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Opera in the Library

June 19, 2013 in Art & Music Event, Central Branch by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact:  Debbie Carton
510-981-6236

Immediate Release
June 8, 2013
For an event occurring Thursday, July 11, 2013

 

OPERA IN THE LIBRARY

 

Berkeley Public Library presents a free noontime lecture/concert featuring West Edge Opera on Thursday, July 11, at 12:15 pm.  General Director Mark Streshinsky introduces the company’s upcoming production, The Turn of the Screw.  Conductor Jonathan Khuner will accompany cast members in selected arias.

Benjamin Britten’s final chamber opera The Turn of the Screw is based on the Henry James novella.  This classic ghost story is a tale of good versus evil, natural versus the supernatural, possession and exorcism, set within the domestic proprieties of the Essex country house of Bly.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 (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org).  For more information, call 510-981-6241 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

West Edge Opera’s production of The Turn of the Screw opens July 20th at the Performing Arts Theater at El Cerrito High School.  Read more about the show at www.westedgeopera.org.

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Berkeley Comic Arts Festival at the Berkeley Public Library

June 19, 2013 in Comics, Graphic Novels by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Jack Baur
Teen Services Librarian
510-326-0927
jbaur@ci.berkeley.ca.us

 

For Immediate Release
June 19, 2013

 

New events announced in the Berkeley Public Library’s ongoing
Berkeley Comic Arts Festival Series!

 

Berkeley Comic Arts Festival
at the Berkeley Public Library

 

As summer begins, the Berkeley Public Library is pleased to announce additions to the line-up of the Berkeley Comic Arts Festival. Since May 2013, the Berkeley Comic Arts Festival has been bringing comic and graphic novel creators to the Berkeley Public Library to celebrate comic books and graphic novels, and their creators. The aim of these events is to explore the breadth of stories told through the comics form, and to promote comics and graphic novels as diverse, high-quality reading material for readers of all ages. The events that the library will be hosting will include author visits, workshops, and educational events. All of these events are free and open to all-ages, and will be held at the Central Library unless otherwise noted.

 

Darick Robertson
June 20th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
At the South Branch, 1901 Russell St at MLK Way

Best known for his gritty art on satirical masterpieces Transmetropolitan and The Boys, as well as celebrated runs on Wolverine and Nightcrawler, the ever-entertaining artist Darick Robertson joins us at the South Branch for a look at the darker corners of the comic book world. Knowing Robertson’s work, the conversation may get salty, so parental guidance is suggested! A signing will follow at Fantastic Comics in Downtown Berkeley.

 

Library Wall Art Jam!
June 21st, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
At the South Branch, 1901 Russell St at MLK Way

Come watch local comic superstars draw all over our walls! Event will be held in the South Branch Teen Room. Featuring: Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese), Jason Shiga (Meanwhile, Empire State), Lark Pien (Long Tail Kitty) and Thien Pham (Level Up, Sumo).

 

Ed Brubaker
July 1st, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

After creating award-winning stories for characters like Batman, Daredevil, and Catwoman, Ed Brubaker has returned to his noir roots with the genre-busting horror mash-up Fatale! The Berkeley Public Library is thrilled to welcome Brubaker for a conversation about his illustrious career, independent publishing, and what it’s like to be known as the man who killed Captain America!

 

Handmade Comics Workshop with Ed Luce
July 24th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
July 31st, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
August 7th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Have you started a comic, or do you have an idea for one, but are not sure how to put it together and get it into the hands of eager readers? Ed Luce, creator of the comic Wuvable Oaf and professor at California College of the Arts, talks equipment, materials and methods in this informative series of workshops on creating handmade comics and zines. Learn how to format, print, market your own handmade books!

 

Khalil Bendib
Wednesday August 7th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
At the North Branch, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins

With searing wit and a subversive outlook, Khalil Bendib works hard for his title “America’s Most Dangerous Cartoonist!” Bendib’s political cartoons are published in more than 2000 papers, including the New York Times and the LA Times. Zahra’s Paradise, created with co-author Amir Soltani, is his first graphic novel, a moving account of Iran’s Green Movement of 2009. At this special event, Bendib will be sharing his insights on the state of the Middle East alongside his biting comics. Political junkies will not want to miss this!

