December Happenings at Berkeley Public Library
photo of a table filled with food and hands poised to eat
Need some new recipes? 

It's the time of year when many of us spend extra time in the kitchen.

Whether you are preparing for a potluck, planning a family get together or baking treats to share with your neighbors it can be fun to try out some new flavors, dishes and techniques. 
 
Search our catalog for everything culinary. We have resources for the novice to the expert chef.

Here are lists of a few recommended titles, curated by our Librarians, to get your searches started:

Staff Picks: Epicurean Delights
 
Berkeley Eats
 
Community, Tradition and Cooking
 
 
Read on for some featured programming this month:
 
side profile of Mr. Cortez

Youth Speaks Writing Workshop for Teens
with Gabriel Cortez of YouthSpeaks
 
Dec 5 - 4pm
Central

In this writing and performance workshop, teenagers will work with words to explore their own voices, identity, power, and imagination. 

Gabriel Cortez is a poet and teaching artist whose work been featured on KQED, Upworthy and the Huffington Post as well as performed in front of thousands in venues such as the Oracle Arena, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall.

As we prepare for a new Teen Space at Central, we look forward to having capacity for more programs like this, programs and events that inspire and empower our Berkeley youth.
 
Young woman holding up a card that says "be prepared"

Disaster Preparedness
for People with Disabilities
 
Dec 13th - 2pm
Jan 17th - 2pm
Feb 8th - 2pm
March 20th - 2pm


Claremont
 
Please join us for a series of presentations on disaster preparedness planning for people with disabilities and seniors by Walter Delson from Easy Does It Emergency Services. Receive a free "Go Kit" (while supplies last) with emergency supplies to start you on your journey toward being better prepared.
 
Introduction to Ayurveda:
A 5,000 year-old tradition of holistic healing from India

Dec 14 - 11am
Tarea Hall Pittman South
 
Drag Queen Story Hour

Dec 28 - 3:30pm
Central
Maker Series:
Crafting & STEM Learning


Dec 21 - 1pm
North
More Library Events & Programs
on the
ONLINE CALENDAR


a calendar of the month of December

We've highlighted just a few of the many programs happening this month. Please explore our events calendar. 

All Library events are free and open to the public. 

Programming is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.

 
Reminder: Central Space Improvements Happening Soon
A photo of the stairs and front entryway of the Central library

First the Branches. Now... time for Central!

Throughout December you may see Library staff at Central hard at work preparing for the renovations that will begin early next year.
 
Improvements include:
  1. COMFORTABLE SPACES - Beautifully designed areas for reading, studying and browsing our collections. Additional seating options of varied types on both the 1st & 2nd floors.
  2. TEEN ROOM - Dedicated Teen Room on the 1st floor with engagement, programming, collections and learning opportunities for teens.
  3. IMPROVED LIGHTING & FLOORING - Updated flooring on the 1st floor and lighting enhancements throughout the 1st & 2nd floors.
  4. PLACES TO GATHER & LEARN - A public programming space on the 2nd floor easily accessible for all.
  5. MORE BATHROOMS - Gender neutral bathrooms to ensure safe and comfortable access to bathrooms for everyone.
  6. MODERNIZED COMPUTER AREA - Public computer area designed to enable laptop use alongside desktop access.
We will keep you posted throughout construction as to what expect. 
 
The Berkeley Public Library Foundation has raised over $600,000 for these high-impact improvements.

These plans have been in the works since 2014; we can't wait for you to experience the new spaces!
 
Ebooks and Digital Audiobooks
Two people looking at a tablet with coffee cups nearby

Have You Experienced Libby yet?

A large collection of ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to download or stream through our Libby (Overdrive) service.

Download the app, then listen or read on your computer, e-reader, smart phone, Kindle or tablet.

Check the calendar for drop-in tech help sessions at our Libraries. North Branch hosts one the first Tuesday of every month.
 
 
Give the Gift of a Great Read!
a stack of books with a cord around them, tied in a bow

The Friends of the Berkeley Public Library 
Bookstore 
may be a gift giver's 
affordable treasure trove...
 
Throughout December, the Friends' Channing Bookstore will feature gift-quality books, CDs and DVDs at very special sale prices. The Central Library Store will have carts with special weekly sales. 

Money raised by the Friends helps pay for many of the events and programming at Berkeley Public Library.

 

ALL LIBRARY LOCATIONS WILL BE CLOSED:
 
Tuesday, December 24th
Wednesday, December 25th
 
ALL LIBRARY LOCATIONS WILL CLOSE EARLY:
 
Tuesday, December 31st - 6pm
 

 
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge St.
Berkeley, California 94704
510.981.6100
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/