Berkeley Public Library:
Winter Hours begin Monday

Beginning this Monday, December 21, 2020, Berkeley Public Library will shift our hours slightly: Outdoor Pickup at all locations will end at 6pm daily. The Library made this decision as part of our ongoing efforts to center patron and staff safety amidst the recent Covid-19 surge in the Bay Area. 
 
Winter hours will remain in effect until at least January 31, 2021. Any extension of these hours will be announced in subsequent emails and the Library's website always has the most recent updates on Library services and hours during Covid-19. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to send us an email or call us at 510.981.6100 during the Central Library's open hours to speak with Library staff.
 
Unable to come to Outdoor Pickup? During Covid-19 the Library has expanded the books by mail service. Applications are available on our website or call 510.981.6177 for more information. 
 
Thank you for all you are doing to help stop the spread of Covid-19 in our community.

There's a long way to go before we see the end of this pandemic, but as Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez said this week, "In this darkest hour, the vaccine gives us a beacon to show the direction we're headed. The actions and daily habits we each take increase the light on that path and improve safety for all." Thank you for continuing to socially distance, hand wash, wear your mask, and avoid gatherings. 
 
We hope to see you at Outdoor Pickup or online during a Virtual Program, sometime soon.
 
 All of us at the Library wish you and your loved ones a safe and Happy New Year!
 
Library Programming
There are a variety of virtual programs being offered in the final weeks of December!

Browse the Library's online event calendar.
 
NorCal Bats

Monday, December 21
10:30am
 
Learn about Northern California bats, the myths that surround them, and the importance of bats in our environment. Meet a few rescue bats and ask all about them!
 
1:1 Tech Help via Zoom

Mondays, by appointment
 
Get help via Zoom on how to stay connected with your loved ones virtually, how to download e-books, tips on using different software, and so much more.
 
Covered California Health Insurance Enrollment

Monday, December 21
6pm
 
Learn about enrollment from UC Berkeley's California Health Professional Student Alliance.
 
Virtual Storytime

Wednesdays @ 11am
 
Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and more during virtual family storytime on Facebook! 
 
ESL Conversation Club

Wednesdays @ 4pm
 
Join in for a conversation in a friendly and relaxed setting via Zoom. 
All levels of ESL learners are welcome to join from the comfort of your own home (family and pets welcome too!)
 
Programming is made possible by the generous support of the 
Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.
 
Three Great Ways to Discover New Reads

 
1 - Check the
New Arrival Lists

Check back often to discover the latest books, CDs and movies available for you to place on hold and check out!
2 - Subscribe to
Monthly Book Picks Newsletters
 
Choose from 20+ genres and receive monthly reading recommendations, right to your inbox!
3 - Use the Personalized Book Picks Service

Fill out a form listing your interests and we will place holds on books just for you! You will receive an email when they are ready for Outdoor Pickup at the Library location you choose.
 
 
 "Thank you for taking the time and thought to pick out some books for my kid.
She loves this program [personalized book picks] (her 2nd time using it) and I wanted to let you know how the books were received.

I applaud Berkeley Public Library for pivoting and working so hard to help keep us all reading. I've always loved books and libraries, and now I love y'all even more."
 
Feeling social? 
 
Connect with your Library on Facebook & Instagram.
 
 
Reminder: Covid-19 Information and Updates
Updates on Library Services during Covid-19:
 
We will continue to provide updates via this e-newsletter, on social media and in our FAQs on our website:
 
berkeleypubliclibrary.org/coronavirus.
 
For the latest Covid-19 news from the City of Berkeley please refer to:
 
www.cityofberkeley.info/coronavirus.
 
 
HOLIDAY CLOSURES:
 
Outdoor Pickup will be closed on
December 24, December 25 and January 1. 
 
 
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge St.
Berkeley, California 94704
510.981.6100
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/