Library News
July 3, 2008
Berkeley Public Library's Teen Playreaders present "I Hate Hamlet"
Berkeley Public Library's Teen Services invites you to the Teen Playreaders production of Paul Rudnick's comedy, "I Hate Hamlet". There will be two presentations: Saturday, July 19, 8 p.m. at the Willard Middle School Metal Shop Theater, 2425 Stuart St. (at Telegraph) and Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. in front of the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St. (at Shattuck). For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6121. This program is sponsored by Teen Services and the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. For accessibility information, call 510-981-6107, TTY (510) 528-1240.
Download press release
Berkeley Public Library hosts GERI TAECKENS presenting JOURNEY TO ACCEPTANCE
The Iris Seemore Animal Health Fund Non-Profit Inc. In Conjunction With The Berkeley Public Library Presents GERI TAECKENS' JOURNEY TO ACCEPTANCE.
Thursday July 24, 2008
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge St.
In the 3rd floor community meeting room
For more info, call Ph. (510) 981-6107
Download press release
June 17, 2008
IN RECOGNITION OF RORY ROOT
Resolution by the Board of Library Trustees of the City of Berkeley to recognize Rory Root for his contributions to the Berkeley Public Library and the Berkeley community.
Download Library Board Resolution
Download Berkeley Public Library READ poster of Rory Root
Download Another Berkeley Public Library READ Poster of Rory Root
June 12, 2008
Topical Teen Book Club at Berkeley Public Library's Claremont Branch Press Release
Berkeley Public Library's Teen Services invites teens to join the Claremont Teen Book Club, where we'll talk about books previously read that relate to specific topics, such as: big fat summer reads and childhood favorites. The group meets on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30 at the Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue (at Ashby).
Topical Teen Book Club Press Release
June 4, 2008
Teen Knitting Circle at Central Library, Saturday, June 7, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Berkeley Public Library's Teen Services invites all teens to our knitting circle at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck). If you don't already know how to knit, we'll teach you - if you're an experienced knitter, come learn new tricks and share your knowledge with others. Learn how to interpret knitting patterns, and even how to knit without a pattern! Individualized instruction is available. Bring your own knitting needles (size 8 recommended for beginners). Sample yarns are provided. We'll meet on Saturday, June 7 from 3 - 4:30 p.m., in the 2nd floor Teen Area of the Central Library. No registration is required.
Download press release
Download flyer
May 13, 2008
Award-winning author Gene Yang speaks at Berkeley Public Library
Teen Services at the Berkeley Public Library are proud to present Printz award winner Gene Yang, author of American Born Chinese, at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck), on Tuesday, May 20, at 5 p.m.
Download press release
May 11, 2008
Berkeley Organization Launches Global Campaign To Make May 16 International Day for Sharing Life Stories: Local Celebration to be Held at Berkeley Public Central Library
Berkeley's Center for Digital Storytelling (CDS) is holding an event to recognize May 16 as the International Day for Sharing Life Stories at the Berkeley Public Central Library, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck, in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room, from 7-9 p.m.
Download Local Press Release
Download flyer
Download International Press Release
Download Message from Center for Digital Storytelling
May 7, 2008
free2 contest deadline approaches -- May 15: you could win a great prize!
April 21, 2008
Local Poets Read at the Berkeley Public Library
Join local poets Adam David Miller -- accompanied by cellist Gael Alcock (www.gaelalcock.com) -- and Marc Elihu Hofstadter for a poetry reading sponsored by the Berkeley Public Library and the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. This free program will be held in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room at the Central Library in Downtown Berkeley on Saturday, May 17, 2008, at 2:00 pm.
