Library Happenings August 2024
August Event Highlights
There are several events at Claremont happening this month in celebration of the Centennial.
In 1924, the Claremont Branch Library opened in its current home at 2940 Benvenue Avenue. It was designed by James W. Placheck, who also designed both the North and Central Berkeley Library locations. The Claremont Branch was expanded in 1976 to add room for the children's reading area, and again in 2012, with improvements that led to a Silver LEED-certification, creation of a separate Teen room, more computers and an improved layout for patrons.
Thank you to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation for their support of the Claremont Centennial.
Gel Printing with ArtEsteem
Claremont
Tues, Aug 6
5pm
Halau O'Keikiali'i Hawaiian Dance and Culture
Claremont
Sat, Aug 17
3pm
Berkeley Walks Authors Visit
Claremont
Sat, Aug 24
2pm - leave branch for neighborhood walk
3:30pm - reception & book signing
Centennial Party
Claremont - outside
Sat, Aug 31
2pm
Join us for artistry, cake, and the big sound of a Cal Alumnae Big Band as we mark a milestone in the community.
Library Afro Revolution Day
Tarea Hall Pittman South - outside
Sat, Aug 10
1pm
This event is uplifting the kinky, curly coils, but however you wear your hair; short, long, covered or none at all, we want you to join us in a celebration of self-love and community. The afternoon will include:
- Book Giveaways.
- Free Back-to-School haircuts for kids on a first come, first serve basis.
- Vogue lessons and dance performances.
- A hair parade.
- Crafts, music, sweet treats and special guests!
Award-winning Author Caro De Robertis in Conversation with Author Cristina Garcia
North
Wed, Aug 14
6pm
New York Times and Indie bestselling YA author Abigail Hing Wen in conversation with LA Times Journalist Jenny Gold
Central Teen Room
Thurs, Aug 15
4pm
Art & Graphic Novel Talk with painter and comic Guy Colwell
Central
Sat, Aug 24
3:30pm
Berkeley 
Public Library Book Club: On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sextet
Zoom
Tues, Aug 27
2pm
*This book has been chosen by the Library's Staff Racial Justice group's all staff read as well. The author will be visiting the library this Fall.
Charles M Schulz Museum: Peanuts On the Go
West
Sat, Aug 10
2pm
Let's celebrate Snoopy's 56th Birthday! Explore Schulz's world famous Peanuts comic strip with hands-on crafts led by a Schulz Museum educator. Program is designed for children in Pre-K through 2nd Grade.
End of Summer Celebration for Teens & Kids
North - outside
Tues, Aug 13
2pm
Lawn games, music & bubbles, crafts for kids and teens, and frozen treats for the whole family.
Comics Workshop for Kids with Illustrators Minnie Phan & Sophie Diao
Central
Sat, Aug 17
11:30am
Learn about their journeys as artists, get a free copy of their books (while supplies last), and make comics in an exciting and collaborative environment.
Central
Tues, Aug 6
3:30pm
Listen to beautiful koto music, fold origami cranes, and hear a short reading in honor of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who lived through the bombing of Hiroshima.
Library Kids Olympics
Central
Fri, Aug 9
3:30pm
Listen to French music, and compete in fun and active events where everyone wins! We may even have a (paper) torch relay!
North - Surrounding Sidewalk
August 1-15
Take a stroll outside the Library and enjoy reading the Big Dance by Aoife Greenham.
More Library Events in August
eLibrary Help Hour: eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming movies
North
Mondays
11am
Drop-in Chess - All Ages
Central
Thursdays
1-3pm
Teen Crafts & Snacks
West
Thursdays
4pm
Soul4Kidz: Sing & Dance
West
Sat, Aug 3
10:30am
Robotics Workshop for 4th-8th graders
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Sat, Aug 3
12:30pm
Insect Discovery Lab
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Sat, Aug 3
4pm
Urban Cycling 101
North
Sat, Aug 3
1pm
The Healing Properties of Magic Mushrooms
Central
Mon, Aug 5
6pm
National Night Out: Learn How to Prepare for Fires & Other Emergencies
Central - out front
Tues, Aug 6
5pm
Watercolor for Kids
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Wed, Aug 7
10:30am
Cat Café
North
Thurs, Aug 8
3pm
Teen Plant Workshop
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Thurs, Aug 8
4pm
Petting Zoo
North
Sat, Aug 10
10am
StoryTime at Edible School Yard
King Middle School - garden entrance gate is near 1811 Berryman Street
Mon, Aug 12
10am
Resume Workshops
via Zoom
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
5pm
Internet Browser Basics
Central
Fri, Aug 16
2pm
Make an Herbal Salad
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Sat, Aug 17
11am
Mixed Media Koi Pond Teen Craft with Hella Artsy
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Sat, Aug 17
1pm
Tarot for Teens
North
Tues, Aug 27
4pm
Collage to Comedy
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Thurs, Aug 29
5pm
Silent Book Club
Tarea Hall Pittman South
Sat, Aug 31
2pm
There is so much more happening at the Library in August!
Thank you to the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library for all you do to provide funding for Library programs & events!
Reminder:
All Library locations will be open late on Friday, August 30 for an all staff meeting.