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The Library’s Story Time Band Prepares to Rock Out at Freight & Salvage

Four members of the Story Time Band playing instruments

Contact: Tess Mayer
Director of Library Services
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6100
tmayer@cityofberkeley.info


The Library’s Story Time Band Prepares to Rock Out at Freight & Salvage
Every Thursday in January & February at 10:30 am

Berkeley, California (December 30, 2022) – Thursday, January 5, 2023 kicks off a special story time series: the Library’s Story Time Band will offer musical story time at Freight & Salvage, one of Berkeley's oldest and most beloved music venues.

These free events will take place in January and February on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Each session will feature live music, movement activities, and read-aloud stories geared towards children ages 2-6.

“The Freight & Salvage is absolutely over the moon about hosting the Story Time Band,” says Andrea Hirsig, the Freight’s House Manager, “We can't wait to have our lobby filled with kids enjoying the great music and fun stories every Thursday--hope to see you there!”

Story time is a key Library offering that promotes early childhood literacy. Musical story time is especially effective in engaging younger patrons and sparking their interest in books and reading. The Story Time Band is composed of:

  • Claremont Children’s Librarian Michael Kwende, lead vocalist and story reader
  • Tarea Hall Pittman South Library Specialist Juan Castille, back-up singer with a full drum set and other percussion instruments
  • North Library Specialist Donovan Russell on bass guitar
  • Long-time library volunteer Tim DeWolf on guitar (“Mr. Tim” has been playing guitar for story times for over a decade. He also plays at the Library’s Saturday 10:30am story time at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.)

“The Story Time band is excited to get a chance to do what we do in a ‘Berkeley Institution’ such as The Freight,” notes Russell enthusiastically, “We’re hoping we can introduce quality live music to a whole new generation of listeners. We’re ready to – gently -- rock the house this January!”

Events will be 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).

For questions regarding the Freight, please call Andrea Hirsig at (510) 859-1127.

For questions regarding the Story Time Band, please call Aimee Reeder at (510) 495-4175.

For questions about additional Library events, services, hours and locations, please call (510) 981-6100 or visit the Library’s website www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

Thank you to the generosity of the Freight & Salvage team and the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library which makes this program series possible.

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World Cup 2022: Human Rights Panel & Family-Friendly Viewings

Contact: Tess Mayer
Director of Library Services
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6100
tmayer@cityofberkeley.info


World Cup 2022: Human Rights Panel & Family-Friendly Viewings

Berkeley, California (December 2, 2022) – This month all five Berkeley Public Libraries will stream the 11a.m. World Cup knock-out matches in their libraries. Gather in community to root on your favorite team in a family-friendly environment!

In addition, attend a virtual panel on Thursday, December 8th at 7:30pm that will discuss the ethical and human rights issues surrounding FIFA and this year’s host country, Qatar. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented human rights issues in regards to migrant labor in the lead up to this tournament, and critics have been outspoken about Qatar’s record on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.

Panelists for Thursday’s event include:

  • Alireza Azizi, Amnesty International's Country Specialist for Qatar, Yemen, and United Arab Emirates
  • Jules Boykoff, author of several books on the Olympic games and the politics of sport & former USMNT soccer player
  • Dr. Nasser Mohammed, publicly out LGBTQ+ Qatari physician
  • Lindsay Barenz, President of Oakland Roots Sports Club & Oakland Soul, Oakland's professional women's soccer team

“Staff very much wanted to provide a free and family-friendly environment for the community to enjoy World Cup matches while also providing resources that contextualize the current FIFA World Cup controversy,” Director of Library Services, Tess Mayer, reflects. “One of the important roles of public libraries is to create a space to convene the community to explore ideas and issues. Thursday’s discussion and Q&A is sure to be lively, timely and informative.”

In addition to discussing the Qatar-specific controversy, panelists will address broader patterns of global “sportswashing” and how athletes and teams can be forces working toward social justice, locally and in solidarity with global struggles.

For questions regarding the panel discussion or World Cup viewing sessions, call Aimee Reeder at (510) 981-6104.

For questions about additional Library events, services, hours and locations, please call (510) 981-6100 or visit the Library’s website www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
 

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