November Happenings
All libraries are closed Wednesday, November 11 for Veteran's Day and Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving. All libraries will also close early at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, November 25 for the holiday. Check our calendar for 2026 closing dates.
Tarea Hall Pittman inducted into the Bay Area Hall of Fame
On October 10, 2026, Tarea Hall Pittman was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2026. Tarea Hall Pittman South Children's Librarian Juan Castille accepted the award on behalf of the Library.
Pittman was longtime Berkeley resident, and the South Branch of the Berkeley Public Library is named in her honor.
She was a civil rights leader, public speaker, and local radio host who celebrated the Black community by providing positive stories to combat the ever-present negative news coverage.
She was a true pioneer of civil rights who organized protests against war industries to get African Americans hired, helped desegregate the Oakland Fire Department, pressed for the expansion of California’s childcare program, and helped the NAACP get Fair Employment Practice laws passed.
Tarea Hall Pittman - photo courtesy of Localwiki Oakland .
Tarea Hall Pittman South Library entrance.
Join us at our Fourth Annual Comic Con, November 14
Fans of all ages—Berkeley Comic Con is back with a FREE day of all things comics.
Join us on Saturday, November 14, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Berkeley Public Library (on 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck) for community discussions celebrating comics, graphic novels, art, and storytelling.
Learn about the creative process from writers, illustrators, and more. Dress in cosplay, join an interactive drawing workshop, bring your ideas for your own brainstorming and for a collaborative comic creation.
Explore diverse voices and perspectives through LGBTQIA+ comics, Afro-Punk culture, and more.
More than 30 creators speaking and another 35-plus tabling—don’t miss out!
Poster image created by local comic artist Jason Shiga.
Check the event page for a full list of speakers, vendors, and schedule details.
You can also drop-in for UC Berkeley's Brick by Brick Club for a Comic-Con themed LEGO build at 4:00 pm. Geared toward ages 5 and older.
Join an Author Talk and Learn about our Creative Writing Space Program
Meet award-winning author Tomas Moniz for a conversation about community, writing, and his latest book, The King of Aloe Vera.
Thursday, November 19
6:00 pm
Join our Creative Writing Space to write alongside others.
Tuesday, November 17
4:00 pm
Both programs at West
The Halloween Spirit Caught Our Furry Booklovers in Action
We asked and you delivered - by sending adorable photos of your furry friends dressed up for Halloween.
We can only showcase a few in the newsletter, so pop over to Instagram for the big reveal.
On the left photo of cat with crown: Nima the Queen. You can bow down now!
Center photo of four Pomeranians: Alice in Wonderland Pomeranian floof crew with Blueberry as the Queen of Hearts, Maddie as Alice, Toasty as the Mad Hatter, and Hazelnut as the White Rabbit.
On the right photo of cat in yellow: Dragons may love tacos, but Orlando - um, not so much.
Please visit the Berkeley Public Library website for the most up to date information about events and services.
Event Highlights
Listen, move, create, and explore music at the library this month. Hear a solo classical guitar performance, jam with little ones at our interactive children's concerts, explore Black American music sessions featuring Jazz, R&B, RAP, Hip Hop, Soul, and more. Or find your own groove as you learn how to make a beat and write a song.
Find your rhythm with one of our many cultural connections:
- Join the Black Parents of Berkeley Writing Circle and if you are younger, join the Black Youth of Berkeley Writing Circle .
- Swing by the mak-'amham/Cafe Ohlone to discuss a East Bay Ohlone culture, experiences, and community.
- Take your family to an interactive a Native heritage experience full of storytelling, singing, music, puppets, and more.
- Groove with others in an interactive African drumming class with dancing, songs, and stories.
Learn about pollinators and UC Berkeley's cutting-edge research, join various culture and hobby-related clubs, start crafting your own memoir, and explore local history in the Berkeley History Room at Central.
If you are into crafting, come sew a backpack, make a plushie charm, crochet, or create a fiber art project with others.
Explore the full monthly calendar and plan your next visit.
Black Parents of Berkeley Writing Circle
For all Black Parents and caregivers in Berkeley! Be heard, share experiences and build community. No writing experience needed.
Thursday, November 12
5:30 pm at Tarea Hall Pittman South
Berkeley History Room
Search for a long-lost Berkeley relative, find out who lived in your home before you, or explore Berkeley's rich history.
November 18
10:00 am at Central
Musical Storytime with The Story Time Band
Music, movement, and stories for children.
Thursdays
November 5 at The Freight
November 12 at Frances Albrier Community Center
10:30 am for both events
Stories Only You Can Tell: A Memoir Workshop
Your life is full of stories - get started on telling them with the help of Katharine Harer, a memoir and creative writing teacher at the SF Writing Salon.
