Just for fun

Playreaders do exactly what the name says: it's an interactive program where participants read aloud from plays, changing parts frequently so everyone gets a chance to bring theater to life. 

Bring your creative ideas to this monthly drop-in art and crafts studio. Topics and projects will vary each session. While project materials are provided, attendees are also welcome to bring their own work-in-progress pieces and tools. Whether you're looking to learn a new project or just have some fun with like-minded individuals, CraftLab is the perfect space for you. Join us for an afternoon of creativity and let's build something amazing together!

June's craft is macrame plant hangers! Learn some easy or more intricate weaving and knotting techniques.

Let's talk about movies! Join us for a screening of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023, PG-13).

Based on the best-selling YA novel of the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz the film centers on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American loners in 1987 El Paso who explore a new, unusual friendship and the magical road to self-discovery.

Friends, snacks, games, anime, and other activities - every Tuesday at Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch beginning at 4. All teens are welcome!

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org)

July 20th is International Chess Day and to celebrate we are hosting our second annual chess tournament. This year the competition will take place at the Claremont Branch with all ages and levels of experience welcome. There will be three separate ages categories, Youth, Young Teen and Adults. 

The Youth and Young Teen sections will play between 11am-1:30pm and the Adult Section, 2pm-5:30pm.  

In this month's "Don't Know Much About ....." Club, we will focus on Clothing: Repair, Repurpose and Recycling.

We all know there are major issues with sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

It's time we contemplate the lifecycle of clothing and wake up to what we can do to combat waste and pollution.

To speak about this issue, our expert will be eco-artist and activist Nora Scully.

We also invite participants to bring in their repaired or repurposed clothing for a bit of show and tell.*

Teens: are you a plant person (or dream of becoming one)? Join us for an afternoon with PlanterDay! We will be decorating pots and repotting plants. Everyone gets to take home their own plant. 

Planterday is an Oakland-based, mission-driven plant shop dedicated to destigmatizing mental health and promoting mental health resources.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org)

Do you have a lot of food scraps and a small space? Worm composting is for you!! Educator and garden designer Lori Caldwell demonstrates how to set up a worm bin and discusses harvesting and best uses for this garden fertilizer. All ages welcome!

The Berkeley Public Library will be giving away hundreds of free comics in celebration of Free Comic Book Day on Saturday May 4!  Free comics will be available for children, teens, and adults at all library locations, while supplies last!

Berkeley has long prided itself as a hub of creativity and culture. But how did this relatively small city earn its globally recognized reputation as a center of influential experimentation? Who are the people and events that imbued Berkeley with such symbolic power?