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South Branch Library Celebration and Temporary Closure for Construction

February 21, 2012 in Branch Improvement Program, News by LibraryNews | Permalink

For immediate Release:
February 21, 2012

Contact: Donna Corbeil, Library Director
510-981-6195

 


South Branch Library Celebration and Temporary Closure for Construction

 

 

Beginning Monday, March 19th, the South Branch Library will be closed for approximately 15 months to allow for the construction of a new 8,700 square foot library.  To celebrate the beginning of construction for the new library a community event will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 2 to 5 pm, everyone is invited. Refreshments and entertainment are planned with a brief program at 3 p.m. The last open day for public service will be Saturday, March 17, 2012.

We extend our thanks and appreciation to everyone for their support of Measure FF and, since that time, participation in the public design and approval process which has brought us to this milestone.  The new library will be built following the demolition of the current facility. The replacement Library, designed by the San Francisco firm of Field Paoli Architects, will meet all current codes, provide adequate space for users of all ages and is designed to be warm and inviting; creating a welcoming civic presence and enhanced services to the community.  The Tool Lending Library will be part of the new space, with increased room for storage and an improved layout.

During the closure, patrons are encouraged to visit the remaining open library facilities. In addition, Library BranchVan service will begin on Monday, March 26th on Oregon Street, just west of Grant Street.  Check out the Library’s Branch Construction Projects webpage or pick up a South Branch Temporary Closure Guide for more service information during the temporary closure that includes the BranchVan and children’s storytime schedules.

The Tool Lending Library located at 1901 Russell Street is closed as of Friday, February 17 and will re-open in its temporary location, 2547 8th Street, beginning Tuesday March 20th.

The Library will continue to post project information and updates on its website at: berkeleypubliclibrary.org/branchimprovements and hopes to see you at the South Branch Library grand re-opening, anticipated in Spring 2013.

We look forward to bringing you a beautiful, current code compliant, seismically safe, fully accessible green building in the near future. The branch library improvement program is funded by Measure FF, passed by voters in November 2008.

For more information call 510-981-6195.

South Branch Library Temporary Closure Announcement

South Branch Library Closing Celebration Invitation

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Evictions in Berkeley: A Workshop for Berkeley Landlords

February 16, 2012 in Training by LibraryNews | Permalink

For Immediate Release
February 15, 2012

Contact: Shani Leonards (Ph: 510-981-6148)

 

Evictions in Berkeley: A Workshop for Berkeley Landlords

 

On Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Berkeley’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street (at Shattuck Avenue) in our 3rd floor Community Meeting Room, join us for a free workshop covering the basics of tenant eviction.

This free workshop is a must for any landlord who wants to understand the eviction process in Berkeley. An attorney from the Berkeley Rent Board will discuss the Berkeley specific rules and restrictions on evictions and how those rules tie into the standard eviction lawsuit process under state law. The particulars of the Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance, including owner move-in eviction rules, will also be covered.  A lively Q&A period follows the presentation.

The Central Library is open Monday, noon-8p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. For questions and accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TDD 510-548-1240, http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

 

Eviction Flyer

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Continuing Series of Classes: How to use Online Resources at the Berkeley Public Library

February 13, 2012 in Training, Uncategorized by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Reference Desk
510-981-6148

For immediate Release:
February  10, 2012

Continuing Series of Classes:
How to use Online Resources at the Berkeley Public Library

 

You don’t have to come to the library to use library materials – there’s a ton of stuff to access from home or on the go! An internet connection and a library card is all you need to use our Online Resources, including: eBooks, streaming music, learn a foreign language, test prep and practice exams, magazines and newspapers, and more!

Join us at the Central Library’s Electronic Classroom twice a month for the continuing training series Be an Expert: Learn to Use the Library’s Online Resources.

 

Saturday, March 10, 2-3 p.m.
Art Resources: Study art history at 2 a.m.!  Read expensive architecture magazines on your iPhone!
Whether you access the library’s online resources from inside the library or on the go, all you need is an internet connection and a library card to enjoy a wealth of art materials. Come to a FREE hands-on class to learn how to use Oxford Art Online and Art Full Text & Index: two online tools for exploring art.

 

Saturday, March 31, 2-3 p.m.
Magazines & Newspapers: Read 1,000s of magazine, newspaper, and journal titles on the internet using your library card. Come to a FREE class to learn tips for finding articles using library databases. Old or new, popular or academic, there’s something to interest everyone.