Matt Kindt
August 10th, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

Mind control, superspies, government conspiracies, psychic powers… welcome to the world of Matt Kindt! With his pulpy style and the twisty puzzles in his work, Kindt is making waves with creator-owned books like MIND MGMT and Superspy, and on hit titles like Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE and Wolverine and the X-Men! Get a firsthand tour through some of comics most unique and intriguing worlds at this can’t miss author event! A signing will follow at Fantastic Comics in Downtown Berkeley.

 

Jennifer Holm
August 18th, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
At the Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby

Kids of all ages love Babymouse, the adorable and irrepressible star of the hit comics series. Writer Jenni Holm will visit the Claremont Branch to talk about what it’s like to make comics with her brother, the wild success of Babymouse, what’s coming next for her beloved characters, and cupcakes! She’ll also be talking to parents about the importance of reading and the role that comics can play in children’s literacy development. This will be a fun event for the whole family.

 

This project is supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. Additional support provided by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org). For more information, call 510-981-6287 or connectwww.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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 510-981-6100 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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Back to Viet Nam: The Legacy of War At the Berkeley Public Library

June 12, 2013 in Central Branch, Discussion, Slide Show by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Jef Findley
Berkeley History Room Specialist
510-981-6148

 

For Immediate Release
June 11, 2013

 

Back to Viet Nam: The Legacy of War
At the Berkeley Public Library

This is a slideshow and discussion presented by Dr. Judy Gumbo Albert presented in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room at Berkeley’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday July 14, 2013.  This slideshow chronicles her trip as an anti-war activist to North Viet Nam in 1970 and her return trip in 2013 to help a unified Viet Nam celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords.  Judy uses slides and commentary to probe the past and current legacy of that war.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org), the free Slide Show & Discussion program at the Central Library takes place on Sunday July 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.

For questions and accessibility information, call 510-981-6107, TTY 510-548-1240, www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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Reading is So Delicious Summer Reading Program at Berkeley Public Library

June 6, 2013 in Central Branch, Children, Claremont Branch, News, North Branch, South Branch by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact:  Erica Dean Glenn
Senior Librarian, Children’s Department
510-981-6229

For Immediate Release
June 6, 2013


Reading is So Delicious Summer Reading Program at Berkeley Public Library

 

Studies have shown that children who continue to read over the summer maintain or improve their reading skills, avoiding the “summer slide”. Summer Reading Programs are an important and fun way to keep children reading over the summer months. The Berkeley Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Reading is So Delicious”, runs from June 14 – August 17. Children entering grades 1-8 earn prizes by reading books of their choice and visiting the library 3 times. In keeping with this year’s theme, we will be offering a variety of food related events and other deliciously fun activities. Berkeley Public Library is participating in the California State Library’s Reading is So Delicious Food Drive – everyone is invited to bring non-perishable food items to their local branch during the Summer Reading Program.

Just a sampling of our events includes: a cooking class; movies about food and other (somewhat) edible things; a Children’s Tea with Annie Barrows, author of Ivy and Bean; bilingual music from award-winning educator, author and musician Jose-Luis Orozco; Kenn Adams’ interactive Adventure Theater program and; in conjunction with the Berkeley Comic Arts Festival, a visit from the author of Babymouse! Please be aware that some events require pre-registration. Call 981-6223 or check http://berkeleypubliclibrary.libguides.com/summer for information and additional events.

Kids entering grades 6-8 can also volunteer at the library for four hours through our summer youth volunteer program: “Student Friends”.

Prizes were generously donated by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library, Fentons Creamery, the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Pegasus Books, Albany Bowl, the San Francisco Bay Ferry, and the Ecology Center/Berkeley Farmers’ Markets.

The Berkeley Public Library Children’s Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org). For questions about accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TTY 510-548-1240, http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.


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Imagine Being In A Writing Group: Why Would You Want To?

June 6, 2013 in Central Branch, Poetry, Reading Event, Talk by LibraryNews | Permalink

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

For Immediate Release
June 6, 2013


IMAGINE BEING IN A WRITING GROUP: WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO?


Saturday, July 13, 2013, 3pm at the Berkeley Public Library,
Central Branch, 2090 Kittredge Street, downtown Berkeley,
3rd floor Community Meeting Room

Join three energetic Berkeley poets as they offer a reading of their work, discuss the experience of participating in poetry writing groups (including their current writing group together), and answer questions you may have about writing groups.  Bring your questions – or share your own experience and expertise – about how to start up a group, run it, and keep it going.

Rebecca Radner, Glenn Ingersoll and Alan Bern will address such issues as why one might want to join a group at all, how to give feedback that is useful but positive, whether or not it’s best to concentrate on one genre, and whether the group needs a leader.  Your active participation in the discussion and Q & A is welcome.

