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Drop in Job Counseling at the Berkeley Public Library

Contact: Sierra Gribble
Library Specialist
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6189
 
Berkeley, January 20, 2014—The Berkeley Public Library will continue offering its free job counseling in 2014. Experienced Career Counselors from North Cities One Stop will provide drop-in career counseling the fourth Wednesday of every month at 2:00. p.m. in the Central Library’s Third Floor Electronic Classroom at 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck in Downtown Berkeley.
 
Drop-in career counseling will resume in 2014 on January 22nd at 2:00 pm. Counselors will provide assistance with job search strategies, social networking, creating or improving a resume, interviewing, salary negation and more. Call 510-981-6148 for more information.
 
The Library also has a large collection of books and media about career options, the job search, writing resumes and cover letters and more. Explore the Library’s online resources from your home computer including: Job Scout. Career Cruising, Learn a Test and several more. Practice taking a sample exam on Civil Service Real Estate or CBEST. A valid library card is required to check out items and to access the online job resources.
 
The Central Library is open Monday, noon-8 p.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.
 
Wheelchair accessible. For questions, please call 510-981-6195 (voice) or 510-548-1240 (TTY) or visit the library’s website: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.
 
 
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 five working days will help ensure availability.
 
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African Roots of Jazz:Lecture and Exhibition at the Berkeley Public Library

Contact: Michele McKenzie
Art & Music Librarian
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6241
 
Berkeley, January 14, 2014 – Bay Area artist Charles Curtis Blackwell exhibits paintings and drawings exploring themes of Africa and the jazz aesthetic at the Central Library from February 10th – April 20th, 2014. Blackwell will speak about his work and his personal journey as a legally blind artist during an Artist Talk on Sunday, February 23rd at 2:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room of the Central Library.
 
Charles Curtis Blackwell is a poet, playwright, and performance and visual artist. After an accident at the age of 19, Blackwell lost his vision but not his passion for the cultural arts. He states “The role of art in my life is useful in helping me cope, exist and flourish in the society in which I live.” Blackwell uses his partial blindness as an asset in his painting “incorporating jagged lines, brutal strokes, sloshing colors and serendipity” to point him on the path towards originality.
 
Blackwell’s exhibition at the Berkeley Public Library features colorful abstract paintings that capture the moods and movement of musicians and the essence of live jazz performances. These images are juxtaposed with Blackwell’s other inspiration in the rituals and masks of Africa.
 
Blackwell’s artwork has been exhibited across the country. In 2009 he was one of three featured artists at Lighthouse for the Blind’s 20th anniversary Insights exhibit in San Francisco. The show included over twenty of his works on paper and the event and Blackwell’s artwork were featured in The New York Times. In 2010 his personal story was the subject of the short film A Different Color Blue for the series POV on PBS.
 
His published poetry includes Rise with the Sinners and The Fiery Response to Love’s Callings, among other works. He has also produced three spoken-word CDs in collaboration with jazz drummer Billy Toliver.
 
Blackwell resides in the East Bay and has organized writers’ workshops and community cultural arts events for the Faithful Fools agency and The Hospitality Community Arts program in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6241 or visit the library’s website: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org
 
The exhibition will be on display from February 10th through April 20th in the Catalog Lobby on the first floor and the Art & Music Department on the fifth floor of the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck, downtown Berkeley. 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.
 
This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org).
 
Wheelchair accessible. For questions, 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 five working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.
 
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Successful Business Plans At the Berkeley Public Library

Contact: Tom Dufour
Berkeley Public Library
Librarian
510-981-6134
 
Berkeley, January 15, 2014—The Berkeley Public Library and the Alameda County Small-Business Development Center offer a free seminar, Successful Business Plans, on Wednesday January 22, 2014, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in the Central Library’s Third Floor Community Meeting Room at 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. This seminar is a building block for any small business owner or entrepreneur looking for a simple way to understand how to write a business plan. It is a must for all kinds of businesses in all stages of development. Come prepared for hands-on exercises to help create an outline for your business plan. For more information about this program call 510-981-6148.
 
The Library also has a large collection of books and media about business management. Explore the Library’s online resources, 24/7, from your own computer including: Business Insights Global and Demographics Now. The library also has Safari Tech Books Online to help with your technical questions.
 
Don’t have a computer? Use the library’s computers and create your business presentations, brochures, documents and spreadsheets with Microsoft Office2007. (Bring a flash drive to save them.) A valid library card is required to check out items, to access the online business resources and to use internet computers.
 
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.
 
Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs. Wheelchair accessible. For questions, 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 five working days will help ensure availability. Visit the library’s website: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
 
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Affordable Health Care Act presentation at Claremont

Contact: Shani Leonards
Supervising Librarian
Berkeley Public Library
Claremont Branch
510-981-6280
 
Berkeley, January 14, 2014— Have questions about the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care act? Join us on Friday, February 7th from 2:00- 4:00 p.m. in the Teen Room at the Claremont Branch at 2940 Benvenue at Ashby for help understanding how this new law impacts you. Get information on the new health insurance marketplace, Covered California and answers to who can enroll, which plans are in your area, and what penalties or deadlines might affect you. There will be time for participants to ask questions of a Covered California Certified Educator. The presentation will be repeated on March 7th at 2:00 p.m. at Claremont Branch. For information about this program call 510-981-6280.
 
