Children's Books, Events, & More!
Celebrating Asian American
and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
 
 
 
Birds-erkeley with the Cal Falcons
Cal Falcons Family Program
 
Saturday, May 21st
3:30-4:15PM
On Zoom! Register online
  
We will hear from Lynn and Sean, ornithologists (bird scientists) about the Cal Berkeley falcon family and learn about observing wildlife with and without binoculars.
 
 
Plus, find fun falcon facts, activities, the nest webcam, and more on our Book Adventures page!
 
 
 
And... coming soon to Berkeley Public Library - Binocular Bags!
Thanks to a generous donation from the Cal Falcons, the Berkeley Public Library will be offering binocular bags for check out to library card holders beginning Monday, May 21.
 
Binocular bags contain:
  • a pair of Vortex-Raptor binoculars
  • a copy of The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western America
  • a pocket guide to local birds of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Starting May 21st, binocular bags can be placed on hold by going to the library catalog. Thank you, Cal Falcons, for this exciting service at your public library!
 
Summer Reading Kickoff!
Join us for our big
Off the Beaten Path"
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Saturday, June 4th, 2:00-4:00PM
OUTSIDE at the Central Library (2090 Kittredge St.)
 
*Arts and crafts with Museum of Children's Art*
*Mobile Exhibit and Craft with the Pollinator Posse*
*FREE Ice cream from Straus Family Creamery*
(while supplies last)
 
When you sign up for summer reading, you will get a free paperback book!
 
Stay for performances:
2:30 PM - Clowning and Juggling with Coventry and Kaluza
3:00 PM - Music with the Storytime Band
3:30 PM - Zumba for all ages with Becca
 
Adults who sign up for summer reading at this event are eligible for an early prize drawing of two tickets to a summer performance at an SF Opera show! 
 
Librarian Armin Recommends...
We're featuring some reviews from our Children's Staff!
This month Librarian Armin is highlighting two picture books, one 
in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
and the other as part of the LIbrary's #PlantWildflowers Series
 
Drawn together
Written by Minh Le
Illustrated by Dan Santat
 
How do a Thai-speaking grandfather and his English-speaking grandson spend their time together, considering the divide of language and age separating them? How will they communicate as they spend their time together? When the bored young boy brings out his paper and markers, and his grandfather pulls out his sketchbook and paintbrush, will their wizard and warrior battle together against the fierce dragon? Spare text and dynamic illustrations meld two cultures to bring forth a magical world, that will delight in many different ways!
 
A Butterfly is Patient
Written by Diana Hutts Aston
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
 
It's that time of year when we see butterflies all over, flying around, pollinating our flowers, laying eggs. Here is a book that celebrates butterflies with text that is lyrical and informative, paired with realistic illustrations that are spectacular! It offers factual tidbits on butterfly metamorphosis, migration and more. At the same time, it takes delightful license pointing out these butterflies' various attributes ("A butterfly is creative." "A butterfly is helpful.").  Although this is a children's book, its elegant, enchanting beauty will be enjoyed by all ages. Also enjoy these companion books by the same author/illustrator pair: A Seed is Sleepy, An Egg is Quiet and A Rock is Lively.
 
More Events!
Please note: Outdoor events occur weather permitting
Japanese Taiko Drumming
w/ Kristy Oshiro
@North

Friday, May 27th
3:30-4:00PM
 
Learn about the Japanese art of Taiko drumming. Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums as language, culture, and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You may even get a chance to play the drums yourself!
All ages are welcome. 


 
Special Story Times
at the Salsa Festival
 
Saturday, May 21st
1:00PM and 3:00PM
 
Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers and their families are all welcome. 
 
Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park
2151 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
 
You can also find the Library there at a table with lots of goodies: 10AM-4PM
 
We'll resume our regular
Story Time
@ Downtown Farmer's Market
Saturday, May 28th
(and every Saturday following)
at 10:30AM

Musical Story Time
Summer Park Tour
 
Please join us
Thursday mornings at 10:30AM
for live music, movement activities, and stories with our story time band.
 
For children ages 2-6, but younger and older children are welcome.
 
Bateman Mall Park
3027 Colby St.
Thursdays, June 2nd and June 9th
 
George Florence Park
2121 10th St.
Thursdays, June 16th and June 23rd
 
Virginia-McGee Totland
1644 Virginia St.
Thursdays, June 30th and July 7th
 
Prince Street Mini Park
1631 Prince St.
Thursdays, July 14th and July 21st

Benvenue Beats Mini Music Festival
 Friday, June 24th
3:00-6:00PM
 
Join us at the Claremont Branch for three hours of live music!
 
We'll be closing down the street for an open-air event featuring some of the Bay Area's finest performers. 
 
All ages are welcome. See you there!
 
3:00pm - Asheba
4:00pm - Cascada de Flores
5:00pm - California Blue Runners
 

Yoga Story Time
@Grove Street Park
 
Friday, May 27th at 3:00PM
 
Please bring mats and/or blankets to place on the grass or pavement.

Story Time @ Grove Street Park
 
Tuesdays at 10:30AM
 
Located at 1730 Oregon St.
Near the picnic tables
and toddler play area
Story Time on the Lawn
@ North Branch
 
Wednesdays at 10:30AM
 
On the lawn next to North Branch
1170 The Alameda

Stay updated on events on our website!
Check out the online calendar for a complete list of upcoming virtual and outdoor events at the Library.
 
Programming is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.
 
 

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