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Image for event: Popping the Science Bubble @ Central

Popping the Science Bubble @ Central

Rewriting plant DNA & Bacteria-virus conflict
2026-03-17 17:30:00 2026-03-17 19:00:00 America/Los_Angeles Popping the Science Bubble @ Central A UC Berkeley seminar series Central Library - Mystery Room

Tuesday, March 17
5:30pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-03-17 17:30:00 2026-03-17 19:00:00 America/Los_Angeles Popping the Science Bubble @ Central A UC Berkeley seminar series Central Library - Mystery Room

Central Library

Mystery Room

A UC Berkeley seminar series

Learn about cutting-edge research happening at UC Berkeley, directly from the scientists themselves. Join Popping the Science Bubble on Tuesday, March 17 at 5:30 pm at the Central Library in the second floor Mystery Room or join us virtually on Zoom: http://bit.ly/PtSBBerkeley (register at the link).

This month's presentations will be:

  • Sneaking into cells: How plants are helping rewrite their own DNA — Kylee Hillman, Chemistry
  • The 3-billion year war: How bacteria-virus conflict shapes our world — Emily Kibby, Plant and Microbial Biology

Learn more at the Science Bubble website.

Watch past talks on Youtube.

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Sci, Tech, Engineering & Math | Community Event |

Wheelchair accessible. Request sign language interpreter, real-time captioning, materials in large print, braille, or other accommodations by calling 510-981-6195 (Library) or the 510-981-6347 (City of Berkeley TDD line). Please refrain from scented products during public programs.

 

Many library programs are funded by the generous support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. Thank you, Friends!

