Book Discussions/Events

Join author Sacha Lamb as they discuss their book, When the Angels Left the Old Country, winner of the Stonewall Award and the Sydney Taylor Award.

About When the Angels Left the Old Country

“Steeped in Ashkenazi lore, custom, and faith, this beautifully written story deftly tackles questions of identity, good and evil, obligation, and the many forms love can take.” Kirkus (starred review)

“Richly imagined and plotted, this inspired book has the timeless feeling of Jewish folklore.” Booklist (starred review)

Maureen Hurley reads her poetry, then sits for an interview and discussion, as part of the Clearly Meant series. 

Join us for a very special Library event as we celebrate the release of BLACK PUNK NOW, an anthology co-edited by punk rock authors James Spooner and  Chris L. Terry. Contributors to the collection include critic Hanif Abdurraqib and cartoonist Raeghan Buchanan, conversations with Brontez Purnell, and a roundtable of all femme festival organizers.

This online book group will discuss recent literary fiction books, on the last Tuesday of the month. All sessions meet at 2pm

November 28th: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li

December 26th: Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black 

Register HERE

The discussion will take place over Zoom and include 15 participants with a waitlist.

This online book group will discuss recent literary fiction books, on the last Tuesday of the month. All sessions meet at 2pm

November 28th: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li

December 26th: Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black 

Register HERE

The discussion will take place over Zoom and include 15 participants with a waitlist.

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.