 

Tuesday, April 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Small Business Tools: Small business owners and entrepreneurs: need help with marketing and outreach, research on demographics and competitors? Can’t afford to pay a consultant to do the research for you? There’s a FREE database for that. All you need is a library card and access to the internet. We’ll show you how to get the most out of these valuable online business resources in a FREE class.

 

Saturday, April 14, 2-3 p.m.
Genealogy: Ready to research your family history but not sure where to start? Become a genealogical super sleuth at the Berkeley Public Library. Join us for a FREE introduction to online genealogy tools and Ancestry.com, a database that offers searchable census tracts, immigration records, photos and more.

 

Saturday, April 28, 2-3 p.m.
eBooks: Borrow eBooks in popular genres like bestsellers, biography, history, literature, mystery, romance and more all for FREE with your library card. This session will walk you through the process, step by step.

 

And mark your calendar for these upcoming classes:

May: Learn a Language; What to Read Next?

June: Music; eBooks


Be An Expert @ Berkeley Public Library
All classes last about an hour and are at the Central Library’s Electronic Classroom, 2090 Kittredge @ Shattuck Ave., Berkeley.

 

Berkeley’s Central Library is open Monday 12 noon until 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. For more info please call 510-981-6195 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. Wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations for this event, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY); at least three working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.

 

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Home Loan Basics – A Free Seminar at the Berkeley Public Library

February 7, 2012 in Seminar, Uncategorized by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Andrea Moss (Ph: 510-981-6148)

 

For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2012

 

Home Loan Basics
A Free Seminar at the Berkeley Public Library

 

Berkeley Public Library invites you to a free financial education seminar on home loan basics. Learn about the home buying process and what kind of mortgage is right for you. This one-hour seminar will be held in the Community Meeting Room at Berkeley Public Library’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28. This is one in a series of seminars brought to you in partnership with the USE Credit Union. There will be one seminar a month through March 2012. Come to one or all. To learn more about this program or the series, please call (510) 981-6148.

Berkeley’s Central Library is open Monday 12 noon until 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.  For more information please call 510-981-6195 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. Wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations for this event, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY); at least three working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.

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Opera in the Library

February 6, 2012 in Art & Music Event by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Debbie Carton
Librarian, Art & Music Department
510-981-6236

 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For an event occurring Thursday, February 16, 2011

 

OPERA IN THE LIBRARY

 

Berkeley Public Library presents a free noontime lecture/concert featuring West Edge Opera on Thursday, February 16, at 12:15pm. Artistic Director Mark Streshinsky introduces the company’s upcoming production, The Manga (Magic) Flute. One of Mozart’s most popular works, the new interpretation puts a Japanese manga (comic book) spin on the fairy tale world of enchanted flutes and captive princesses. Cast members will sing selected arias. The program takes place at the Central Berkeley Public Library, 5th Floor, 2090 Kittredge Street, which is wheelchair accessible. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, call 510-981-6241 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

Berkeley West Edge Opera’s production of The Manga (Magic) Flute opens March 4th at the Performing Arts Theater at El Cerrito High School. Read more about the show at www.westedgeopera.org.

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Book Into Film: 127 Hours Discussion Group at the Berkeley Public Library

February 6, 2012 in Book Into Film Event, Uncategorized by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Andrea Mullarkey (Ph: 510-981-6148)

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2012

 

Book Into Film: 127 Hours
Discussion Group at the Berkeley Public Library

 

Berkeley Public Library invites you to participate in an examination of 127 Hours, an intense film based on rock climber Aron Ralston’s true story. During a 2003 canyoneering trip, Ralston was trapped in an isolated canyon in Utah after a boulder crashed onto his arm. Over the next five days, Ralston examined his life and options for survival before taking extreme measures to rescue himself. 127 hours is based on Ralston’s harrowing true memoir Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Discussion group participants will read the book at home and then gather at 1:30 on Sunday, March 11, 2012 in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room at Berkeley’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street to view the film together. After viewing the film, participants will discuss the book, the movie and the adaptation.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, this free Book and Film program at the Central Library offers adult and teen patrons the opportunity to discuss books, films and the art of adaptation. Participation is limited and registration is required. Please call (510) 981-6148 to register for this program.

The Central Library is open Monday, noon-8 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For questions and accessibility information, call 510-981-6107, TTY 510-548-1240, http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

 

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Pitch yourself like a Pro would!

