Berkeley Public Library:
Summer Reading & Back-to-School Resources
Time is almost up!

Be sure to log your summer reading!

Complete the summer reading game by August 15
and participate in a (virtual!) raffle for a (real!) prize:
 
Kids 
  • 8-Speed bike
  • Ada Twist Scientist plush doll and book
  • Dinosaur “Eggscavation” kit
  • Gardening set for kids
  • Science Kit
  • $25 Target gift card
  • $25 Pegasus Books gift certificate
  • $20 gift certificate to Endless Summer Sweets
Teens & Adults
  • Acoustic guitar
  • Ukulele
  • Kindle Fire
  • Kindle Paperwhite
Summer reading is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library and the California State Library. 
 
Family-friendly Virtual Program this Saturday
Saturday, August 15
10:30 am
 
Take one harmonica playing juggler, combine with a super duper hula-hooper clown, and what do you get? 

Coventry and Kaluza!
 
Have fun with these graduates of the Clown Conservatory of the San Francisco Circus Center, this Saturday, via zoom.
 
 Sign up, here.
Storytime on Wednesdays at 11am
Every Wednesday at 11am
 
Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, and more during virtual family storytime on Facebook Live.
 
Resume Workshop Series
August 11 & 25
September 15 & 29
October 13 & 27
November 10 & 24
 
5-6pm via Zoom
 
This workshop series will cover techniques to create a modern resume that reflects your strengths and accomplishments.

Each workshop session features a presentation on general resume tips. Learn how to create a resume that will pass employer screening software, will effectively address any employment gaps and will help you transition into a new career field.
 
Attendees are encouraged to email their resume to the instructor following the presentation and set up a one on one feedback session over Zoom to gen individualized resume advice.
 
RSVP through meetup.com by 4pm on the day of the event to receive the Zoom link to participate.
 
Back-to-school Book Picks
 Find children book award winners and staff-curated book lists, on our website. 
 
Back to School: A Global Journey
by Maya Ajerma
 
Tour schools throughout the world with this book full of photos
Back to School, Mallory
by Pamela Chanko
 
eBook and eAudiobook for middle schoolers; eBook also available in Spanish

Ten Rules of Being a Superhero
by Deb Pilutti
 
Superheros help those in need and wear masks!
This is my Home,
This is my School
by Jonathan Bean
 
A picture book based on the author's real life experience of homeschooling
Do Not Lick this Book
by Idan Ben-Barak
 
Fun non-fiction with extreme close ups on microscopic germs
Germs are Not for Sharing
by Elizabeth Verdick
 
Non-fiction eBook for preschoolers, available in English & Spanish
The Secret Life of Squirrels: Back to School
 by Nancy Rose

A picture book with real photos of wild squirrels
 
Wash, Wash, Wash!
by Pamela Chanko
 
A board book about washing hands
Personalized Book Picks for adults, teens and children, tailored to your interests!
 
Let us help you find more books to read:
  1. Fill out an e-form on your reading interests
  2. Library staff will pick 3 - 6 books for you and will place them on hold
  3. Once you are notified they are ready, pick up your books at Outside Pickup
  4. Enjoy!
 
Recent patron comments about the Personalized Book Picks Service:
 
“It is really lovely and helpful to have this service. We are really grateful for the Library.” 
 
“This is such a cool service. Thank you so much, and thank you for your thoughtful suggestions. My child is looking forward to picking up her books.” 
 
“Thanks! We will come pick books up today, and save these recommendations for next time. The kids are so excited! Thank you so much!”
 
New Arrivals Lists
 Looking for a new book, CD or movie?
 
Check out the Library's New Arrivals Lists that highlight recently added materials and are updated automatically as the Library receives new materials. Check back often!
 
Back to School Resources
Before the school year starts, explore free educational resources on Berkeley Public Library's website including:
  • Home Learning Resources from the Berkeley Public Schools.
  • Lists of children's book award winners and staff-curated book lists.
  • Homework and project help with California Fact Cards.
  • Explora or Britannica Online for Children.
  • Book suggestions by reading levels and interests with NoveList Plus.
  • eBooks and eAudiobooks from Overdrive and Hoopla.
  • Mango Languages for help with learning a new language.
 
#MyLibraryStory

Everyone has a story (or one or two or ten...) about why they love libraries and the impact libraries have had on their life. 
 
We want to hear YOUR library story!

We are beginning to collect these reflections to eventually share on our social media and elsewhere. Don't worry, we will share them anonymously or we can use your first name only if you'd like; let us know what you prefer.

Please email areeder@cityofberkeley.info with your library story and any images you'd like to include.  
 
Reminder: Outdoor Pickup
All Berkeley Public Library locations now offer Outdoor Pickup services!
 
No appointment is necessary for pickup. Outdoor pickup hours are as follows: 
  • Central: Monday 12-8, Tuesday 10-8, Wednesday 10-6, Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-6
  • Branches: Monday 10-6, Tuesday 10-8, Wednesday 10-8, Thursday 12-8, Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-6
  • Tools: Monday 10-6, Tuesday 10-6, Wednesday 12-8, Thursday 12-8, Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-6
Outside Pickup is held in the doorway entrances of our Libraries with strict safety protocols in place. At Tarea Hall Pittman South, use the door adjacent to the Tool Lending Library. At North, use the back door on Josephine Street. At Central, use the historic entrance close to the intersection of Shattuck & Kittredge. For faster service, please have your library card ready. 
 
Remember, face coverings are required for service as is 6 feet of social distancing between patrons.
 
Please use the return slots only to return your library books; do not hand them to staff at Outdoor Pick-up.

Return slots are open 24/7. All materials are quarantined for at least 72 hours before being checked in. As soon as staff check in your items following the quarantine period, your account will be updated.
 
For more information on Outside Pickup, please read our FAQs.
 
Thank you to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation for their generous support for the supplies needed to launch Outdoor Pickup services.
 
#BlackLivesMatter
A primary mission of Berkeley Public Library is to champion racial and social equity. The Library will continue to move forward on collection development, programming initiatives and policy reforms to support, reflect and serve our diverse Berkeley community. 

The Libraries are for Everyone artwork is from hafuboti.com.
 
From the City of Berkeley
Volunteers Needed to Help Shape Berkeley's Future Elections:
Join the Independent Redistricting Commission!
 
Every ten years following the federal census, Berkeley reviews its eight City Council district boundaries to ensure districts are balanced with the same number of residents.

The City of Berkeley needs 13 dedicated residents from Berkeley’s diverse population to join an Independent Redistricting Commission in 2021-2022. 

Commissioners will hold public meetings, review draftmaps, and decide the final district boundaries. Support and training will be provided. No experience or technical knowledge is needed – but there are some eligibility requirements.  
 
The application period will be open September 8, 2020 through October 9, 2020. To be added to our interest list or for questions, email the City Clerk Department at redistricting@cityofberkeley.info or call (510) 981-6908. For more information: www.cityofberkeley.info/redistricting.
 
 
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge St.
Berkeley, California 94704
510.981.6100
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/