Rebecca Radner is a writer and editor who has lived in the Bay Area most of her life. She now lives in Berkeley.  A volume of her poetry, What you least expect—selected poems 1980-2011, was published in 2011 by Class Action Ink.  Her work has also appeared in Harvard Magazine, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, The Iowa Review, The New England Review, The Journal of Popular Culture, California Quarterly, ArtWeek, Inquiring Mind, Boston Review, What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to HipHop, and other publications, anthologies, and textbooks. For over twenty years she reviewed books regularly for The San Francisco Chronicle and other publications.  She has given poetry readings in a number of Bay Area venues, including many libraries.

Glenn Ingersoll has been writing poetry seriously since turned on to it by a California Poets-in-the-Schools class at his high school in 1982. In the years since he’s had work in magazines (Seventeen, Exquisite Corpse, Carolina Quarterly) and ezines (Cortland Review, Shampoo), and has published two chapbooks, City Walks (1999) and Fact (2013). He was one of the coordinators of Poetry & Pizza in San Francisco, a reading series benefiting nonprofits. Glenn keeps two blogs, http://dareiread.blogspot.com/ and http://lovesettlement.blogspot.com/, and works for the Berkeley Public Library.

Alan Bern is a Children’s Librarian at Berkeley Public’s Central Library.  He has worked in public libraries in the East Bay Area for 20 years in a variety of jobs. He has published two books with Fithian Press:  No no the saddest (2004) and Waterwalking in Berkeley (2007).  He is currently at work on two books: one based on the theme of Sacred Mountains and the other dedicated to his parents.  Alan is a performer working with the dancer, Lucinda Weaver, as PACES: dance & poetry fit to the space.  Alan is also a printer and designer and collaborates with the artist Robert Woods: they work together under the imprint of Lines & Faces, http://linesandfaces.com/.

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

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 510-981-6195, TTY 510-548-1240, berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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Corporate Giving to Nonprofits – Free workshops at the Berkeley Public Library

June 4, 2013 in Central Branch, Workshop by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Andrea Moss
Librarian
510-981-6151

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2013

 

Corporate Giving to Nonprofits
Free workshops at the Berkeley Public Library


Wednesday, June 19  3-5:30pm
Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St
3rd floor community meeting room

3-4:30 pm   Introduction to Corporate Giving
Learn about corporate support for nonprofits.  Includes:

  • Why do companies give, what do they give, and how do they do it?
  • Can my organization seek these contributions?
  • How do I approach a potential supporter?
  • How can I use the Foundation Center’s resources to locate corporate funders?

 

4:30-5:30 pm   Coffee and conversation with a Corporate Grantmaker: Keith Turner, Safeway Foundation

Learn about Safeway’s funding priorities in Northern California.  Mr. Turner will discuss their grantmaking process and offer practical tips and successful examples.

 

Program is free, but please register at www.grantspace.org

This free program is sponsored by the Berkeley Public Library and the Foundation Center.  For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6151. For accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TTY (510) 528-1240, www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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Free Resume and Cover Letter Workshop Monday, June 17, 2013

June 3, 2013 in Workshop by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact:   Patricia Hoshi (Ph:  510-981-6189)

For immediate release
June 3, 2013

 

Free Resume and Cover Letter Workshop
Monday, June 17, 2013

 

Looking for work and need to update your resume? Or just want to improve the resume you have? Come with your resume to a free expert-led forum by Marilyn Tullius from Delta Strategies for Marketing, in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room at Berkeley’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street, at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2013.

Does your resume ignite sparks of interest? You will receive tips on handling gaps in employment, focusing your resume on your targeted job category, and becoming clear about the dilemmas of resume writing, such as one-page/two-page resumes, what to include/delete, handling dates, and many other issues. Handouts cover tips and remedies for common problems.

Resumes of various types are discussed. Bring your resume to get feedback and suggestions to strengthen your presentation.

Workshop is informal and designed to address issues of participants, as well as to help participants take next steps confidently.

