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Contact: Jay Dickinson
Circulation Manager
510-981-6174

The Berkeley Public Library will soon be issuing four new library card designs and retiring the four designs currently in use. A community contest will decide one of the new designs. All those who have a current Public Library Card are welcome to enter. The theme is Berkeley. We invite patrons to submit drawings, paintings, or photos that epitomize Berkeley to them. A panel of community members will narrow the submissions down, and a final public vote via the Berkeley Public Library website will decide the winner. Submissions will be accepted between April 8^th and April 14^th – National Library Week. For contest rules, as well as submission forms and guidelines, please visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org   Library Card Contest Flyer

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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 Claremont Branch Library on Saturday, May 5. Located at 2940 Benvenue Avenue at Ashby Avenue, the Claremont Branch is in the heart of the Elmwood neighborhood. The much loved and well-used community landmark, designed by James Plachek in 1924 and expanded in 1975, has undergone a sensitive renovation and small 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. to 5 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
• Small addition to create space for new restrooms, staff workspace and reading nook
• 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, new seating and signage to enhance the branch’s place in the neighborhood
• Public space layout improvements, more comfortable seating, natural light and improved reading light; and separate teen room
• Historic features were carefully preserved, such as the exterior brick work, beautiful wood book cases and wood-framed windows
• Entry and open lobby with an improved layout; and tall dormer windows for more natural light and visibility from the street
• Civic art component created by local artist Eric Powell of a unique exterior metal railing for the new public space

The renovation was undertaken by the architectural design team of Gould Evans / Baum Thornley of San Francisco. The branch has been beautifully restored and is now seismically safe, functional and a model of environmental sustainability.  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 Claremont Branch totaled $4.4 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 Claremont Branch Library’s opening celebration, please call (510) 981-6195 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org

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Contact: Debbie Carton
Ph: 510-981-6236

Berkeley Public Library and Aurora Theatre Company invite you to an evening of theatre discussion on Tuesday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the 3^rd floor Community Meeting Room at Berkeley’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street (at Shattuck). Michael Mansfield, Education Director at the Aurora, will be joined by renowned Schnitzler translator and expert Margret Schaefer.  This new translation of Arthur Schnitzler’s Anatol was commissioned by the Aurora and makes its world premiere here in Berkeley.  Attendees will learn more about the playwright, hear about the struggles and joys of translation, and gain insight into the particular charms of Anatol, in which the titular character practices the arts of seduction, adultery, infidelity, and betrayal, encountering a series of mistresses in his search for the perfect faithful lover. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org).  For program questions, please call 510-981-6241. The Central Library is open Monday, noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m.to 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, TTY 510-548-1240, http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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Contact: Shani Leonards
510-981-6148

Need advice about getting the leaky roof of your apartment repaired before the next rainy day hits Berkeley? Heard rumors that you are due interest on your security deposit? On Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Berkeley’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street (at Shattuck Avenue) in the 3^rd floor Community Meeting Room, learn more about your rights as a renter in a free workshop. This crash course on tenant rights covers topics ranging from rent control and eviction protections under the Berkeley Rent Ordinance, to getting security deposits back, dealing with habitability problems, breaking leases, dealing with roommate problems, landlord/tenant mediation and petitioning for a rent reduction/refund through the Berkeley Rent Board. There will be a chance to ask questions of Rent Board Counselors at the end of 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. Flyer

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Contact: Wendy Guzman
Employment Specialist
North Cities One Stop Development Center
510-809-1330

Networking is a huge part of a successful job search, but it requires skills that most of us need to work hard to develop, like the ability to succinctly pitch your qualifications to relative strangers at a moment’s notice.  Get feedback of your efforts and support from others looking for work in a new Networking Club that will meet at the Central Library on Wednesday, April 25^th, 2012 from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  The North Cities One Stop’s Job Club will have off-site meetings every other month in the third floor Community Meeting Room of Berkeley’s Central Library at 2090 Kittredge Street (at Shattuck Avenue). Folks who attend will have an opportunity to practice their elevator speeches, learn networking techniques from professionals and connect with other job seekers. Bring business cards, any job leads that you would like to share with others and be ready to practice the fine art of self-promotion. This is a Workforce Reinvestment Act funded program that is hosted each month in various locations across Berkeley by North Cities One Stop Development Center.  For more information on this program and to RSVP (required) contact Wendy Guzman, Employment Specialist, at 510-809-1330. 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.

