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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