Saturday, November 14
2:00 pm at Claremont
The Three Sisters, Corn, Bean, and Squash
A highly interactive experience with elderberry clapper sticks, storytelling, singing, 7-foot tall corn husk puppets, and more! Ages 4 and up.
Saturday, November 21
11:30 am at West
The Buzz About Pollinators
Learn about pollinators and how native plants support them with naturalist Margaret Flaherty.
Saturday, November 21
3:00 pm at Claremont
Electronic Music-Making Studio
Play and learn music creation with Ableton music software and instruments.
4:00 pm at Central
Sew a Backpack
Learn the basics of using a sewing machine in this workshop with local sewing expert Kathe Boyd.
10:00 am at Claremont
Dia de los Muertos Pet Altar
Día de los Muertos Community Ofrenda for Pets.
All day during library hours at North
Author Talk with Julia Moss
Local author of Wanderers explores the history of transportation and the amazing vehicles people have invented over time.
Monday, November 9
4:00 pm at Tarea Hall Pittman South
Family Game Night
Learn a new game or revisit a classic. Light snacks provided.
Thursday, November 5
5:30 pm at West
Super Cinema
Join us Friday afternoons for movies sharing the same theme each month.
Fridays, November 6,13, 20
2:30 pm at Central
mak-'amham/Cafe Ohlone
Join founders Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino as they discuss East Bay Ohlone culture, experiences, and community.
Thursday, November 19
3:30 pm at "Cafe Ohlone" or “Hearst Museum of Anthropology” - on the UC Berkeley campus at Bancroft on College Avenue.
Cuauhtli Mitotiani Mexica
Experience traditional Aztec dancing with Berkeley High School's R.I.S.E. Danza! 30 minute performance followed by a craft.
Monday, November 23
1:00 pm at Central
Popping the Science Bubble
Join us for this science series about cutting-edge research happening at UC Berkeley, directly from the scientists themselves.
5:30 pm at Central
The Break Room Sound event highlights
Curated Music Listening Music Sessions
Experience Black American sound at this sonic exhibit.
5:00 pm
3:00 pm
Both events at Central
In the Stax feat. Kayatta
An American rapper, poet, producer and educator recently crowned best Hip Hop artist in Sonoma.
6:00 pm at Tarea Hall Pittman South
Beat Making and Song Writing Workshop
Youth-centered workshop of beat construction, sampling, songwriting, and collaborative music-making.
Tuesday, November 10
3:00 pm at Central
Church of John Coltrane Convocation and Jazz Night
Honoring John Coltrane through live performance, listening, testimony, and reflection.
Friday, November 13
3:00 pm at Central
Cosmic Full Moon Jazz Affirmations and Sound Bath
Enjoy an outdoor evening of soft yoga, collective reflection, and affirmations under the full moon.
Tuesday, November 2
5:00 pm at North
Please register to attend.
Youth Spotlight
The Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash
A highly interactive experience with elderberry clapper sticks, storytelling, singing, 7-foot tall corn husk puppets, and more! Ages 4 and up.
11:30 am at West
Black Youth of Berkeley Writing Circle
A workshop led by Berkeley Youth Poet Laureate Nolawit Ketema for Teens to explore and learn writing techniques.
November 12
5:30 pm at Tarea Hill Pittman South
Teen Hangouts
Every Wednesday visit your local library ( North , Claremont , and Tarea Hill Pittman South ) for games, snacks, and crafts.
2:00 pm, various locations (see above)
Math Tutoring
Get help in math for grades K-12.
November 5
4:00 pm at Central
Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPG) Club
Beginner and seasoned adventurers join us for tabletop role-playing games!
Tuesday, November 17
4:00 pm at North
Please register to attend.
Beads for Every Body
Make a beautiful, beaded bracelet for yourself.
3:30 pm at West
Collage Club
Bring out your inner artist with this simple and engaging art form. Open to all; children 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
Fridays, November 6 and 20
4:00 pm at Central
Very First Concerts
A free classical musical series with our youngest listeners in mind. Each interactive, 30 minute concert features a central theme, short selections, and fun hands-on musical activities geared toward families with young children.
11:30 am at Central
1:30 pm at West
Reading Buddies
Kids pair up with a teen reading mentor to build reading confidence.
4:30 pm at Central
MOCHA Creative Art Play
Join us and the Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) for different projects with a Teaching Artist.
3:30 pm
Thursdays at Tarea Hall Pittman South
Fridays at Central
Puzzle Swap
A monthly puzzle swap to freshen your puzzle collection. Bring your old puzzles and go home with new ones.
10:00 am at Claremont
Kids Yoga
Stretch bodies, minds, and hearts with yoga, mindfulness activities, and games.
