We are now preparing to provide for safe access to the Library’s physical materials in two phases of Outdoor Pickup services.
Monday, June 22: Outdoor Pickup of holds that were ready for pickup prior to the Covid-19 facility closure
When the Library closed all facilities to the public on March 16 in line with the first local Shelter at Home Order, many patrons had materials waiting for them on the Library’s hold shelves. These materials are still waiting for patrons!
If this is the case for you, starting on Monday, June 22, you may come to the Library to pick up these materials. Service will be from the outer doors of each Library. Social distancing and low touch measures will be in place. No other in-person services will be available until June 29.
If you are unsure whether or not you have materials on hold, please check your library account. Also, the Library will send you a courtesy notice via email on Monday to remind you that your hold is ready for pickup.
Monday, June 29: Place New Holds & Outdoor Pickup
On Monday, June 29, all Library locations will have outdoor pickup for the following materials:
Items placed on hold through the Library’s online catalog
Summer Reading signup books
No appointments are necessary for Outdoor Services. See the Outdoor Pickup FAQs for more information.
Thank you to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation for their generous support for the supplies needed to launch Outdoor Pickup services.
Summer Reading Game has Begun!
Stay safe this Summer and read great books!
With our new online platform and mobile app you can log your reading, write reviews of the books you love (or love to hate!), and earn entries into prize drawings for a guitar, a Kindle, an 8 speed bike and more...
The summer reading program is designed for all ages -
The Libraries are for Everyone artwork is from hafuboti.com.
Berkeley Public Library staff are collectively outraged and heartbroken by the recent murders of George Floyd,Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and the continued systemic, institutional, and interpersonal racism that plagues our communities.
A primary mission of Berkeley Public Library is to champion racial and social equity. As one of the first signatories to the Urban Libraries Council's Statement on Race and Social Equity in 2017, we uphold and affirm ULC's statement last week on the important role of public libraries in helping to dismantle systemic and institutional racism:
The Library will continue to work hard on collection development, programming initiatives and policy reforms to support, reflect and serve our diverse Berkeley community.