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For immediate release

Contact: Kay Finney
Librarian
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6135
kfinney@cityofberkeley.info

FILM SCREENING OF WORLDS OF URSULA K. LE GUIN
AND FILMMAKER APPEARANCE AT BERKELEY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Berkeley, February 28, 2019 - Berkeley Public Library staff will host a one¬time screening of the documentary Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 2:00pm at the Central Library. Arwen Curry, the documentary’s filmmaker, will be at this event to introduce the film and field questions from the audience after the screening.

Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin explores the remarkable life and legacy of the late feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin. Best known for groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy works such as A Wizard of Earthsea, The Left Hand of Darkness, and The Dispossessed, Le Guin defiantly held her ground on the margin of “respectable” literature until the sheer excellence of her work, at long last, forced the mainstream to embrace fantastic literature. Her fascinating story has never before been captured on film before now.

Filmmaker Arwen Curry has included stunning animation and commentary from literary luminaries like Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, David Mitchell, and Michael Chabon. Produced with Le Guin’s participation over 10 years, the film is a breathtaking journey through the late writer’s career and her worlds, both real and fantastic.

The film holds a special resonance for the Berkeley community. Le Guin was born in Berkeley in 1929, spent her youth there, and graduated from Berkeley High School.

This free event is made possible by a generous gift from the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.

The Central Library is located at 2090 Kittredge Street and is open Monday, 12:00noon-8:00pm, Tuesday, 10:00am-8:00pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm, and Sunday from 1:00pm-5:00pm.

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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Contact:
Sarah Dentan
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6195
sdentan@cityofberkeley.info

Berkeley Public Library presents Tech Week, March 2-9, 2019

Berkeley, CA – February 13, 2019 – As part of the Cornerstones: STEM at Berkeley Public Library initiative, Berkeley Public Library presents Tech Week from Saturday, March 2 through Saturday, March 9, 2019. Cornerstones: STEM at Berkeley Public Library makes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics accessible to wide audiences. Every Berkeley Public Library location will feature programs for a variety of ages relating to various aspects of technology.

Tech Week kicks off with a Fixit Clinic at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 2 at Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch. Bring your damaged items in and our team of fixers will help you get them running again! Other hands-on programs include a Teen Soldering Workshop at North Branch at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, March 5, and learning about model rockets and making paper airplanes with the Cal Rocket Club at West Branch at 4:30 pm on Friday, March 8. Also at West Branch, try Virtual Reality for All Ages at 5:30 pm on Thursday, March 7, and at the Central Library, children ages 6-10 can Code Your Own Star Wars Game on Friday, March 8 (registration required).

On Wednesday, March 6, Claremont Branch partners with Cal NERDS (New Experience for Research and Diversity in Science) for a screening and discussion of Inventing Tomorrow, a documentary about teens making a difference with STEM at 2:30 pm. Also on March 6, North Branch hosts author Keith A. Spencer, discussing his book A People’s History of Silicon Valley at 6:30 pm.

Regular storytimes at all locations will feature STEM themes this week; check our calendar for details.

Two feature films round out Tech Week’s offerings: Claremont Branch will show a techno thriller told entirely through the main character’s computer, on Wednesday, March 6 at 5:30 pm; and on Saturday, March 9, North Branch will show a family favorite about a boy who keeps his brother’s science legacy alive while joining forces with his friends in order to save the world at 2:00 pm.

Finally, Berkeley Public Library hosts a Mini Maker Faire at the Central Library Commons on Saturday, March 9th. Meet local tech companies and Bay Area innovators presenting hands on activities from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. All ages are welcome!

Cornerstones: STEM at Berkeley Public Library is made possible in part by the support of the Stephen M. Silberstein Foundation and the Berkeley Public Library Foundation. Additional funding for programs is provided by Friends of Berkeley Public Library.

The Central Library is located at 2090 Kittredge Street 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. Branch Libraries are open: Monday, 10:00am-6:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00am-8:00pm, Thursday 12noon -8:00pm, and Friday and Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm.

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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