The 2026 Berkeley Youth Poet Laureate contest is now open for submissions until October 31, 2025.
Teens
Get live help with math, reading, writing, and language arts anytime day or night with Brainfuse HelpNow! The online tutoring you know and love has expanded tutoring hours for all California students. Math, reading, and writing tutors are available 24/7. Tutors in other subjects are available from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.
FREE Live Online Assistance for, Veterans, and their Families. Career, Veteran Support and Learning Tools. Connect with a coach to get help in job search, resumes, career path. Connect with an expert veteran to learn about VA benefits and community resources. Connect with a live tutor for help with academic and reading/writing skills.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library
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Let us help you find more books to read!
Based on the interests you indicate, library staff will identify 3-6 books (or audiobooks!) for you and will place them on hold. Your personalized book picks will be placed on hold in your account within one week after you submit this form. Expect an email when the materials are ready, and you will have one week to pick them up at the… Read More
New York Times Games
Activate your 24 hour complimentary access today. Return here to renew access.
For unlimited access on The Library's WiFi, you must sign up for a free account on NYTimes.com, using a valid email address. Click Register Now to sign up and create an account with your personal email address, otherwise, log in if you already have a NY Times account.
Choose from 70+ world languages to learn with tools that adapt to how you learn best. Listen to conversations between native speakers, and use Voice Comparison to match your pronunciation with native-speaker audio.
Looking for a job? Want to volunteer? The Library can connect you to what you need.
Learn about different careers, plan for your education, get salary and benefit information, search for jobs, improve your resume and get interview tips from the US Department of Labor.
Northstar Digital Literacy tests your computer skills, helps you build skills in key areas, and lets you demonstrate your knowledge by earning certificates and badges. Included are assessments, instructor-led curricula, and self-directed online learning in three main areas:
• Essential Computer Skills - Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
• Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
• Using Technology in Daily Life - Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills
The Weekly Sky Report is a summary of what's going on in the Berkeley sky each week. Rocket launches and other news are also included. There are new things to see all the time, so keep checking back...
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What is Beanstack?
Beanstack is the Library’s web-based summer reading software. It allows you to track your Summer Reading minutes and activities online. There is even an app! Even if you’re using a paper game card, log your activities online to be entered into the prize drawing.
How do I sign up on Beanstack?
Go to https://berkeleypubliclibrary.beanstack.org
- If you have registered on Beanstack in previous years, login with your email address and password. If you forgot your password, reset it online or call the Central Library (510) 981-6223 for help.
- If you are registering for the first time, click on the red “register an individual or family” button and fill in your information.
Note for families: Beanstack allows families to be linked together under one login and email. If you are an adult registering a child, be sure to enter your information under “Adult Information.” To toggle between users, click the top right username button.
How do I log Summer Reading activities on Beanstack?
Go to https://berkeleypubliclibrary.beanstack.org
- Click on the red “log reading and activities” button in the upper left corner or on the blue plus sign on the app.
- Follow the prompts on the screen to log what you have accomplished to earn badges.
What is a badge and how do I earn one?
A badge is a colored-in marker of your progress, numbered from 1 to 10. You earn badges for completing Summer Reading activities. For children, 30 badges complete your Summer Reading Challenge and you receive 10 tickets to apply to the prize drawing.
- Children may earn badges each time they:
- Read a book or an ebook for 20 minutes
- Listen to a book or audiobook for 20 minutes
- Attend a library program
- Visit a museum (Get free passes with Discover and Go. Find out how on our website)
- Go on a nature walk
Kids may repeat the process up to 5 times and earn a maximum of 50 tickets towards the drawing.
For teens & adults, complete your Summer Reading Challenge by engaging in the following activities:
- Read a physical or digital book
- Read a graphic novel or manga
- Attend a library program
- Write a poem or short story
- Make a recipe from a cookbook
- Read a magazine or e-magazine
- Watch a free movie with Kanopy or Hoopla
- Listen to an audiobook on Libby or Hoopla
- Read your favorite book from childhood
- Sing your favorite song
- Listen to free music (digitally with Alexander Street, Hoopla, Naxos or check out vinyl and CDs!)
How do I enter the prize drawing?
To enter the prize drawing in August, be sure to apply the tickets you’ve earned from completing the Summer Reading Challenge to the prize drawing. Click on the “Ticket Drawings” to apply the tickets you’ve earned to the prizes of your choosing.
Who can get Cal Football tickets and how?
A special reward for K-8th graders: Complete the Berkeley Public Library Summer Challenge and come to the library to receive a voucher for 2 free tickets to the Cal vs. Minnesota home game on September 13th.
REDEEM YOUR VOUCHER FOR ACTUAL TICKETS IN PERSON ON or BEFORE SEPTEMBER 13TH at the Cal Athletic Ticket Office. You can visit the ticket office prior to the game during normal business hours. There is also a chance to purchase additional tickets for family members at a reduced cost!
Cal Athletic Ticket Office:
1923 Gridiron Way, Berkeley 94720
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
Please note: complimentary tickets provided through this program are for personal use only. Any tickets found listed on secondary resale markets will be voided and revoked immediately. Let’s keep this a special experience for our readers—thank you for your cooperation!
Additional Questions??
Email us at bplsummer@berkeleyca.gov or call (510) 981-6223.