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Berkeley History Room Open Hours @Central - Every Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pm
Wed, Apr 29, 10:00am - 1:00pm
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North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Join us at North Branch for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun! This 30-minute story time is geared towards children ages 2-5.
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Wed, Apr 29, 11:00am - 11:30am
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
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Central Library - Community Meeting Room
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Wed, Apr 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
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Wed, Apr 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - South Teen Room
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Teen Hangout @Claremont
Wed, Apr 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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Come on down to Claremont Branch every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm starting August 20th.
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Central Library
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Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
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Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
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Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
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Fri, May 01, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Social Services Drop-In @North
Fri, May 01, 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Branch
Join our Social Services Specialist for support on various services, including healthcare, housing, and employment.
Family Place Parent-Child Playshops - for ages 0-3 and their parents and caregivers
Fri, May 01, 10:15am - 11:15am
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Enjoy open-ended, child-directed play with a variety of toys and art activities, learn from community resource professionals on topics such as nutrition and child development & hear a story and song.
Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
Fri, May 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library - Electronic Classroom
Drop in tech help
Super Cinema
Fri, May 01, 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Movies from all genres and eras.
Teen TTRPGs @North
Fri, May 01, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
North Branch - North Teen Room
Beginner and seasoned adventurers alike are invited to join us for chill afternoons telling inclusive, collaborative stories through tabletop role playing games!
Collage Club @Central A&M
Fri, May 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - Art & Music Study Hall
Whether you're a seasoned collage maker or you've never tried to collage before, bring out your inner artist with this simple and engaging art form!
Opera For Kids: The Barber of Seville + Opera glasses craft - Shortened film version of the classic opera for kids
Fri, May 01, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library
Opera in an Hour programs are presented in partnership with San Francisco Opera
Leamos autoras - Club de lectura en español (virtual)
Fri, May 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Virtual
¡Bienvenides al club de lectura en español de la Biblioteca Pública de Berkeley!
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Sat, May 02, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Tai Chi on the Lawn @North
Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
North Branch - North Branch Lawn
Join instructor Sky Sandoval on the lawn of the North Branch for an introduction to the world of Tai Chi. This weekly event is open to all adults wanting to learn more about this ancient artform.
Puzzle Swap @Claremont
Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
Claremont Branch
Exchange your old puzzles for new ones at our Puzzle Swap every other month!
Sewing Circle @Central - Make or Mend
Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Drop in and use one of our sewing machines.
Rescheduled
Puzzle Swap @Claremont
Sat, May 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
New date Saturday, May 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
Claremont Branch
Exchange your old puzzles for new ones at our Puzzle Swap every other month!
Family Story Time @Central CCR
Sat, May 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
Join us for fun stories and songs in the Central Children's Room on the 4th Floor of the Central Branch!
Berkeley & Portland LGBTQIA+ Book Club
Sat, May 02, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Virtual
Monthly book club featuring prominent Queer characters and themes!
Ukulele Club
Sat, May 02, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Play ukulele with us. No experience needed, bring your own ukulele or use one of ours!
Polaroid Party @Claremont
Sat, May 02, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Come celebrate Free Comic Book Day with us!
Spring Egg Painting - Celebrate Nowruz
Sat, May 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library
Celebrate spring with egg painting inspired by the holiday of Nowruz
Conflict Deescalation @Claremont
Sat, May 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Sima Savdharia, founder of Mediation & Healing Justice, hosts a 2-hour Conflict Deescalation training.
Chess @North
Sat, May 02, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Chess on the first Saturday of the month
Author Talk with Jeff Chang @THP South - Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America
Sat, May 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Join writer, host and cultural organizer Jeff Chang to discuss his new book Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America.
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Sun, May 03, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Mon, May 04, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Social Services Drop-In @THPS
Mon, May 04, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
Join our Social Services Specialist for support on various services, including healthcare, housing, and employment.
East Bay Vivarium@ North Branch
Mon, May 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Lawn,North Branch Meeting Room
Have a wild time with the East Bay Vivarium's Traveling Reptile Show!
Benefits Lawyer in the Library @Central
Mon, May 04, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library
Have questions about benefits? Need support with public assistance programs?
Monday Evening Storytime @Central CCR
Mon, May 04, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Central Library
Jump into your jammies and join us for stories, songs, puppets, and more!
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Tue, May 05, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Social Services Drop-In @Claremont
Tue, May 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Claremont Branch
Join our Social Services Specialist for support on various services, including healthcare, housing, and employment.
Baby/Toddler Storytime @THP South - Books, lapjogs, rhymes, music and more
Tue, May 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
This is a participatory program for you to playfully interact with your child while they are engaging in pre-literacy activities.
Beads For Every Body @West
Tue, May 05, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Hey families, stop by West every First Tuesday of the Month between 3:30-5:00pm and make a beautiful, beaded bracelet.
Kodomo no hi @North
Tue, May 05, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Branch - North Branch Lawn
In Japan, May 5 is Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day). Please join us at North Branch to celebrate!
Fiber Arts @Central - Where Knitters and Crocheters Meet!
Tue, May 05, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Come play with yarn or hop on a sewing machine.
LEGO Club @Central CCR
Tue, May 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
Join us for a weekly LEGO club on Tuesday evenings from 4:30-6:00PM
Minhwa Folk Art Guided Paint and Sip @Central
Tue, May 05, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Central Library - Mystery Room
Come celebrate AAPI Heritage Month through art! This guided paint and sip will allow you to create your own masterpiece while enjoying some delicious mocktails!
This event is full
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Wed, May 06, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Berkeley History Room Open Hours @Central - Every Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pm
Wed, May 06, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Central Library - Berkeley History Room
Visit the Berkeley History Room, located inside the Central Library in the southeast corner of the 2nd Floor Fiction Reading Room, during open hours every Wednesday from 10:00am-1:00pm.
Storytime @North
Wed, May 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Join us at North Branch for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun! This 30-minute story time is geared towards children ages 2-5.
Stay & Play @North
Wed, May 06, 11:00am - 11:30am
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