Download press release
Download flyer
Friday Films for Teens at Berkeley Public's Central Library
Berkeley Public Library's Teen Services invites teens to free weekly films at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck). Films are shown in the library's Community Meeting Room on the third floor. We've celebrated the work of actor Heath Ledger, examined Westerns (both classic and not-so-classic titles) and now turn to classic romances in black and white. Download press release
April 20, 2008
May 2008 Berkeley Public Library Newsletter
March 19, 2008
Branch Facilities Planning Update 3-19-08
Following the March 12, 2008, Board of Library Trustees Meeting where the Board approved the development of conceptual design options for each branch library facility based on information from community input, staff analysis and facility assessments by the consultant Noll and Tam Architects in order to further the development of a Branch
Library Facilities Master Plan, the following documents were prepared:
Berkeley Public Library: BRANCH LIBRARY FACILITY PLANNING UPDATE
Download document
Branch Libraries Facilities Master Plan Estimated Project Costs
Download document
Existing Branch Building Evaluation Summaries and Options
Download CLAREMONT BRANCH LIBRARY Existing Building Evaluation Summary
Download CLAREMONT BRANCH LIBRARY Renovation Options
Download NORTH BRANCH LIBRARY Existing Building Evaluation Summary
Download NORTH BRANCH LIBRARY Renovation Options
Download SOUTH BRANCH LIBRARY Existing Building Evaluation Summary
Download SOUTH BRANCH LIBRARY Renovation Options
Download WEST BRANCH LIBRARY Existing Building Evaluation Summary
Download WEST BRANCH LIBRARY Renovation Options
March 14, 2008
National Library Week 2008 -- April 13-19
It's National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide - and the perfect time to discover how you can join the circle of knowledge @ your library. Take a look at the wonderful programs we are offering during National Library week: download the press release and flyer below.
Download flyer
Download press release
March 13, 2008
Honoring Chavez Legacy Through Service to the Community: Chavez Commemoration Period Programs
Public participation reading program, Library Plaza, Central Library: Monday, April 14, 2008, 3:30-5:00 pm
Berkeley Celebrates Chavez Commemoration Period -- Poster, Book, and Photo Exhibit at Central Library, April 15-28, 2008
Download exhibit flyer
Download program flyer
March 6, 2008
Berkeley Public Library Screens Oprah and Eckhart Tolle in Live Online Class
The Berkeley Public Library will join Oprah and Eckhart Tolle for their ten-week, Live Online Class in Berkeley Public Central Library's 3rd floor Electronic Classroom, 2090 Kittredge Street, every Monday evening, 6:00-7:30, March 3 - May 5, 2008. The course will focus on Tolle's recent book on self-awareness and global consciousness, A New Earth, Awakening to Your Life's Purpose.
Download press release
Download flyer
March 1, 2008
BERKELEY PUBLIC LIBRARY INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO DISCUSS BRANCH LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND SERVICES
The Berkeley Public Library is focusing on improving buildings & services.
Please come to a neighborhood meeting to discuss YOUR Branch Library.
Download flyer
Download press release
February 29, 2008
Programs at Berkeley Public Library's North Branch
PAPER STORY DRESS MAKING WORKSHOPS FOR THE COMMUNITY AT BERKELEY PUBLIC LIBRARY'S NORTH BRANCH IN TIME FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Download press release
LOCAL AUTHOR ROBERTA MAISEL DISCUSSES ALL GROWN UP: LIVING
HAPPILY EVER AFTER WITH YOUR ADULT CHILDREN AT BERKELEY PUBLIC LIBRARY'S NORTH BRANCH
Download press release
South Branch presents 2nd Annual Sisters-in-Crime
The South Branch of Berkeley Public Library presents its Second Annual Mystery Writers Panel Discussion with four local 'Sisters' and one 'Brother' in crime. The authors will share their mystery writing experiences in a free exchange on Thursday evening, March 20, 2008 from 6-7:30 pm. Download press release
December 21, 2007
Berkeley Public Library's Teen Services Offers Two Programs at Central Library: Films for Teens and Teen Knitting Circle
Download Teen Knitting Circle press release
Download Films for Teens press release
December 5, 2007
Berkeley Rent Board will offer free, one-on-one counseling sessions in the Berkeley Public Central Library's History Room
Beginning Saturday December 8, 2007, Housing Counselors from the Berkeley Rent Board will offer free, one-on-one counseling sessions in the Berkeley History Room on the second floor of Berkeley's Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street (at Shattuck Avenue). On the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. counselors will assist both tenants and landlords by answering questions and making referrals on housing related topics-- including security deposits, rent control, evictions, unpaid rent and other difficult issues.
