February Happenings
Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, February 5, 10:30am
 
Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with us! Join us for a story time, crafts, lion dancing with Leung's White Crane Lion Dancers, and a Cal Taiko drum performance.  Fun for all ages!
 
This program will be in person, outside at Central Library at Kittredge and Harold Way.
Cooking Demonstration & Virtual Author Talk with Kristen Cho, author of Mooncakes & Milk Bread

Monday, February 7, 4pm
 
Named one of the Best Cookbooks of 2021 by the New Yorker, Mooncakes and Milk Bread brings together personal storytelling with fresh, uncomplicated interpretations of classic recipes for the modern baker. Cho will cook Fried Sesame Balls and share what Lunar New Year means to her.
Teens: Smoothies in front of Central 

Thursday, February 10, 3:30pm
 
BHS teens, stop by the Library after school for an out-of-this-world smoothie... and a photo op with an astronaut! 
 
Thank you to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation for generously funding the Library’s Charlie Cart used to prepare and serve the smoothies and to the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library for sponsoring the smoothie ingredients.
Biking in Wet Weather Outdoor Workshop

Saturday, February 12, 11am
 
Riding comfortably in the rain can be easy and fun by planning ahead and using a bit of additional gear. Learn about: 
  • Equipment to consider
  • Clothing and accessories options
  • Seeing and being seen in the rain and low light conditions
  • Keeping clean: Both you and your bike
  • How to improve bike handling and avoid crashes on wet streets
Cal Scientist Virtual Lecture

Tuesday, February 15, 5:30pm
 
“Good Viruses: Powerful Tools Deliver a Next Generation of Life-Saving Medicines” - Molecular & Cell Biologist Adam Schieferecke

“Cerebral Visual Impairment: A Brain-Based Visual Condition” - Vision Scientist Reem Almagati, OD
Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, February 22, 2pm
 
This month's read:
 
Liar's Dictionary by Eley Williams
*register and pick up your free book (to keep)!
 
Engineers in Training: Online Workshop for Kids

Thursday, February, 24, 3:30pm
 
In celebration of National Engineers Week, learn about engineering examples in the Bay Area and then participate in a hands-on STEM activity with an engineer from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Drumming Outdoors on the Lawn at North

Saturday, February 26, 11am
 
Enjoy African drumming, songs, dancing, and stories with Onye Onyemaechi of Village Rhythms. All ages are invited to come out and dance - you won't be able to sit still once the drums start playing! 
There are more events in February! Check the online event calendar.
 
 
Programming is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.
From the Berkeley Public Library Foundation:
Stream the *free* 25th Anniversary Virtual Celebration Feb 12-13

Since 1997, the Foundation has been a critical partner with our Berkeley Public Library, funding essential improvements, new technology and literacy programs, and librarian-led innovations, all fostering community equity and inclusion and making our library one of the best anywhere.

To kick off our quarter-century celebration, the Foundation invites you to join them for a special 25-minute virtual event. Hear fun library stories from authors and community members including Ivy & Bean creator Annie Barrows, young adult Tattoo Teller series author R.C. Barnes, and everyone’s favorite economist Robert B. Reich!

Register for free to receive the link, ready for you to enjoy anytime during the weekend of February 12 and 13.
 
Upcoming Story Times
Special Story Time with award-winning Storyteller Kirk Waller

Saturday, February 19, 10 am
 
Join us for a special story time in celebration of Black History Month with traditional African American stories and songs. This Outdoor Story Time will be held at the Grove Park play area across the street from Tarea Hall Pittman South.
Outdoors across from Tarea Hall Pittman South
 
Tuesdays at 10:30 am

Join us for books, rhymes and songs geared for toddlers and babies. Location is at Grove Street Park near the picnic tables and toddler play area.
 
Outdoors on the Lawn at North

Wednesdays at 10:30am
 
Special Saturday Session: Saturday, February 19 at 11am
 
Virtual Family Story Time

Wednesdays at 10:30am on Facebook Live
 
Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and more during virtual family storytime! Ages 0-5. You don't need to log into Facebook to watch, just click on the video. For more fun, take a look at our YouTube Bits & Pieces Playlist as well as stories with Reading is Instrumental, produced by the Berkeley Public Library Foundation and the Berkeley Symphony!
 
New Location for February! Outdoor Musical Story Time at George Florence Park in West Berkeley

Thursday February 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 10:30am
 
Please join us for outdoor story time fun at George Florence Park located at 2121 Tenth St. For children ages 2-5, but older and younger children are welcome as well.
 
 
Did you know? There is a NEW monthly Children's e-newsletter that launched in January!
 
Get the scoop on children's books, videos, upcoming events, new happenings, online resources and more.
 
Subscribe, here.
 
From the City of Berkeley City Clerk
First Set of Draft City Council District Maps Available for Review
 
Drawing from community input, the Independent Redistricting Commission is considering four draft City Council district maps. Now it is your chance to weigh in as the Commission develops the final. You can review the draft maps online at cityofberkeley.info/redistricting to see where each proposed boundary is drawn.
 
You can also see the draft maps in person, including at your nearby Library! Large printed maps are at the Central and the South Berkeley Senior Center. Mid-size maps are at each of the City’s community centers and other library branches. 
 
Virtual public meetings are scheduled to get your input before adopting the final map. 
. Input on draft maps: February 17, 6:00 pm and February 19, Time TBD
. Input on final map: Monday, February 28, 6:00 pm
. Adoption of the final map: Wednesday, March 16, 6:00 pm
More meetings may be added to the schedule, so please join our redistricting mailing list to stay connected.
 
You can also email comments to redistricting@cityofberkeley.info, or mail to the City Clerk Department, 2180 Milvia Street, 1st Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704.
 

Please note that all Library Locations will be CLOSED:
Friday, February 11th & Monday, February 21
 
 
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge St.
Berkeley, California 94704
510.981.6100
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/