Berkeley Public Library: Covid-19 Update
Yesterday, January 5th, we had to close North due to staffing levels. Today North has been open for Outdoor Pickup of holds but is not open for Indoor Services. All other Library locations are open for Indoor Services today.
 
While we collectively experience the impacts of this most recent surge in positive test cases in Berkeley due to the Omicron variant, please consider checking the Library's website before heading to any of our Library locations. 

Or, if you prefer, you can give us a call during open hours at 510.981.6100 to check for any Covid-19 related service changes.
 
Decisions to revert to Outdoor Pickup and/or close Library locations are not made lightly and are only made when absolutely critical to centering staff and patron safety. Through this latest surge, we will do all we can to continue consistent and responsive service delivery, as we have done throughout the pandemic. 
 
Note that you can always request Outdoor Services at any of our locations if you prefer to pick up your holds that way; no appointment is necessary, just ask staff at the door. Also, the Book-By-Mail service is available to all Berkeley residents throughout the pandemic.
 
Thank you for all you do to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, including making sure your mask fully covers both your nose and mouth when you come to the Library. 
 
We hope to see you inside or outside our libraries, very soon!
 
Upcoming Programs

One on One Tech Help via Zoom

Mondays
Sign up for sessions.
 
 
English as a Second Language (ESL) virtual Conversation Club

Tuesdays at 10:30 am & Wednesdays at 4 pm
 
Lawyer Appointments 

Thursdays 
Sign up for phone sessions.
Berkeley & Portland LGBTQ Virtual Book Club:

Jonny Appleseed
by Joshua Whitehead

Saturday, January 8
11 am

Teens: Masala Chai break at Central before heading to school

Monday, January 10
9:15 am
 
Thank you to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation for the Charlie Cart which will be used to provide teens these refreshments.

Financial Workshops via Zoom:
Saving for College & Retirement Planning

Tuesday, January 11 at 7 pm - or -  Friday, January 14 at 10 am
 
Urban Sketching at Sather Gate on the UC Berkeley Campus 

Thursday, January 13
2:30 pm
 
 
Virtual Children's Craft

Thursday, January 13
3:30 pm
 
(pick up free supplies at Central beginning the weekend before the program)
 
 
Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop in front of the Tool Lending Library 

Saturday, January 15
12 noon
 
Popping the Science Bubble:
UC Cal Scientist Virtual Lecture Series

Tuesday, January 18
5:30 pm
 
Financial Workshops via Zoom:
Long Term Care, Medicare Basics & Wealth Preservation

Tuesday, January 18 at 7 pm - or - Friday, January 21 at 10 am

Demons, Creatures & Monsters Curator Talk

Thursday, January 20
6pm
 
In partnership with the San Francisco Asian Art Museum
 
BPL Monthly Book Club:
 
Notes from a Young Black Chef
by Kwame Onwuachi

Tuesday, January 25
2 pm
 
Super Cinema Suggestions on a Friday: Film Streaming Recommendations

January theme: "Cheer for Dark Nights"
Library Love Letters Virtual Celebration:
25 Years with Berkeley Public Library Foundation

Stream Anytime February 12 & 13
 
For 25 years, the Berkeley Public Library Foundation (BPLF) has funded library renovations, innovations, and projects to serve our community.
 
All are invited to a fun virtual celebration to kick off the anniversary year – sharing milestones, stories, history, and, most importantly, love letters from Library fans from Berkeley and beyond.
 
Program features storyteller and librarian Michael Kwende; Annie Barrows, author of the beloved children's books Ivy & Bean and the new Iggy book series; R.C. Barnes, sci-fi/mystery author of the YA Tattoo Teller series; Robert Reich, economist, former Secretary of Labor, and author of many books including the latest THE SYSTEM: Who Rigged It, How To Fix It.

Free registration: Click here. 
 
Check the online calendar for a complete list of Library events.
 
Programming is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.
New Items in the Collection
 
Place holds on our newest items

Enjoy browsing theses lists of newly acquired items in a variety of genres, from poetry to short stories to cookbooks and travel guidebooks.
Your Library posts on Facebook & Instagram
 
All Library Locations will be CLOSED:
 
Monday, January 17 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday
 
From all of us at Berkeley Public Library, we wish you a Happy & Healthy 2022!
 
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge St.
Berkeley, California 94704
510.981.6100
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/