This free service will last a total of one hour on the second Saturday, with individual counseling sessions lasting approximately 20 minutes each. Patrons interested in participating are asked to arrive at the 2nd floor Reference Desk between 10:30 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. - a lottery held at 10:55 a.m. will determine the order participants are seen. For more information about the program, please contact Nick Traylor of the Berkeley Rent Board at 510-644-6128 (ext. 116).
November 29, 2007
Annual Report
Take a look at Berkeley Public Library's 2007 Annual Report
(Large file so may take a few moments to load.)
November 11, 2007
Berkeley Public Library Hosts Edward Jones Financial Advisor and Wells Fargo Bank Business Banking Specialist To Present a Program for Adults on Children's Financial Literacy
When: Saturday, December 8, 2-4pm
Where: Central Library's 3rd floor Community Meeting Room
Who: Lu Vazquez, Edward Jones Financial Advisor,
will present "How To Raise a Money Smart Child"
John Abrate, Wells Fargo Bank Business Banking Specialist,
will present "Hands On Banking -- El futuro en tus manos"
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Download flyer
Download press release
October 23, 2007
Berkeley Public Library's West Branch Re-opens after Improvements: Join Us in Thanking Bayer and the Library Foundation for Making this Wonderful Refreshment Possible!
The Berkeley Public Library has completed a timely refreshment of its West Branch, 1125 University Avenue (near San Pablo). The NEW furniture, deferred maintenance and repair of the Berkeley Public Library's West Branch would not have been possible without our special partners:
The Friends of the Berkeley Public Library
The Berkeley Public Library Foundation
Bayer HealthCare LLC
Download press release
October 16, 2007
More Big Read
More Big Read programs
Download press release
October 11, 2007
Berkeley Public Library thanks businesses for their wonderful donations for our New Library Card Sign-up Contests!
After a very successful Library Card Sign Up Month (September 2007), Berkeley Public Library thanks generous businesses for their wonderful donations for our New Library Card Sign-up Contests! Download thank you flyer
Happy contes winners are now among the Americans who carry the most important card of all -- a library card. Many signed up in September for a Berkeley Public Library card (or replaced their card) with a brand new design -- there's always time to sign up for a new library card, and it's YourLibraryCard, and you choose!
Download press release
Descargue el comunicado de prensa
Take a look at these great new card designs!
Download poster
Descargue el afiche
September 18, 2007
Author Carolyn Lehman to Speak at Berkeley Public Library on Healing from Sexual Abuse
Saturday, October 13th, 1-3 p.m.
Central Berkeley Public Library
STRONG AT THE HEART: How It Feels to Heal from Sexual Abuse
Carolyn Lehman will present photographs and true stories from interviews with diverse teen and adult survivors. Their stories show the important roles of family, friends, and community and highlight the choices that survivors make that lead to healthy recovery.
Arturo Carrillo, who is featured in the book, will talk about growing up Latino in the Bay Area, coping with molestation as a boy, and how he healed as a man.
Saturday, October 13th, 1-3 p.m.