February 3, 2012 in Seminar, Uncategorized by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Wendy Guzman
510-809-1330

 

For Immediate Release
February 2, 2012

 

Pitch yourself like a Pro would!
North Cities One Stop Job Club comes to the Berkeley Public Library

 

Networking is a huge part of a successful job search, but it requires skills that most of us need to work hard to develop, like the ability to succinctly pitch your qualifications to relative strangers at a moment’s notice.  Get feedback of your efforts and support from others looking for work in a new Networking Club that will meet at the Central Library on February 29th, 2012 from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  The North Cities One Stop’s Job Club will have off- site meetings every other month in the third floor Community Meeting Room of Berkeley’s Central Library at 2090 Kittredge Street (at Shattuck Avenue). Folks who attend will have an opportunity to practice their elevator speeches, learn networking techniques from professionals and connect with other job seekers. Bring business cards, any job leads that you would like to share with others and be ready to practice the fine art of self-promotion.

This is a Workforce Reinvestment Act funded program that is hosted each month in various locations across Berkeley by North Cities One Stop Development Center. For more information on this program and to RSVP (required) contact Wendy Guzman, Employment Specialist, at 510-809-1330.

Berkeley’s Central Library is open Monday 12 noon until 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. For more info please call 510-981-6195 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.  Wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations for this event, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY); at least three working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.

Networking Flyer

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Langston Hughes’ poetry on stage at Central Library

February 1, 2012 in Art & Music Event by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Debbie Carton (Ph: 510-981-6236)

 

For immediate release
February 1, 2012

 

Langston Hughes’ poetry on stage at Central Library

 

Berkeley Public Library celebrates African American History month with a special theater presentation by Marin’s Porchlight Theater. Actors Naomi Sample, Lewis Nelson, and Dorian Lockett star in “I Dream a World”, a theatrical presentation of Langston Hughes’ poetry that places the poems in the context of his life. Directed by Tara Blau, this half hour presentation is intended for ages seven and up.

This free performance takes place on Monday, February 6, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck), in the 4th floor Story Room.

For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6241. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. For accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TTY (510) 528-1240, http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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E-Books Office Hours

January 31, 2012 in Training by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Andrea Mullarkey (Ph: 510-981-6148)

 

For Immediate Release
January 31, 2012

 

E-Books Office Hours
A Free Service of the Berkeley Public Library

 

Berkeley Public Library is beginning a free drop-in service about e-books. If you have questions about e-books and e-readers, bring them to E-Books Office Hours. Come to one of these sessions and talk with a librarian who can help you set up your e-reader, tell you about the library’s e-book collection, troubleshoot download  issues and answer questions about readers, formats, digital rights and other topics. Bring your devices and your questions. No registration is required. These one-hour sessions will be held in the Electronic Classroom at Berkeley Public Library’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 10 and Friday, March 16, and from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21 and Tuesday, March 27. These are the first sessions in an ongoing series and more dates will be announced in March. To learn more about the series, please call (510) 981-6148.

 

Berkeley’s Central Library is open Monday 12 noon until 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.  For more information please call 510-981-6195 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. Wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations for this event, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY); at least three working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.

 

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from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 10 and Friday, March 16, and from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21 and Tuesday, March 27. These are the first sessions in an ongoing series and more dates will be announced in March. To learn more about the series, please call (510) 981-6148.

 

Berkeley’s Central Library is open Monday 12 noon until 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. For more information please call 510-981-6195 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. Wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations for this event, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY); at least three working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.

 

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Francis Tapon slideshow on Eastern Europe

January 6, 2012 in Adult Event, Uncategorized by LibraryNews | Permalink

For immediate release
January 4, 2012

Contact: Isobel Schneider
(Phone: 510-981-6150)


Francis Tapon slideshow on Eastern Europe


Author Francis Tapon presents a slideshow on Eastern Europe, the subject of his new book, The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us, on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 2:00 PM in the Community Meeting Room, at the Main Branch of the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., Berkeley.

Francis Tapon is a Harvard MBA who gave up the corporate world to travel to over 75 countries and walk across America four times. His slideshow, based on his new book, The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us, is both a travel narrative and cultural exploration resulting from his voyages and backpacking treks throughout Eastern Europe between 2004 and 2011. With thoughtful and humorous commentary the author will address issues as diverse as, Where are the best places to visit in Eastern Europe?, and Why and how did the Soviet Union collapse 20 years ago? Francis Tapon was recently interviewed by Michael Krasny on KQED radio, and has been covered by the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, National Geographic. Signed copies of his book will be available for sale.

For more information please call 510-981-6150, or 510-981-6148.

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