The Claremont Branch is open: Monday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00p.m., Thursday 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
 
Wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter, real-time captioning, materials in large print or Braille, or other accommodations for these events, please call 510 981-6195 (voice) or 510 548-1240 (TTY) At least five working days’ notice will ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.
 
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“Ewe” Can Knit at Berkeley Public Library

Contact: Debbie Carton
Art & Music Librarian
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6236
 
Berkeley, January 11, 2014 – Join fellow crafters at Berkeley Public Library for the Knitting Hour, an intergenerational knitting group for the whole family on Saturday, January 25, 2014, 3:15-4:45 p.m. at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck) in the 4th floor Story Room.
 
Knitting is for everyone, and our group includes fathers, sons and multigenerational families. Learn how to knit and be inspired by your fellow knitters, sharing ideas and progress. Some supplies are available to help you get started, and you can take home inspiration from our fantastic collection of books, magazines and DVDs on knitting. All skill levels are welcome. The group is intended for ages 8 and up. For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6236.
 
This free monthly program is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org). Future Knitting Hour dates are: Saturdays, February 8, March 8 and April 5, all from 3:15-4:45 p.m.
 
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.
 
Wheelchair accessible. For questions, 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 five working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs. Visit the library’s website: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
 
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“Friends, Romans, Countrymen” SF Shakespeare presents Julius Caesar at Central Library

Contact: Debbie Carton
Art & Music Librarian
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6236
 
Berkeley, January 7, 2014 – Berkeley Public Library welcomes the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival as they present the touring company’s presentation of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar on Sunday, January 26, 2014, 2:00 p.m., in the 3rd Floor Community Meeting Room, at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge)
 
Shakespeare’s exciting historical tale of politics and corruption in ancient Rome contains some of his eloquent writing. Mark Antony’s stirring and powerful, “Friends, Romans, countrymen” speech, Brutus’ struggle with his conscience and the thrilling final battle scenes have enthralled audiences for centuries. The 55 minute touring production presents a cast of five professional actors in costume, with set, props, and recorded music. The performance will be followed by a question and answer session with the cast. For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6241.
 
This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.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.
 
Wheelchair accessible. For questions, or 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 five working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs. Visit the library’s website: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
 
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KALX DJ Rubberband Girl Digs the Berkeley Public Library January 12

Contact: Dayna Holz or Michele McKenzie

Berkeley Public Library Art & Music Department

510-981-624

 

Berkeley, January 7, 2014--Join the Art and Music Department of the Berkeley Public Library for the last in a series of listening parties, Mining the Library: Local DJs Dig the Music Collection, on Sunday, January 12, at 2:00 p.m., with DJ Erin Prunchak, host of KALX's  Rubberband Girl program. The listening parties bring together Berkeley Public Library's music collection and disc jockeys from Bay Area public and community radio stations. Each DJ will dig through BPL's vast collection of vinyl records and compact discs to uncover musical gems that will expand your appreciation of a range of genres.

Rubberband Girl (a.k.a. Erin Prunchak) brings Music for a Bachelorette’s Pad; setting the mood with a mix of Lounge, Psychedelic, and Space-Age Pop music. Rubberband Girl has developed a local following during her seven years on KALX. Her current show can be heard on Friday mornings, where she makes connections between a wide variety of eras and styles, and loves surprising listeners with the best songs they never heard. More about Rubberband Girl go to her Facebook page. For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6241.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library 

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. Wheelchair accessible. For questions, 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 five working days will help ensure availability, or visit the library’s website Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.

 

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2014 Career Development events at The Berkeley Public Library: Develop Your Resume and Cover letter writing skills

Contact: Sierra Gribble
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6189

 

Berkeley, January 6, 2014— Mark your calendars! The Berkeley Public Library hosts a Resume and Cover Letter Workshop on Monday January 27, 2014, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Community Meeting Room of the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street.

This free workshop is led by resume expert Marilyn Tullius from Delta Strategies for Marketing.  She will address how to handle gaps in employment, focusing the resume for specific jobs, common dilemmas in resume writing; as well as answer individual questions. Attendees should bring copies of their current resume and cover letter for review and advice in a small group discussion setting.

The dates for the Resume and Cover Letter Workshop are: January 27, February 24, March 24, April 28, Tuesday May 27, (due to May 26th being Memorial Day) and June 23, 2014.

The Library also has a large collection of books and media about career options, the job search, writing resumes and cover letters and more. Explore the Library’s online resources from your home computer including: Job Scout. Career Cruising, Learn a Testand several more. Practice taking a sample exam on Civil Service Real Estate or CBEST. A valid library card is required to check out items and to access the online job resources.

The Central Library is open Monday, noon-8 p.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. Wheelchair accessible. For questions, please call 510-981-6195(voice) or 510-548-1240 (TTY) or visit the library’s website:www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.

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 five working days will help ensure availability.

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