An opportunity for kids to play with toys, soft blocks, and musical instruments after storytime.
Insight Housing @Central
Wed, May 06, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Central Library
The SSVF Alameda Team will be on-site to support veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Teen Hangout @North
Wed, May 06, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Teen games & snacks!
Teen Hangout @THP South
Wed, May 06, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - South Teen Room
For 6th-12th grade students: join us for snacks, games, movies, and crafts each Wednesday after school in the THP South Teen Room.
Teen Hangout @Claremont
Wed, May 06, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Come on down to Claremont Branch every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm starting August 20th.
Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
Wed, May 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Electronic Classroom
Drop in tech help
Dungeons & Dragons @Central
Wed, May 06, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library - Teen Room
Teens! Come join us for Dungeons and Dragons Club at Central the first and third Wednesday of each month from 3:30pm-5:30pm.
The Mysterious World of the Bull Kelp Forest @North - Author Talk
Wed, May 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Author Josie Iselin and illustrator Ellen Litwiller visit North Branch.
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Thu, May 07, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Playreaders Circle @Central - Bringing Plays to Life
Thu, May 07, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Central Library - Berkeley History Room
Gathering Together to Read a Different Play each Month
Chess at Central
Thu, May 07, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
Join us for casual chess every Thursday from 3pm-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons!
Family Game Night @West
Thu, May 07, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Families, join us for family fun with new and classic board games!
Introduction to the Citizenship Process - Virtual
Thu, May 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Are you interested in becoming a US citizen and want more information? Join us every 1st Thursday on Zoom for our Citizenship Information session.
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Fri, May 08, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Family Place Parent-Child Playshops - for ages 0-3 and their parents and caregivers
Fri, May 08, 10:15am - 11:15am
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Enjoy open-ended, child-directed play with a variety of toys and art activities, learn from community resource professionals on topics such as nutrition and child development & hear a story and song.
Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
Fri, May 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library - Electronic Classroom
Drop in tech help
Community Craft Circle @THP South
Fri, May 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Community Craft Circle, work on your knitting, crochet, embroidery, or any craft you like!  This is not a class, so there will be no instruction, but we learn from each other and enjoy conversation.
Super Cinema
Fri, May 08, 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Movies from all genres and eras.
Teen TTRPGs @North
Fri, May 08, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
North Branch - North Teen Room
Beginner and seasoned adventurers alike are invited to join us for chill afternoons telling inclusive, collaborative stories through tabletop role playing games!
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Sat, May 09, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Tai Chi on the Lawn @North
Sat, May 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
North Branch - North Branch Lawn
Join instructor Sky Sandoval on the lawn of the North Branch for an introduction to the world of Tai Chi. This weekly event is open to all adults wanting to learn more about this ancient artform.
Family Story Time @Central CCR
Sat, May 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
Join us for fun stories and songs in the Central Children's Room on the 4th Floor of the Central Branch!
Berkeley City Ballet @Central
Sat, May 09, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
Excerpts from Sleeping Beauty!
The Poet and the Silk Girl by Satsuki Ina @ Central
Sat, May 09, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Mystery Room
Satsuki Ina author of: The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest discusses her book, as well as her work and activism.
May Death Cafe @Central
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
A Friendly Gathering with Strangers to Chat about Death.
Register
May Painting Workshop @Claremont - Flower Paining with Yami Carrion
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Paint with local artist and educator Yami Carrion in this free, hands-on program for artists of all ages and abilities.
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Sun, May 10, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Mon, May 11, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
May Blooms @Claremont - Chinese Brush Painting class with Pauline Tsui
Mon, May 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Claremont. Paint flowers and fruits with lucky meanings with Pauline Tsui. Call 510-981-6280 to reserve your space.
Monday Evening Storytime @Central CCR
Mon, May 11, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Central Library
Jump into your jammies and join us for stories, songs, puppets, and more!
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Tue, May 12, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Baby/Toddler Storytime @THP South - Books, lapjogs, rhymes, music and more
Tue, May 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
This is a participatory program for you to playfully interact with your child while they are engaging in pre-literacy activities.
Parent-Child Sewing Workshop @North - With Kathe Boyd
Tue, May 12, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Learn to sew in a supportive and fun environment!
Electronic Music-Making Studio @ Central CMR - play and learn music creation with Ableton
Tue, May 12, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library - Art & Music Study Hall
Drop-in, open-studio to play with Ableton music software and instruments -- learn how to make your own song *basic computer skills required*
Grad Cap Workshop @Central
Tue, May 12, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library - Teen Room
Attention 2026 graduates... turn your graduation cap into a masterpiece!
LEGO Club @Central CCR
Tue, May 12, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
Join us for a weekly LEGO club on Tuesday evenings from 4:30-6:00PM
Pop Up Creative Lab @Central
Tue, May 12, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
A creative makerspace pop-up where patrons can explore fun tools for making at the library.
Your Resume Summary Section: Ways to Compel Interest
Tue, May 12, 5:00pm - 6:15pm
Virtual
An interactive event for job seekers
Autistic Connections @THP South - Autism Support Group and Social Club
Tue, May 12, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
A supportive and inclusive autism support group and social club
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Wed, May 13, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Berkeley History Room Open Hours @Central - Every Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pm
Wed, May 13, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Central Library - Berkeley History Room
Visit the Berkeley History Room, located inside the Central Library in the southeast corner of the 2nd Floor Fiction Reading Room, during open hours every Wednesday from 10:00am-1:00pm.
Storytime @North
Wed, May 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Join us at North Branch for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun! This 30-minute story time is geared towards children ages 2-5.
Stay & Play @North
Wed, May 13, 11:00am - 11:30am
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
An opportunity for kids to play with toys, soft blocks, and musical instruments after storytime.
Teen Hangout @North
Wed, May 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Teen games & snacks!
Teen Hangout @THP South
Wed, May 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - South Teen Room
For 6th-12th grade students: join us for snacks, games, movies, and crafts each Wednesday after school in the THP South Teen Room.
Teen Hangout @Claremont
Wed, May 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Come on down to Claremont Branch every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm starting August 20th.
Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
Wed, May 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Electronic Classroom
Drop in tech help
Knitting Circle @North
Wed, May 13, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Knitting Circle @North
Monthly Board Game Night @West
Wed, May 13, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Your Turn! A monthly board game night for the curious and the adventurous at Berkeley Public Library West Branch :)
Trivia Night @Claremont
Wed, May 13, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Test your general knowledge at Claremont's Trivia Night. Bring a team or join one here.
See all events