Join Janet Byron and Bob Johnson, co-authors of the best-selling Berkeley Walks, for a walk in the Elmwood District. While the area is highly regarded for its tree-lined streets and fine architecture, few know about the many famous (and infamous) people who lived here. Come with us on the level 1.5-mile jaunt to learn more. Afterward signed copies of Berkeley Walks will be available for purchase so you can explore more of Berkeley’s secrets.
Bob Johnson and Janet Byron are longtime friends and co-authors of Berkeley Walks, self-guided walking tours exploring Berkeley neighborhoods, architecture, history, nature, and much more! Over the years, they have led numerous walks for Greenbelt Alliance, Berkeley Path Wanderers Association, Berkeley Historical Society, Bay Nature magazine, and other local groups.
We will leave the Claremont Branch for our walk though the neighborhood at 2pm and will return to the branch for a book signing and light refreshments at approximately 3:30pm. Janet and Robert's tour of the neighborhood is one in a series of events to mark the centennial of the Claremont Branch Library. Join us for stories, scenery, a chance to meet Robert and Janet and refreshments as we mark a milestone in the community.
In 1924, the Claremont Branch Library opened in its current home at 2940 Benvenue Avenue. It was designed by James W. Placheck, who also designed both the North and Central Berkeley Library locations. The Claremont Branch was expanded in 1976 to add room for the children's reading area, and again in 2012, with improvements that led to a Silver LEED-certification, creation of a separate Teen room, more computers and an improved layout for patrons. We are celebrating the centennial with furniture upgrades made possible with a generous grant from the Berkeley Public Library Foundation and with programs like this afternoon's made possible by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.