Just for fun

Join us at the Berkeley Public Library’s West Branch for All Your Favorite Music is (Probably) Black, a humorous, highly immersive, and historically accurate talk that uncovers the African-American roots of popular music genres that appear to be free of African-Americans. Utilizing a rich audiovisual presentation, Mark Montgomery French reveals the sonic secrets behind African-Americans’ cultural invisibility within the musical categories they helped define. 

Join us on the 5th floor of the Central Library for a live performance from the John Compton Band.  John Compton Band is a local band who play a variety of music including rock, pop, folk, and easy listening.  The band will be playing a mix of both covers and original music.  

Join us for a series of love and friendship themed paper crafting sessions! All supplies and instructions will be provided. This program is most suitable for preschool-kindergarten aged children.

This class is for everyone who wants to learn how to make their own cross stitch patterns, either from scratch or by combining elements of existing patterns into something new. We'll cover what makes a good cross stitch design, how to borrow and transform existing patterns, and how to come up with your very own. Attendees are welcome to design their patterns on paper or digitally. The class includes a quick tutorial in using FlossCross.com, a great free program for cross stitch pattern making.

For teens and adults (ages 12+).

This workshop is for cross stitchers ready to take things to the next level! Learn how to complement your basic cross stitching with some new techniques: backstitching, partial crosses, and blending. These

For teens and adults (ages 12+).

Join in the fun for this month's craft along event and come learn the art of cross stitch! It's quick to learn, fun to do, and a great way to personalize everything from clothes and bags to greeting cards.

For teens and adults (ages 12+).

This is the new date for Teen Tidbits event cancelled earlier this month!

Heya teens!  Stop by the Central Library after school and warm up with a delicious, nutritious bowl of vegan chili and top it with tasty fixings.   We’ll start serving at 3:30pm, until all gone. We will prepare and serve the chili from the Library’s Charlie Cart.   

Come play Nintendo Switch and board games every Wednesday after school in the Community Meeting Room! All middle and high schoolers are invited. Masks required. 

* No Games Club 4/5/23 due to spring break*

Come craft with us! Cross stitch is an easy, relaxing, creative craft. Whether you are already familiar with cross stitch or have never picked up a needle before, you are welcome to come learn and practice with us. Materials and instructions provided. Teens (6th-12th grade students) and adults welcome for this session.

If you don't have time to drop in to this craft-along session, don't worry! Cross Stitch kits will be available for pick up at all Berkeley Public Library locations during the month of February, while supplies last.

Starting February 9, children ages 5 to 12 can sign up for a twenty minute session where they will read aloud to a gentle dog provided by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a nonprofit all-volunteer organization.  This program runs weekly on Thursdays through March 16.  Read to a Dog will be held in North Branch's Community Meeting Room.

Read to a Dog is a great way for children to practice oral fluency, spend time with a friendly dog, and have fun.  The goal is to help build a child’s self-esteem and confidence, as well as foster a fondness for reading.