Berkeley Public Library:
August Happenings
Tool Lending Resumes Monday, July 27

Outdoor pickup of library books at all five library locations is a success!
Now, it is time to resume tool lending, with Covid-19 procedures in place.
Here is the process for tool lending during Covid-19:
  • Beginning Monday, July 27th, call the Tool Lending Library at 510.981.6101 to reserve tools for Outside Pickup. Access to tools will only be available if you have reserved the item by phone. Tool Lending Library Specialists will provide assistance and place tools on hold for you by phone only; you cannot place holds via the online catalog or in-person at the Library at this time. 
     
  • If your tool is available when you call, you may come immediately to the Tool Lending Library to pick it up. If the item is not immediately available, you will receive a hold notice when it is ready for you. Most patrons choose to receive hold notices via email. Let the Tool Lending Specialist know how you prefer to be notified.
     
  • Holds must be picked up within 3 days.
     
  • All tools may now be checked out for up to 7 days!
     
  • Returns are now being accepted at the Tool Lending Library during open hours. Please do not return tools via our book return slots.
Strict Covid-19 protocols are in place. Returned materials will be quarantined and not checked into your account for a minimum of 72 hours after you return your items. Handles on tools will be sanitized by Library staff. Face coverings are required for service, as is strict adherence to 6 feet of social distancing between patrons and staff.
 
Virtual Program: Magic with Mike Della Pena
Tuesday, July 28
10:30 am
 
Magician Mike Della Penna captivates with his fun, laughter-filled, participatory magic shows. Watch a clip of Mike.
 
 
Beginning in August:
Virtual Storytime every Wednesday
Every Wednesday at 11am
Begins August 5
 
Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, and more during virtual family storytime on Facebook Live.
 
Summer Reading ends August 15
Summer Reading is still happening. You have until August 15 to sign up and finish!

Finishers may enter a drawing for a variety of prizes. 

Reminder: All participants receive a free book!  

Come to Outside Pickup at the branch that you indicated when you registered to pick-up your sign-up book. Due to Covid-19 procedures, give us one week to select and prepare the book for you before coming to pick it up. Don't forget to come pick it up! If you don't remember which branch your book is at, contact us. 
 
Summer reading is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library and the California State Library. 
 
Census 2020 Fun: Chalk Art Contest
Children ages 5 to 18 may win a $50 Visa gift card by participating in a chalk art contest.

Pick up a packet of chalk plus contest instructions at any of the Library's locations while supplies last.

The deadline for entries is August 8.
 
Learn more @alamedacountycensus2020
 
Personalized Book Picks by Library staff...
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 
  3. Pick up your books at Outside Pickup
  4. Enjoy!
 
Recent Patron Comment:
 
Thank you so much!!
This is truly the GREATEST service, and can't tell you how grateful we are. 
 
Learning from Home: eBooks on Overdrive
Gearing up for supporting the children in your life as they learn from home?

Here are some e-books available to support you!
 
#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. 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.
 
Recent Patron Comment:

Dear Berkeley Public Library, 
I had my first [outdoor] pickup experience today at the North Branch.
It was utterly seamless.
Thank you so very much for figuring out how to do this during these troubled chaotic times!!
You are the best. 
 
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.
 
 
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge St.
Berkeley, California 94704
510.981.6100
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/