in the East Bay and beyond.
6:00 - 7:00 pm
North
Learn Book Binding
This is a two part series led by artist Xochitlpili 'Prince' Faulkner, 10 year artist will focus on scientific illustrations of flora and fauna.
3:00 - 5:00 pm
Tarea Hill Pittman South
Registration required.
Learn Simple Handsewn Bookbinding
Learn the steps to create a handsewn saddle-stitch booklet and leave with a your own free journal.
Tuesday, September 29
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Central
Registration required.
Berkeley Old Time Music Convention
As part of the annual, weekend-long Berkeley Old-Time Music Convention, the string contest, family concert, jam sessions, and panel discussions will take place all day throughout the Central Library.
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Central, Mystery Room
Habitot Worldwide Day of Play
Celebrate the Worldwide Day of Play with a Sensory Playdate for kids ages 1-7.
3:00 - 5:00 pm
North
Acupuncture 101
Join Dr. Lee for an informative talk on acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
North
Chinese Medicine for Chronic Pain
Learn what the healing process for pain may look like, strategies to cope with pain during the healing process, and beneficial attitudes that support pain relief, plus more!
11:30 am - 12:30 pm Claremont
Herbal Skin Care
Learn about gentle, herbal ingredients and simple routines for healthy skin with Hanan Masri.
Call to reserve your space: 510-981-6280
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Claremont
Youth Spotlight
Teen Hangouts
Every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00pm visit your local library ( North , Claremont , and Tarea Hill Pittman South ) for games, snacks, and crafts.
September 2
September 9
September 16
September 23
September 30
Navigate Living Online & In Real Life (IRL)
Cybersecurity, identity safety, and wellness for young people in the digital age.
Tuesday, September 1
4:30 - 6:00 pm
North
College Essay Workshop with experienced college essay coach Jess Reich
Are you ready to write your college application essays, but need help getting started?
4:00 - 5:30 pm
Central Library - Teen Room
Registration required. Only 5 spots left!
Bad Art Afternoon
Unleash your creativity in a light hearted environment and make some "bad" art!
CraftLab is the 3rd Wednesday of the month at West Branch. Every month is a different theme.
3:00 - 4:30 pm
West
Chess Club
Come play chess with others. All ages and skills levels are welcome.
Every Friday afternoon:
3:00 - 5:00 pm
Outside the Claremont Branch
Little Explorers Petting Zoo
Meet a variety of friendly animals in this amazing hands-on experience.
Registration is required, with 10 participants admitted at a time to allow for focused animal interaction.
2:30 - 4:30 pm
North
Once Upon a Time: A Storytime for School-Aged Children
For ages 4 to 8, join Children’s Librarian Mr. Michael for a delightful selection of picture books.
Tuesday, September 1
4:00 - 4:30 pm
Claremont
Stepping into STEM: Strawberry DNA and Brain Science for 3rd-5th grades
Join us for two sessions centered around different science-related themes, presented by young folks in STEM with an engaging activity!
Saturday, September 26
2:00 - 3:30 pm
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
A Sprinkle of Spanish / Un poquito de Español Storytime
Storytime with Spanish! ¡Hora de cuentos con español!
Every Wednesday morning:
10:30 - 11:00 am
Central
Storytime on the Lawn
Join us at North Branch for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun! This 30-minute story time is geared towards children ages 2-5.
Every Wednesday morning:
10:30 - 11:00 am
North
Soccer Storytime
Enjoy a special storytime with a professional soccer player from Oakland Roots.
Wednesday, September 16
2:30 - 3:30 pm
North
Wellness, Art, and Music
Tai Chi
Come practice this ancient Chinese Mind/Body low impact exercise for all knowledge levels and ages every week at our libraries.
Tuesday mornings
2:30 - 3:30 pm
Mystery room
Central
Registration required.
Saturday mornings
North
10:00 - 11:00 am
On the lawn
Playreaders Circle
Bringing plays to life by gathering together to Read a different play each month.
Berkeley History Room
Community Meeting Room
Berkeley History Room
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Central (all rooms located here)
Wellness Dance
Join us for a another series of this supportive and inclusive Community Wellness Dance Class.
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South, Meeting Room
E-Bike Safety - Bike East Bay
Learn e-bike basics.
Saturday, September 12
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
Read to a Dog
Children ages 5 to 12 can practice oral fluency by reading to a dog. It's a great way spend time with a friendly dog, and have fun.
Thursday, September 24
3:30 - 4:30 pm
North - Meeting Room
Ukulele Club
Play ukulele with us. No experience needed, bring your own ukulele or use one of ours!
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Old-time Tune Jam
Bring your musical instrument and play American old-time repertoire in a jam-session.
Everyone, at all levels is welcome, including listeners.
Tuesday, September 15
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Central, Art & Music Study Hall
Chorus Circle
Join us for an intergenerational folk song circle and build community through singing a mix of old and new songs.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South, Meeting Room
Community Resources
Veteran Support Services
Come to Central and speak to a Swords to Plowshares representative about rapid rehousing, back rent support, employment and training referrals and more.
2:00 - 4:00pm
Central, 1st floor near the entrance.
Social Services Drop-In
Join our Social Services Specialist for support on various services, including healthcare, housing, and employment.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
North
1:00 - 3:00 pm
West
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South
1:00 - 3:00 pm
West
Insight Housing
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Alameda Team will be on-site to support veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Central
September Death Cafe
Sarah Hill, a Bay Area end-of-life doula, will share how she helps individuals and their constellation of care navigate end-of-life transitions. Questions welcome after the presentation.
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Central
Register to reserve your spot.
Take Back Your Privacy
Learn tips and alternative platforms to safeguard your digital footprint in this data autonomy series!
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South, Meeting room
Technology Help
Drop-in to the Central Library for technical help with your own device or our computers. No appointment is needed.
Every Friday:
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Every Wednesday:
Central (in-person), electronic classroom
Virtual appointments can be sceduled online via Zoom.
Do You Need Medical Care?
Get help for assistance connecting with urgent care, care coordination and more. Services provided free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.
Tuesday, September 8
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Central
Eviction Defense Support
Get help with substandard housing, subsidized housing, rent increases, fair housing, and eviction defense, plus Rental Assistance Applications for the City of Berkeley.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Central
Bay Area Community Services (BACS)
If you need help with housing, shelter, and employment resources come to the library to meet with a prepresentative from BACS.
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Central
Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
Dr. Anu Agarwal covers typical age-related changes, common warning signs of Alzheimer's, how to approach someone about memory concerns, and resources offered by the Alzheimer's Association.
Monday, September 28
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Claremont - Flex Space
Many library programs are funded by the generous support of the
Friends of the Berkeley Public Library .
Thank you, Friends!
Thank you Friends & Foundation!