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Contact: Tom Dufour
510-981-6134

For adventuresome entrepreneurs, learn how to turn your tech idea into a business, on April 10, 2012 at 2:00 pm in the 3^rd floor Community Meeting Room of the Berkeley Public Library, Central Branch, 2090 Kittredge Street.  Using a case study approach, this presentation will cover how to position your new innovations to the right customers in the best target markets, how to create valuable feedback loops with your potential customers, how to gain visibility for your product through standards bodies, trade shows, and industry analysts, and how to close early agreements with customers or partners that position your company for a successful exit.  The session will be led by Alameda County SBDC Business Advisor, Gerry Barañano.   This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org.)  For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6148, or visit www.acsbdc.org.   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: Sarah Dentan,
Neighborhood and Children's Services Manager
510-981-6195

Beginning Tuesday, March 20^th, Berkeley Public Library’s Tool Lending Library will be open to the public at its temporary location 2525 8th Street, at Dwight Way. The Tool Library will operate out of this temporary location while the South Branch Library is closed for approximately 15 months to allow for the construction of a new 8,700 square foot library. The South Branch is closed as of Saturday, March 17, 2012. The Tool Lending Library hours of service are Tuesday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday 12 noon to 7:30 p.m. and Friday 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed on Sunday and Monday. The Tool lending library carries a wide range of hand and power tools available for loan to Berkeley residents and property owners at no cost. A full list of the tools available for checkout with a valid Berkeley library card is available at: https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/locations/tool-lending-library 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 Library will continue to post project information and updates on its website at: https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/planning/about-library-bond-faq1 and hopes to see you at the South Branch Library grand re-opening, anticipated in Spring 2013. For more information call 510-981-6101.  

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Contact: Donna Corbeil, Library Director
510-981-6195

Beginning Monday, May 7^th, the West Branch Library will be closed for approximately 15 months to allow for the construction of a new 9,300 square foot library.  To celebrate the beginning of construction for the new library a community event will be held on Saturday, April 14^th, 2012 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, everyone is invited. Refreshments and entertainment are planned with a brief program at 2:45 p.m. and musical group Colibri performing music for the whole family at 3:30.  The last open day for public service will be Saturday, May 5^th, 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 Harley Ellis Devereaux – Greenworks Studio, will be a Zero Net Energy building and will meet all current codes, with adequate space to accommodate all library and adult literacy programs.  Features include a quiet study room, teen room, program room that can be used for multiple purposes throughout the day, increased computer access, improved access to collections and comfortable seating for adults and children, to create an oasis for learning and reading as envisioned by the community during the planning process. During the closure, patrons are encouraged to visit the remaining open library facilities. In addition, Library BranchVan service will begin on Monday, May 7^th, 2012 on Allston Way, just west of 9^th St., near Rosa Parks School.  Summer storytimes will be held on Saturdays at Rosa Parks School, starting on June 16^th, 2012.  Check out the Library’s Branch Construction Projects webpage or pick up a West Branch Temporary Closure Guide for more service information during the temporary closure that includes the BranchVan and children’s storytime schedules. Berkeley READS, Berkeley Public Library’s Adult Literacy Service, will be operating out of the Central Library during this temporary closure. The Library will continue to post project information and updates on its website at:https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/planning/about-library-bond-faq1 and hopes to see you at the West 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.

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Contact: Michele McKenzie
510-981-6241

Satoko Myodo-Garcia, exhibits digital color prints of Tilden Park from her Bay Area Nature photography series in Berkeley Public Library’s Central Catalog Lobby, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck, downtown Berkeley, from March 19^th through April 22^nd.  The photographs on display were taken during early mornings and in all seasons in Tilden Park. 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. Self-taught photographer and alumna of UC Berkeley’s School of Architecture, Satoko Myodo-Garcia has used black and white photography as a fine art form for many years.  Her black and white photography focused on cityscapes and their architectural forms.  Her architectural photography has been exhibited in Berkeley, San Francisco and Paris.  She began her exploration of Bay Area nature with digital color photography over ten years ago in Cesar Chavez Park in the Berkeley Marina. Satoko Myodo-Garcia will discuss her work during a FREE artist’s reception on Saturday afternoon, April 7^th, at 2:00 pm in the 1^st floor Catalog of the Central Library. 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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