Central Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge Street
(at Shattuck in downtown Berkeley)
3rd floor Community Meeting Room
Download flyer
Download press release
September 17, 2007
Cal State East Bay Small Business Development Center and Citibank Offer Two Business Programs at Berkeley Public Library
Download flyer
Preparing a Successful Business Plan
Wednesday October 24, 2pm-5pm
Central Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge Street
(at Shattuck in Downtown Berkeley)
3rd floor Community Meeting Room
Download description
Banks, SBA Loans, and Start-Up Financing
Wednesday November 28, 2pm-5pm
Central Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge Street
(at Shattuck in Downtown Berkeley)
3rd floor Community Meeting Room
Download description
June 2007 presentation at Berkeley Public Library on Cal State East Bay Small Business Development Center
September 16, 2007
Library Service Needs in South and Southwest Berkeley Communities UPDATE (8-28-07)
Since being invited to join the proposed Ed Roberts Campus (ERC) project, the Board of Library Trustees has been discussing the possibility of Berkeley Public Library's participation. The project, which will be located at the east side of the Ashby BART station parking lot, is scheduled to break ground in 2008. To ensure all aspects of the opportunity were fully considered the Board appointed two Trustees to continue to study, along with library staff, the library service needs of the South and Southwest Berkeley communities and the opportunities and the issues associated with a move of the South Branch Library to ERC. Download PDF of UPDATE (7/2/07)
Download PDF of South Berkeley Community Assessment of Library Needs, October 2006 Prepared By Hatchuel Tabernik & Associates (HTA)
Berkeley Public Library Invites You to a Community Meeting, July 24, 2007 Download flyer
Space Planning & Cost Analysis Report
Berkeley Public Library - Branch at Ed Roberts Campus
Presented to the Berkeley Public Library
Board of Trustees on August 1, 2007
Click this link to see the final report by noll & tam architects and planners.
September 15, 2007
Stumped about stamps? Join the East Bay Collectors Club for a free talk on Stamp Collecting
Saturday, October 6th, 2007, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Berkeley Public's Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street in downtown Berkeley
3rd floor Community Meeting Room
(at Shattuck Avenue in downtown Berkeley)
The talk will include information on where to find stamps, what you need to get started, what to collect and which local clubs and stamp shows can offer support. Anyone curious about stamps is welcome.
Download flyer
Download press release
September 9, 2007
Celebrate Banned Books Week at the Berkeley Public Library: Read Aloud from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Berkeley Public Library's Children's Services invites you to help us celebrate your right to read freely by reading aloud one of the most challenged books of the last 10 years: J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Join us outside the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck) on Monday, October 1, from 3 - 6 p.m. as we read aloud from the first in the popular and critically acclaimed series.
Download press release
September 1, 2007
Berkeley Public Library Participates in the Public Health Division's Berkeley Community Action Forum
Public Health Division Berkeley Community Action Forum
Tuesday, September 25, 6:30-8:30pm
St. Paul AME Church, 2024 Ashby Avenue (cross street Adeline), Berkeley, CA
For more info, go to http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/publichealth/newsevents/sept07forum.html
Berkeley Public Library is pleased to participate in this important event in order to support the work of the Public Health Division in improving health literacy.
We also want to let participants know about our services and programs and to gather information for our Community Assessment of Unmet Library Needs in Southwest Berkeley. If you live in Southwest Berkeley and want to participate in the Assessment
Download flyer and interest form and send your info to Alan Bern, Community Relations Librarian, 2090 Kittredge Street, Berkeley CA 94704, alb2@ci.berkeley.ca.us, 510-981-6107 (phone), 510-981-6111 (fax).
For more info on Library Service Needs in South and Southwest Berkeley Communities UPDATE (8-28-07), go to http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org/weblog/
August 30, 2007
Berkeley Public Library Thanks Board of Library Trustee Laura Anderson For Her Eight Years of Dedication and Commitment
Laura Anderson, who has served as a Board of Library Trustee for the Berkeley Public Library for eight years, will be stepping down after the September 19, 2007, Board of Library Trustees Meeting. Ms. Anderson has served the maximum two terms of four years each.Download press release
August 24, 2007
While West Branch is Closed for Maintenance, Berkeley READS will provide service at the Central Library & South Branch Library
August 22, 2007
Berkeley Public Library Employee Selected as Spectrum Scholar
Phillippa Caldeira, who has worked as a Library Aide with the Berkeley Public Library for six years, has been selected as a recipient of a 2007 American Library Association (ALA) Spectrum Scholarship. The scholarship can be used to attend an ALA-accredited or recognized master's degree program in library and information studies.
