%1

February Brings Love & Romance to the Berkeley Public Library

January 30, 2015

Contact: Deirdre Cerkanowicz
Library Specialist II
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6195

February Brings Love & Romance to the Berkeley Public Library

Berkeley, January 30, 2015—Visit the Berkeley Public Library this February! It is the perfect time to highlight the literary genre Romance and we offer many fun and romantic events. On February 2 at 6 pm in Central Library, meet Zeke Gerwein a young bicyclist, who loves the Earth so much he rode 3,280 miles to help fight climate change! Make Valentine’s cards with your kids at West Branch on Saturday, February 11 at 3:30 pm. The entire family makes Valentine’s cards in the Art of Kindness at South Branch on February 7 at 10:30 am.

Teens are invited to Teen Blind Date with a Book Wrapping and Movie @Claremont on February 6 from 3:30-5:45 pm. While wrapping up anonymous books, for other patrons to check out, teens will watch the romantic tearjerker The Fault in Our Stars. Princess Bride plays on February 18 at South Branch at 3:30 pm. The Fault in Our Stars is the Teen Friday Film at North Branch on February 20 at 3:30 pm; The zombie love story Warm Bodies is the Saturday Showcase at North Branch on February 28, at 3:30.

Local romance writer, Stacy Finz shares her tips for writing in Romance Writing 101 at North Branch on Thursday, February 5 at 6:30 pm. Book-loving singles in their 20s and 30s are invited to Love in the Stacks: literary speed dating at North Branch on Thursday, February 12 at 6:00 pm. Cynical about Love? Adults and teens can anti-celebrate at an Anti-Valentine party at North Branch on Saturday, February 14 at 4:00 pm. Also in February, Neesha Patel, a local health practitioner presents I Heart Me, about self-compassion at Claremont Branch on Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 am. As a special treat come hear Master storyteller Kirk Waller’s African American Love Stories at Central on Saturday, February 28 from 2:00-3:00 pm.

These free programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org.

Berkeley Public Library Branches are open: Monday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 am-8:00 pm, Thursday 12 noon -8:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Central Library is located at 2090 Kittredge Avenue and is open Monday, noon - 8 pm, Tuesday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

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.

###

February Brings Friendship, Valentines and African American History to Berkeley Public Library’s Childrens Programs

January 30, 2015

Contact: Erica Glenn
Senior Librarian, Children’s Services
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6223

February Brings Friendship, Valentines and African American History to
Berkeley Public Library’s Childrens Programs

Berkeley, January 30, 2015—Berkeley Public Library offers many fun activities and free events in February. Whether you and your child make your own Valentine card at West Branch on Wednesday, February 11 from 3:30-4:3 pm; visit Central Library to make and share Friendship pins on Saturday, February 21 at 3:00 pm; or enjoy songs, stories and fingerplays with a Valentine theme at Claremont Branch on Saturday, February 14 at 10:30-11:30 am we hope you enjoy yourself. We want to be your Valentine!

To celebrate African American History month in February, we have special events: Asheba! at North Branch performs upbeat kids’ music with a Caribbean flair on Wednesday, February 11 at 11:30 pm. In addition, master storyteller Kirk Waller will spin his tales in a special story time at South Branch on February 14 from 10:30 to11:00 am. His stories fuse spoken word, rhythm, music and movement! Josh Lachman, Children’s Librarian at South Branch calls Kirk’s story telling “a dynamic blend of musicality, mime and emotion. Above all it is pure entertainment."

North Branch brings back Paws to Read on Tuesdays afternoons at 3:30 pm through February 24. Dogs are known for their unconditional love and these former shelter dogs give their undivided attention, (a little belly rubbing and ear scratching helps, too) to young readers grades K-Five. Teens can visit Jim Carter’s Amazing Musical Petting Zoo at West Branch on Saturday, February 14, 3:30-5 pm. Jim brings over 40 musical instruments from around the world to try out! Whether you attend one of our many ongoing story times at all Library locations, or try one of our exciting free February featured events sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org), your children will love the library and so will you! Check our website and Facebook page.

