Cultural Education

Mary Cassatt (1844–1926) was the most celebrated woman artist of her era and the only American to join the French Impressionist movement. Too often dismissed as a sentimental painter of mothers and children, Cassatt was in fact a bold modernist pioneer and an aesthetically radical painter, pastelist, and printmaker. Her work in every medium is characterized by ceaseless experimentation and change. Smuggling a radical aesthetic program under cover of acceptably “feminine” subject matter, Cassatt produced images of “women’s work” that also testify to the work of the woman who made them.

Join us for an afternoon of short films highlighting Black cowboys, country music, and local lore! We'll be screening several shorts and music videos and discussing the rich history of Black western culture on the Bay Area and that history's impact on California and the world. Expect a light refreshments, beautiful visuals on screen, and a toe-tapping good time!

"Consent Culture: A Journey, not a Destination"

Why does voting even matter?? Can kids really make a difference, even when they can’t vote? 

Break it down with Calling All Future Voters! co-author Laura Atkins and Peter Limata of "Story Time with Mr. Limata" 

Come along to this interactive event where co-author Laura Atkins will share her new picture book, Calling All Future Voters! – co-written with voting rights advocates Edward Hailes, Jr. and Jennifer Lai Peterson. 

Celebrate Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month with Herencia Guantanamera! 

Herencia Guantanamera is bringing the rhythms of Eastern Cuba, with the crossover influence of Haitian culture, to share this rich Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage with Berkeley kids and families.

Come experience the traditions, music, dance, and history of a unique region. You'll love Guantanamera culture. It will make you dance!

All ages welcome.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library 

Holidays are approaching and now is a great time to do some genealogy research to share with your family. Ancestry.com is available through the library and this workshop will show you how to make the most out of this powerful resource. All ages welcome! West Branch Community Meeting Room.

Silk Road Teas invites you to take a tour and tasting of their rare & specialty teas. Space is limited; call or visit the Tarea Hall Pittman branch to secure your spot (510-981-6260)!

Discover Silk Road Teas
From the earliest beginning of our company, in 1992, it has been our goal to introduce to each of our customers the artistry of specialty teas. Handpicked from tea- rich provinces of Asia, our teas tell a story of tradition, skill, and passion. Every cup offers the work of true artisans of the leaf.

You're invited to come prepare a traditional Kwanzaa meal with AAVE Cafe and Berkeley Public Library staff! You'll get to do some cooking, take home a plate, and keep all the custom recipe cards for your next New Years Eve and Karamu party plans. Our chefs will walk you through some of the history and cultural significance of our ingredients and dishes while we prepare them.

Folks with specialized food needs are encouraged to check in with us ahead of time so we can bring safe ingredients for the group. All ages are welcome! Kids, please bring an adult with you for safety.

Join us for an afternoon of dialog focused on mental health issues that people in the BIPOC community face. 

Hear from a panel of mental health professionals and other key Black figures in the Bay Area community. 

We will discuss topics such as the mental effects of living in a Eurocentric society, double consciousness, the skills needed to survive and thrive, and the trauma from existing in America as a person of color. Come with questions and thoughts related to your intersection in Melanated communities. 

Friday, July 26th we have a special workshop 12:30PM-1:30PM: 

Kimchi & Krautchi for Teens, w/ Food Ethnographer June Jo Lee 

Curious to try your own hands at making kimchi? Join June Jo Lee, Food Ethnographer and award-winning children's book author, for a kimchi demo, storytime and krautchi-making activity from their book Sandor Katz and The Tiny Wild, a Kirkus Review "Best Picture Book Biographies 2022!"