The mission of ALA's Spectrum program, now celebrating its 10th Anniversary reads: "Improving service at the local level through the development of a representative workforce that reflects the communities served by all libraries in the new millennium." Download press release
August 15, 2007
Berkeley Public Library's RFP for Library Facilities Master Plan Feasibility Study
To view the RFP, go to City of Berkeley Site.
The Berkeley Public Library is requesting proposals from qualified consultants to assist in the development of a 20-year Library Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) feasibility study. The final plan will provide relevant information to allow Library Administration and the Board of Library Trustees to set priorities and develop implementation scenarios. The study should address the following areas:
A. Assess the physical ability of the branch libraries to serve the needs of the community
B. Examine the potential of existing facilities to meet future facility use needs
August 10, 2007
West Branch Closes for Maintenance, September 8 at 6 pm
Berkeley Public Library's West Branch will be closed on September 8, 2007, at 6pm to install a new carpet, receive an interior paint job, and have a new public service desk built. West Branch will reopen after 6-8 weeks.
Download press release
Download flyer
Download INFORMATION ON HOLDS
July 26, 2007
Are you prepared?
The July 20th, 2007 earthquake in Oakland, was a reminder that we live in earthquake country. Are you prepared for a major earthquake? Check out the City of Berkeley's earthquake preparedness site, www.GetReadyBerkeley.org, for a list of helpful information to get yourself prepared!
July 19, 2007
Celebrate Peace Day at the Berkeley Public Library: Help Fold 1000 Paper Cranes
Berkeley Public Library's Children's Services invites you to help us fold one thousand origami cranes, to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, on Monday, August 6, from 3 - 6 p.m. at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck). At 3 p.m., we will show the video of Eleanor Coerr's book, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Download press release
July 12, 2007
July 18, 2007 Special Meeting of the Board of Library Trustees
The Board of Library Trustees will be holding a special meeting on July 18, 2007, during which interviews will be held for the upcoming vacancy. Download packet here.
July 9, 2007
At the Med . . . Were You There?
From the 1960's, through the 1970's and 1980's, Doyl Haley, who has lived with his family in Berkeley for over 60 years, spent every lunch hour at the "Med" on Telegraph, sketching the cafe's patrons, often unnoticed by his subjects. A self-trained artist, his work documents the characters that are part of Berkeley's lively history. There will be an exhibit of 30 years of his sketches in the exhibit cases at Central Library from July 24-August 20. Don't miss this Exhibit! The sketches that will be on display represent a small part of "The Med" collection. Haley's paintings and drawings have been shown at Zellerbach Gallery in San Francisco, at the Kaiser Center in Oakland, as well as at other locations.
Also, please join us on Saturday, August 4, 2-4 pm, in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room, Central Library, 2090 Kittredge, for a lecture on Doyl Haley's work by artist and Art Historian, John McNamara from UC Berkeley. John McNamara has been with UCB since 1993, teaching painting and drawing and mentoring graduate student instructors. He is also an artist with numerous exhibitions of his paintings nationally. For info on John McNamara, see http://art.berkeley.edu/rev2/faculty/profiles_lecturers.html. For more info on the exhibit and program, please call 510-981-6100, 510-548-1240 (TTY), or go to berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
Download flyer
June 13, 2007
Community Forum on South Branch Library
The public is cordially invited to a community forum to discuss possibilities for addressing library needs in South Berkeley. The forum will be hosted by the Berkeley Public Library and will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2007, 10:30 am to noon at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.), 2024 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley.
Download PDF flyer for event
Download PDF press release about event
Download PDF South Berkeley Community Assessment of Library Needs
June 5, 2007
June 9, 2007 Notice of Special Meeting to hold a Community Forum on South Branch Library
The Community is invited to a public discussion of possible future directions for library services in South Berkeley, including exploration of library needs and the possibility of moving the South Branch Library to the Ed Roberts Campus, on Saturday, June 9th at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2024 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley. Download PDF Agenda