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Contact: Donna Corbeil
Library Director
510-981-6195

The Berkeley Public Library will celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated and expanded North Branch Library on Saturday, April 7.  Located at 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins, the North Branch is a much loved and well-used community landmark. The 75-year-old library, designed by James Plachek underwent a sensitive renovation and expansion to improve infrastructure, ADA accessibility and safety features. The grand reopening celebration will begin at 1:00 p.m. Library services will begin at 2 p.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned with local and state officials, music and refreshments will be provided. Everyone is invited. Features include:

• Designed and built to meet silver certification standards under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system
• Extensive addition to the rear of the branch, creating space for new restrooms, an elevator, new teen space and community meeting room
• New landscaping designed to meet Bay Friendly Landscaping certification standards, administered by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority, Stopwaste.org
• Redesigned exterior spaces, including a new ramp for ADA access, a new front courtyard and a side entrance plaza off the new addition will enhance the branch’s place in the neighborhood
• Historic features were carefully preserved, such as the beautiful stenciled and wood-beamed ceiling and wood-framed windows; and the historic reading room tables were refurbished
• Civic art component created by local artist Marion Coleman of two unique art panels for the new public space

The renovation was undertaken by the architectural design team of Architectural Resources Group and Tom Eliot Fisch. “The lead designer Cathleen Malmstrom has extensive experience preserving historic buildings while bringing them up to current standards” said Library Director Donna Corbeil, “the branch has been beautifully restored and is now seismically safe, functional and a model of environmental sustainability, so that it can serve the community into the 21st century.”  The branch renovation was funded by Measure FF, the branch Library improvement program, a $26 million bond measure passed overwhelmingly by the voters in November 2008. Project costs for the North Branch totaled $5.9 million. A separate fundraising campaign by the Berkeley Public Library Foundation is underway to provide new furnishings, fixtures and equipment - expenses not covered by the bond. For more information on how to support the campaign, please contact Kirsten Cowan at kcowan@bplf.org or (510) 981-6115. For more information about the North Branch Library’s opening celebration, please call (510) 981-6195 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.  

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Contact: Donna Corbeil
Library Director
510-981-6195

The Berkeley Public Library is pleased to announce that the West Branch Library project is moving forward following an extensive community planning and formal approval process. A new state of the art library will be constructed following the demolition of the current facility located at 1125 University Avenue in Berkeley.  The new library designed by the architectural firm of Harley Ellis Devereaux is an 8,900 square foot one- story building which will house library operations. “The new West Branch Library will be a destination for the whole family and will provide much needed additional space for the adult literacy program, which is housed here,” said Donna Corbeil, Director of the Berkeley Public Library.  The project is one of four funded by Measure FF, $26 million in general obligation bonds, approved by Berkeley voters in November 2008. The full project announcement and invitation to bid can be found on the City of Berkeley’s website, here. The City of Berkeley will receive sealed Bids on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, for this public work, advertised as Specification No. 12-10614-C. This contract will be subject to the Community Workforce Agreement approved by the Berkeley City Council on January 18, 2011. Bidders may obtain Contract Documents from ARC (telephone 415-602-8577) after March 2, 2012.  For information pertaining to the Contract Documents, please contact Steven Dewan (Kitchell CEM) at (650) 393-3656.

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Contact: Isobel Schneider
510-981-6150

Folk-rock legend Suzzy Roche reads from her debut novel, Wayward Saints, on Tuesday, March 20^th at 12:00 noon in the 3^rd floor Community Meeting Room of the Berkeley Public Library, Central Branch, 2090 Kittredge Street.  Ms. Roche is part of the trio, The Roches, who have been touring and recording for over 30 years.  She has collaborated with Paul Simon, The Indigo Girls, Philip Glass and Laurie Anderson.  Filled with wildly original characters, her first novel is a tender, hilarious story of family, music and second chances, including insider winks at the music industry. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org). For more program information, call 510-981-6150 or connect www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early for this special event. 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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Contact: Shani Leonards
Reference
510-981-6148

Join us on Wednesday, March 21th, 2012, from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Berkeley’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street (at Shattuck Avenue), in our 3^rd floor Community Meeting Room for a free intensive workshop designed for today’s job seeker. This free, two and a half hour workshop will focus on best practices for developing a resume that will get you noticed by prospective employers. Nancy Rhoda will offer step-by-step guidance on resume basics, including what to share and what to avoid, in this hands-on workshop.  Instructor Nancy Rhoda is a teacher, small business owner, and librarian. She brings experience from over 35 years working in careers she loves. She wants to help others find happiness and success in their work life and developed this program for local job seekers with the support of the Oakland Public Library. 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. Resume Workshop Flyer

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Contact: Donna Corbeil
Library Director
510-981-6195

Beginning Monday, March 19^th, 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 26^th 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 8^th Street, beginning Tuesday March 20^th. 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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Contact: Shani Leonards
510-981-6148

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 3^rd 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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Contact: Reference Desk
510-981-6148

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 24, 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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Contact: Andrea Moss
Ph: 510-981-6148

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

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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Contact: Andrea Mullarkey
Ph: 510-981-6148

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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