News

June Library Happenings

Exciting Reveal: the new Children's Story Room & Family Place 

Join us for a joyful celebration at Central on Friday, June 5, at 10:30 AM as we unveil our beautifully renovated 4th floor Children’s…

Notice of Cure – Library disables optional video-feed feature from occupancy sensors

In March 2025, the Library replaced its gate alarm people counters with more accurate and reliable optical counters. These counters (called Automatic People Counters) do not record, retain, or…

May Library Happenings

Events and More this May

April Library Happenings

Events and More this April

March Library Happenings

Event HighlightsLiterally How: Get hands-on experience learning or developing a new skill every month

This is a new monthly series at North. March's topics are:

Learn how to be a barista— Tuesday,…

Love the Library? Join the Berkeley Public Library Board of Library Trustees

Contact: Aimee Reeder 
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6195
areeder@berkeleyca.gov

Berkeley, California (February 25, 2026) –The City of Berkeley begins accepting applications on…

February Library Happenings

Library Love:
Spend Valentine's Day at the Library

There are many programs for all ages and interests at the Berkeley Public Library every day, and Valentine's Day is no exception.

A Valentine for Black…

Two Noteworthy Exhibits at the Central Library this Spring

Contact: Aimee Reeder
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.495.4175
areeder@berkeleyca.gov  

 

Two Noteworthy Exhibits at the Central Library this Spring: One reflecting the daily lives of…

Announcing the 2026 Berkeley Youth Poet Laureates

Contact: Aimee Reeder 
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.495.4175
areeder@berkeleyca.gov

Announcing the 2026 Berkeley Youth Poet Laureates:
Youth Poet Laureate, Nolawit Ketema, and Vice…

January Library Happenings

Check out our January events and features. Remember all Libraries are closed on January 1 & January 19.

December Library Happenings

Check out some great events and learn a little about the architect behind three of our library locations.

Comic Con is Back for Its Third Epic Year!

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Aimee Reeder
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.495.4175
areeder@berkeleyca.gov 

Comic Con at Berkeley Public Library is Back for Its Third Epic…

November Library Happenings

Calling all comic fans, artists, readers, and dreamers -Comic Con is back and bigger than ever! On Saturday, November 8, the Library hosts its third annual Comic Con, an all-day, all-ages celebration of comics, graphic novels, art, and storytelling at the Central Library (2090 Kittredge at Shattuck) in Downtown Berkeley. From panels and cosplay to hands-on workshops and a vendor hall, this free community event promises inspiration and fun for fans of every age. This year’s lineup features award-winning authors, illustrators, and local creators who bring truth, humor, and adventure to the comics page.

Library to Host Urbanrezlife's First Solo Exhibit

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aimee Reeder
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.495.4175
areeder@berkeleyca.gov  

 

New Exhibit at the Central Library:

thoughts of a large red…

West Branch Honored to be First Location Featured in the Reading Rainbow Series Reboot

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aimee Reeder
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.495.4175
areeder@berkeleyca.gov 

Berkeley Public Library Honored to be First Location Featured in…

October Library Happenings

Join us for author events and more this October!

September Library Happenings

Library Happenings

Special Exhibits: Braceros
Aug 26 - Oct 15Ernest Lowe Photography

@ West Branch in the Teen Room

Special receptionon Sept 18 @ 12 noon

Henry P. Anderson Papers + Rick Tejada-Flores…

NOTICE: HVAC Replacement Work

As part of a planned construction project, the City will be replacing rooftop HVAC systems at both the Kittredge and Bancroft library buildings.

August Library Happenings

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. We are also hosting a free, all-day Zine event for enthusiasts, creators, and curious newcomers to immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere filled with unique vendors, engaging workshops, and lively music. Check out our other offerings including a book launch of Go Figure by local artist Guy Colwell this August!

Director Tess Mayer Announces Departure After Five Years of Service

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aimee Reeder
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.495.4175
areeder@berkeleyca.gov 

Berkeley, California (July 10, 2025) –  In last night’s July…

July Library Happenings

Enjoy dynamic programming this July!

June Library Happenings

Join the Summer Reading Game and check out our events!

Library Welcomes a New Exhibit in June that Honors the Trans Community

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aimee Reeder
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.495.4175
areeder@berkeleyca.gov 

The Berkeley Public Central Library Welcomes a New Exhibit in…

May Library Happenings

Featured events and news from May 2025.

Library Awarded Grant to Boost Digital Literacy

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aimee Reeder
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.495.4175
areeder@berkeleyca.gov

Berkeley Public Library Awarded Grant to Boost Digital Literacy

Be…