###

Berkeley Public Library Presents Two Performances by Master Storyteller Kirk Waller in February

January 30, 2015

Contact: Deirdre Cerkanowicz
Library Specialist II
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6195

Berkeley Public Library Presents Two Performances by Master Storyteller Kirk Waller in February

Berkeley, January 30, 2015— The Library celebrates two themes in February: African American History month and the literary genre of Romance. Professional storyteller Kirk Waller has amazing performances that cover these themes. Kirk Waller, award-winning storyteller and Director of Storytelling Programs at Stagebridge Senior Theater Company will entrance both children and adult audiences at the Berkeley Public Library in February. We invite you to listen and watch Kirk spin his tales.

Kirk’s performances fuse spoken word, rhythm, music and movement. Our special story time for children is at Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch on February 14 from 10:30 am-11:00 am. Josh Lachman, Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Children’s Librarian, called Kirk’s storytelling “a dynamic blend of musicality, mime and emotion. Above all it is pure entertainment." See this master storyteller at work! For more information call 510-981-6260.

We also have a special treat for adults who relish good stories. Kirk shares tales of love, romance and passion in African American Love Stories on Saturday, February 28 from 2:00-3:00 pm. Known for incorporating music and movement, Waller's stories will make you laugh, cry and think back on your own love stories. This free event is in Central Library’s Third floor Community Meeting Room. For more information call 510-981-6148.

These free programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org.

Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch is located at 1901 Russell Street, Berkeley, CA 9470 and is open: Monday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 am-8:00 pm, Thursday 12 noon -8:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Central Library is located at 2090 Kittredge Avenue and is open Monday, noon - 8 pm, Tuesday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

###

Islamic Art Exhibit: Women in Islam at Berkeley Public Library

January 23, 2015

Contact: Michele McKenzie
Art & Music Librarian
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6241

Islamic Art Exhibit: Women in Islam at Berkeley Public Library

Berkeley, January 23, 2015—Islamic Art Exhibit presents a group art exhibition on the theme Women in Islam at the Central Library from February 9 – April 19, 2015. Meet the artists and learn about their work during an artists’ reception on Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 pm in the third floor Community Meeting Room of the Central Library. Women in Islam highlights the rights, status and accomplishments of Muslim women through the visual arts.

The exhibition is on display in the Catalog Lobby on the first floor of the Berkeley Public Library, located at 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck in downtown Berkeley. For information about the reception or exhibit call 510-981-6241.

Islamic Art Exhibit (IAE) is a local non-profit arts organization established in 2009 to promote Islamic Arts and provide a platform for the creative individuals of the Muslim community living in the Bay Area. IAE seeks to build bridges between diverse communities through the visual arts. Every year the group selects a different theme and solicits original artwork from local artists to display in libraries and cultural institutions throughout the Bay Area. Each exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore the scope of Islamic Art and celebrate the rich tapestry of countries, cultures and artistic traditions of the Muslim diaspora. For more information about Islamic Art Exhibit visit their website http://www.islamicartexhibit.com/.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org).

The Central Library is located at 2090 Kittredge Avenue and is open Monday, noon – 8:00 pm, Tuesday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

###

Take your picture with the Berkeley Public Library Brushmobile!

January 12, 2015

Contact: Sarah Dentan,
Neighborhood and Children’s Services Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6195

Take your picture with the Berkeley Public Library Brushmobile!

Berkeley, January 12, 2014 — The Berkeley Public Library’s Brushmobile, a model of the paint-powered vehicle featured in Thacher Hurd’s classic Art Dog, will roar off into the night on January 19, 2015. You are warmly invited to come say your goodbyes, share a memory, and even take a picture with the Brushmobile and perhaps some of our Art Dog props.

The Brushmobile and its paint pump are constructed of wood, fiberglass and, of course, paint. Built in 1999 by John Latronica, it was originally part of a display honoring Thacher Hurd at the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier in Binghamton, New York. Before coming to Berkeley, the Brushmobile was also the centerpiece of the Harper Collins tribute to the author in New York City.

Now 15 years old, the Brushmobile is being removed for safety reasons. Designed to be displayed for a brief period in a museum setting, the intention was to keep it in Berkeley Public Library’s Central Library Children’s Room for only a year after the opening of the expanded Central Library in 2002. Patrons immediately took to it, however, and it has been well loved by a generation of Berkeley’s children, resulting in significant wear and tear. “We’re very sorry to have to remove the Brushmobile,” said Sarah Dentan, Neighborhood and Children’s Services Manager, “but it is no longer as stable as it was, and we are concerned about children’s safety.”