11:00 am at West
Baby Toddler Storytime
Join for books, rhymes, music and more.
Tuesdays
10:30 am
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Village Rhythms African Drumming
Interactive fun with African drumming, dancing, songs, and stories!
Saturday, November 7
3:00 pm at Claremont
Wellness, Art, and Music
Shake It Off: A Somatic Reset for Stress Series
Three-part interactive series on the first three Mondays of November.
4:00 pm at West
Hearing Loss Presentation
A family conversation about hearing loss.
3:00 pm at West
Line Dancing
Step-by-step instruction of easy-to-do dances choreographed to a variety of music from Old Standards to Country, Latin, Rock-n-Roll, Hip Hop, and the latest hit tunes.
1:00 pm at Central
Bay Area Tabletop Role Playing Games (TRPG) Society
A free indie Tabletop Role Playing Game convention brought to you by the Bay Area TTRPG Society (BATS)
Tuesday, November 10
4:00 pm at North
Heart Talk: Preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Youth
Interactive session aimed at teaching youth heart health.
2:00 pm at Tarea Hall Pittman South
Memory Cafe
Join us in this free monthly gathering for seniors living with cognitive decline and the people who care about them.
Tuesday, November 10
1:00 pm at North
Claremont Poetry Circle
Share poetry, your own, the famous, the ancient, or something new.
6:00 pm
Music of Four Centuries: A solo Guitar Recital
Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will perform a program spanning the centuries without any amplification or microphones
6:00 pm at Central
Free Accessible Kidney Screening
Drop-in for a screening; no health insurance or appointment necessary.
10:00 am at Tarea Hall Pittman South
Quilting
Make your own a quilt top in the company of others.
2:00 pm at West
Registration required.
Visit Claremont for some great crafting opportunities!
Claremont Crafternoons
Get creative with fun, hands-on crafts for young children!
Tuesday, November 10
3:00 pm
Pop-Up Creative Lab
Bring your ideas to life with tools to explore graphic design, music, photography, sewing, electronics, art and crafts, 3D printing/design, and more.
5:00 pm
Cozy Crafts
Evoke comfort and warmth with this hands on crafts when you make adorable plushie bag charms.
11:00 am
Plus don't forget to come by at 10:00 am on Monday, November 23 to learn how to Sew a Backpack .
Leamos Autoras
¡Bienvenides al primer club de lectura en español de la Biblioteca Pública de Berkeley! Noviembre: Malinalli / Verónica Chapa.
Friday, November 20
4:30 pm, Virtual
Herbalism with Hanan
Join for a workshop on herbal healing.
6:30 pm at Tarea Hall Pittman South
Herbal Supports for Sleep
Remedies to help you with sleeping.
5:00 pm at North
Please register to attend
Community Resources
Hearing Loss Presentation
Learn about the building blocks of hearing, hearing loss, and potential treatments.
Thursday, November 5
3:00 pm at West
CalFresh Trouble?
Get free support from the Food Justice Project for CalFresh applicaitons. Drop by with any notice or correspondence related to your CalFresh decision.
3:30 pm at West
Social Services Drop-In
Join our Social Services Specialist for support on various services, including healthcare, housing, and employment.
Fridays
November 6 - 10:00 am at North
November 20 - 1:00 pm at West
Mondays
10:00 am at Tarea Hall Pittman South
10:00 am at Claremont
Wellness Dance
Join us for this supportive and inclusive Community Wellness Dance Class.
Thursdays
2:00 pm at Tarea Hall Pittman South
Spectrum Community Services
Need help paying your energy bill? Drop by for some help with an application.
11:00 am at Central
Eviction Defense Center
Need help with housing matters or facing eviction?
Thursday, November 12
10:00 am at Central
ESL Conversation Club
Come talk to others in English to help improve your understanding of the language.
Thursday, November 12
12:00 pm at West
Focus on Updating Your Resume and Job Searching
Shifting Norms and Advice for 2027
What influences drive changes in resumes and job searching? Come find out.
Tuesday, November 10
5:00 pm, Virtual
Gliding Your Job Search Over the Bumps Ahead
What influences drive changes in resumes and job searching? Come find out.
Tuesday, November 24
5:00 pm, Virtual
Technology Help
Drop-in for technical help with your own device or our computers.
Fridays
11:00 am
Wednesdays
Central (in-person), Virtual appointments can be scheduled online via Zoom.
November Death Cafe
A group discussion "to increase awareness of death by helping people make the most of their (finite) lives."
2:00 pm at Central
Please register to attend.
Many library programs are funded by the generous support of the
Friends of the Berkeley Public Library .
Thank you, Friends!
Thank you Friends & Foundation!