For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6148. For accessibility information, call (510) 981-6195 TTY (510) 548-1240, http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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WEAD presents: Minoosh (Raheleh) Zomorodinia “Journey to a Mysterious Truth”

June 3, 2013 in Art & Music Event, Central Branch, Exhibit, Talk by LibraryNews | Permalink

Press Release
Contact: Michele McKenzie — phone: 510-981-6240

 

For Immediate Release
For an exhibit June 3rd – August 4th
Artist talk and reception Sunday, June 16th

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
and ARTIST TALK

WEAD presents: Minoosh (Raheleh) Zomorodinia
“Journey to a Mysterious Truth”

 

Women Environmental Artist Directory (WEAD) board member Minoosh (Raheleh) Zomorodinia exhibits a series of photographs entitled Journey to a Mysterious Truth in Berkeley Public Library’s Central Catalog Lobby, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck, downtown Berkeley, from June 3rd through August 4th.  Zomorondinia’s haunting and evocative images explore the relationship between the self and its environment. She uses the human form as a metaphor for our presence in physical spaces, expressing our unconscious passages through layers of mysterious truths.

Access to the exhibit is available during the library’s open hours: Monday 12 – 8; Tuesday 10- 8; Wednesday – Saturday, 10 – 6; Sunday 1 – 5.

In conjunction with this exhibition, Zomorodinia will present a slide lecture on Environmental Art in Iran and screen of examples of her video art.   This FREE artist’s talk and reception takes place on Sunday, June 16th at 2PM in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room of the Central Library.

Minoosh (Raheleh) Zomorodinia is an Iranian photographer and artist based in the Bay Area. She earned a BA in photography and a MA in graphic design from the Art and Architecture University in Tehran, Iran, and is currently studying Multimedia at Berkeley City College.  Zomorodinia taught photography in Iran and has been a member of the Iranian environmental artists group “Open Five” from 2004 to present. Her work has been exhibited locally and internationally. Most recently in the U.S., her work was included the Nevada Art Museum’s exhibition, The Altered Landscape.

Wheelchair accessible.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org).  For more information, call 510-981-6100 or connect  www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org

 

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Music & Literary Event “A Celebration of Irish Song, Literature & Poetry”

May 30, 2013 in Art & Music Event, Claremont Branch, Reading Event by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Shani Leonards, 510-981-6285

For Immediate Release
May 29, 2013

Music & Literary Event
“A Celebration of Irish Song, Literature & Poetry”
Thursday, June 13th at 6:30 pm– Claremont Branch Library

 

Join us on Thursday, June 13th at 6:30 p.m. at the Claremont Branch Library for a cultural evening featuring award-winning  jazz singer and songwriter Melanie O’Reilly. Melanie will team up with top Bay Area jazz pianist Frank Martin to perform music inspired by the writings of James Joyce , Sean O Riordain, Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill  & other Irish greats, interwoven with literature & poetry readings.

One of Ireland’s foremost jazz singers, Melanie performs her own unique style of Celtic Jazz, which has been described as “A gorgeous sound…Celtic Cadence with a jazz sensibility.” Her music has been featured in Frontline and PBS documentaries. She is also host of Award winning radio show “Jazz on the Bay” for the Irish National Broadcasting station, RTE. Frank Martin works as an arranger, conductor and keyboardist and has performed and recorded with a variety of jazz and popular stars including Sting, Stevie Wonder, Bobbi McFerrin and James Taylor.

Wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter, real-time captioning, materials in large print or Braille, or other accommodations for these events, please call 510 981-6195 (voice) or 510 548-1240 (TTY) At least three working days notice will ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org)

The Claremont Library, 2940 Benvenue Avenue, Berkeley CA 94705, is open Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 12p.m.-8 p.m.., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., For questions and accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TDD 510-548-1240, http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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Managing Healthcare Expenses in Retirement: What Baby Boomers Need to Know, at the Berkeley Public Library

May 28, 2013 in Central Branch, Workshop by LibraryNews | Permalink

Contact: Tom Dufour (510-981-6134)

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2013
For event occurring June 24, 2013

 

Managing Healthcare Expenses in Retirement:
What Baby Boomers Need to Know,
at the Berkeley Public Library

 

For anyone planning to retire, Berkeley Public Library presents a workshop with local wealth advisor George Noceti of Morgan Stanley, on June 24, 2013 at 6:00 pm in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room of the Central Branch, 2090 Kittredge Street.

If you are concerned about health care expenses in retirement, now is the time to start planning. Starting with an overview of Medicare and ending with a discussion of long-term care, this workshop will open your eyes to the way health care works in retirement and what decisions you need to make now to prepare. This workshop is geared to everyone, especially those over 60, even if you are already on Medicare.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org).

For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6148.

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 510-981-6195, TTY 510-548-1240, http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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