Library staff is in the process of identifying an organization to repurpose the Brushmobile for use in another setting. A similarly themed wooden activity center has been selected by children’s librarians for use in the space, and is due to arrive later this winter.

The Central Library is located at 2090 Kittredge Avenue and is open Monday, noon - 8 pm, Tuesday, 10 am - 8 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm - 5 pm.

###

Berkeley Rep talks about X’s and O’s: A Football Love Story at Berkeley Public Library

January 07, 2015

Contact: Debbie Carton
Art & Music Librarian
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6236

Berkeley Rep talks about X’s and O’s: A Football Love Story
at Berkeley Public Library

Berkeley, January 7, 2015 –Berkeley Repertory Theatre docents talk about their upcoming production, X’s and O’s: A Football Love Story, in an ongoing library series. This free event is Sunday, January 25, at 2:00 pm in the third floor Community Meeting Room of the Berkeley Public Library, located at 2090 Kittredge Street. For more information about this talk, call 981-6236.

Playwright and football super-fan KJ Sanchez, along with Jenny Mercein, bring us a fascinating and hard-hitting docudrama—based on interviews with players, their families, and their fans—that examines our country’s passion for a sport that is both generous and dangerous, life-giving yet lethal. X’s and O’s: A Football Love Story is as visceral, emotional and as theatrical as the game itself. Directed by Tony Taccone, the world premiere is at Berkeley Rep from January 16–March 1, 2015. For information on the play, visit www.berkeleyrep.org.

This free event 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.

###

Berkeley Public Library Staff Art Show is on Display

January 06, 2015

Contact: Debbie Carton
Art & Music Librarian
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6236

Berkeley Public Library Staff Art Show is on Display

Berkeley, January 6, 2015—The Ninth Annual Berkeley Public Library Staff Art Show is on display now through February 1, 2015 at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street. Artwork is on display in the Kittredge Street windows and on the first, second and fifth floors of the library. See what the talented employees of the Berkeley Public Library do when they are not at work! The show includes paintings, collage, photography, ceramics, fiber arts, woodworking, beading and other unique arts. For more information, call 510-981-6241.

This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.

The Central Library is located at 2090 Kittredge Avenue and is open Monday, noon - 8 pm, Tuesday, 10 am - 8 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm - 5 pm.
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.

###

Berkeley Public Library Collects Donations for Alameda County Food Bank

January 05, 2015

Contact: July Cole
Associate Human Resources Analyst
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6105

Berkeley Public Library Collects Donations for Alameda County Food Bank

Berkeley, January 5, 2015—The holidays are over but there are many who do not have their basic needs met. Many of our neighbors are fighting hunger. Join the Berkeley Public Library in this fight! The Library is partnering with the Alameda County Community Food Bank throughout January 2015.

You can help fight hunger while visiting any Berkeley Public Library location. Just bring some canned or boxed food and drop it in the big red Food Bank barrels. This is an easy way to help feed our less fortunate community members. Think outside the cereal box (or canned tuna) and consider donations of canned veggies and fruit, packages of hot cereals, whole grain rice and nut butters.

Alameda County Community Food Bank serves 1 in 5 county residents—more than 31,100 annually. Children and those over 50 years of age – our community’s most vulnerable age groups– account for nearly two-thirds of all Food Bank clients. Overall, food from Alameda County Community Food Bank is distributed to individuals 61,877 times in a typical week – and more than 3.2 million times annually. For more information call 510-981-6105.

###

	Central	Branches	Tool
Monday	12-8	10-6	10-6
Tuesday	10-8	10-8	10-6
Wednesday	10-6	10-8	12-8
Thursday	10-6	12-8	12-8
Friday	10-6	10-6	10-6
Saturday	10-6	10-6	10-6

	Get a Library Card
	Manage My Account
	Download eBooks
	Learn About the Library
	Contact Us / Suggestions
	Look at Board of Library Trustees Agendas
	Read the 2024-2028 strategic plan