Book Discussions/Events

Here's the Book Club of your dreams: bring your own book and enjoy some quiet reading time.

Sip a free mocktail (available while supplies last) at our Introvert Happy Hour. (Extroverts are welcome!). We give out a blue bookmark to let others know if you're open to chatting or if you'd like to silently read for awhile. 

We'll enjoy the outside weather if it's nice, or find a cozy spot inside if the weather requires it. Either way, you can choose to read (or chat) inside or outside. 

The Color of Law recounted how government at all levels created segregation. Just Action describes how we can begin to undo it. This book was chosen by the Berkeley Public Library’s Racial Justice Advisory Group (RJAG) as the second in a series of “all staff reads." Books will be available for sale at the event. At the end of the talk there will be a Q&A session. Please email your questions ahead of time to rbrown@berkeleyca.gov.

We will be giving away copies of the book at every library location starting Monday, 10/23. Available while supplies last. 

Rediscover the magic of children's books!

Do books change as we grow up? What makes a book a classic? How did we see these stories as children? How do we see these stories as teens/adults? Let's chat about children's books!

In October, bring a favorite children's chapter book title to share with the group. Tell us why you recommend this modern or classic children's book (please avoid spoilers).

In November, we will be discussing J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan.

In December we'll discuss The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich.

The Poetry Circle at the Claremont Branch. Bring a few poems -- or discover some here. We will be taking turns in a reading circle.

Bri Reads Live!

w/ guest author Phillip D. Cortez

Join us for this special event featuring Youtube sensation Bri Reads and acclaimed children's author Phillip D. Cortez for an afternoon of music, stories, and crafts! Phillip will be reading his new picture book I'll Be the Moon: A Migrant Child's Story.

Event is wheelchair accessible. For any additional access requests, please call 510-981-6107 or TTY 510-548-1240 at least 5 days before the event.

Clearly Meant, the poetry reading & interview series, is back! Today we welcome local poet & teacher Clive Matson. Join us as Clive reads his poetry, then sits for a friendly interview with host Glenn Ingersoll; a discussion follows in which everyone is encouraged to participate.

Join us for Lora Mathis' The Snakes Came Back Berkeley book release

Don't miss the Berkeley celebration of the release of Lora Mathis' second book of poems, The Snakes Came Back.