Skip to main content
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
African American Poet James Cagney

Poet James Cagney @West

Poetry Reading and Discussion
2026-04-11 14:00:00 2026-04-11 15:00:00 America/Los_Angeles Poet James Cagney @West Celebrate Poetry Month with Oakland writer James Cagney. He will be reading and discussing his newest collection, Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive. West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room

Saturday, April 11
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-11 14:00:00 2026-04-11 15:00:00 America/Los_Angeles Poet James Cagney @West Celebrate Poetry Month with Oakland writer James Cagney. He will be reading and discussing his newest collection, Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive. West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room

West Branch

West Branch Meeting Room

Celebrate Poetry Month with Oakland writer James Cagney. He will be reading and discussing his newest collection, Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive.

James Cagney is a writer from Oakland, Ca. Primarily self taught as a poet, he is the author of two collections. His first, Black Steel Magnolias In The Hour of Chaos Theory, won the 2019 PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Award. Cagney’s second book, MARTIAN: The Saint Of Loneliness, is the winner of the 2021 James Laughlin Award from the Academy of American Poets. His newest collection is Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive published by Black Lawrence Press. His work has appeared in Best American Poetry, Alta, Cola, Entanglements, Beat Not Beat, SF Chronicle, and Zyzzyva.   JamesCagneypoet.com.

Books will be for sale at the event from Pegasus.  

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Authors, Books & Writing |

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!

West Branch
Phone: 510-981-6270
Hours
Skip Open Hours widget

Today's hours

Closed

We're closed Monday May 18 due to Malcolm X Day
Mon, May 18 Closed
(Malcolm X Day)
Tue, May 19 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 20 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, May 21 12:00PM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 22 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 23 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, May 24 Closed
previous
this week
next

Upcoming Events

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 18, All day
Central Library
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 18, All day
Claremont Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 18, All day
North Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 18, All day
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 18, All day
Tool Lending Library
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 18, All day
West Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Tue, May 19, 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 19, 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.
Storytime & Community Cafe@West
Tue, May 19, 10:30am - 12:00pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Community Cafe #3 for caregivers. Family 2 Family: A space to discuss the positives and challenges of family life, how to grow from those experiences, and how to build community.
Line Dancing at the Library @Central
Tue, May 19, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Mystery Room
Join us for a fun line dancing class.
Crafternoons @Claremont
Tue, May 19, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Crafternoons @Claremont
Fiber Arts @Central - Where Knitters and Crocheters Meet!
Tue, May 19, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Come play with yarn or hop on a sewing machine.
Individual Poetry Writing Workshops @Central - with poet, teacher, and Berkeley resident Ray Hsu
Tue, May 19, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Central Library - Berkeley History Room
Work one-on-one with an experienced poetry teacher to receive feedback on your own poetry and craft!
This event is full
Grad Cap Workshop @Central
Tue, May 19, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library - Teen Room
Attention 2026 graduates... turn your graduation cap into a masterpiece!
Creative Writing Space @West
Tue, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Come by West and enjoy our peaceful, friendly and community writing space. All levels of writers welcomed!
LEGO Club @Central CCR
Tue, May 19, 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
Old-time Tune Jam @Central Art & Music - hosted by Berkeley Old Time Music Convention
Tue, May 19, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library - Art & Music Study Hall
Bring your musical instrument and play American old-time repertoire in a jam-session with Berkeley Old Time Music Convention.
Popping the Science Bubble - Embryo development & Sticky science
Tue, May 19, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Central Library - Mystery Room
A UC Berkeley seminar series
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Wed, May 20, 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 20, 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 20, 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 20, 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.
Rescheduled
Spectrum Community Services @Central
Wed, May 20, 11:00am - 1:00pm
New date Wednesday, May 27, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Central Library
Need help paying your energy bill?
Teen Hangout @North
Wed, May 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Teen games & snacks!
Teen Hangout @THP South
Wed, May 20, 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.
Cancelled
Teen Hangout @Claremont
Wed, May 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Claremont Branch
Come on down to Claremont Branch every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm starting August 20th.
Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
Wed, May 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Electronic Classroom
Drop in tech help
Swords to Plowshares @Central
Wed, May 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library
Are you a veteran in need of housing and employment support?
Dungeons & Dragons @Central
Wed, May 20, 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 3:30-5:30pm.
Pop Up Creative Lab @West
Wed, May 20, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
A creative makerspace pop-up where patrons can explore fun tools for making at the library.
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Thu, May 21, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Cancelled
Musical Story Time @City of Berkeley Parks - with The Story Time Band
Thu, May 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Frances Albrier Community Center
Music, movement, and read-aloud stories for children and their caregivers
Playreaders Circle @Central - Bringing Plays to Life
Thu, May 21, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Gathering Together to Read a Different Play each Month
Chess at Central
Thu, May 21, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
Join us for casual chess every Thursday from 3pm-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons!
Read to a Dog @West
Thu, May 21, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Read to a Dog is a great way for children to practice oral fluency, spend time with a friendly dog, and have fun. For children ages 5 to 12.
Thursday Features @THP South
Thu, May 21, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Thursday Features is a monthly screening of movies in the library!
Poetry Circle @Claremont - a friendly reading circle
Thu, May 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Claremont Branch
Share poetry, your own, the famous, the ancient, something new, with friendly ears. We take several turns around the circle. Everyone is welcome, even those who just want to listen.
Cancelled
Japanese Pantry Essentials @North
Thu, May 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
North Branch
Join us to learn about essential items in the Japanese cooking pantry.
Literacy Tutor Training - Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor
Thu, May 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
West Branch - West Berkeley READS
Do you want to be a Berkeley Reads volunteer adult literacy tutor?
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Fri, May 22, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Bilingual Baby Bounce (Spanish/Español) @West - Hora de cantos y juegos para bebé
Fri, May 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Storytime in Spanish and English for babies and toddlers
Stay-n-Play @West
Fri, May 22, 11:00am - 11:30am
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Stay-n-Play a while, right after our Bilingual Baby Bounce
Social Services Drop-In @West
Fri, May 22, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
West Branch
Join our Social Services Specialist for support on various services, including healthcare, housing, and employment.
Super Cinema
Fri, May 22, 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Movies from all genres and eras.
Chess Club @Claremont - A weekly chess meet-up for all ages and levels.
Fri, May 22, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Claremont Branch Exterior
Chess Club happens every Friday from 3pm-5pm outside the Claremont Branch. All ages and skills levels are welcome. Boards, pieces and clocks are provided.
Bones at Central - Let's get in a game of bones!
Fri, May 22, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
Join us for some casual dominoes games every Friday from 3-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons!
Teen TTRPGs @North
Fri, May 22, 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!
Dim Sum Craft with Picture Book Illustrator Eugenia Yoh
Fri, May 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
Make a Dim Sum Menu with local illustrator Eugenia Yoh!
Rescheduled
Dim Sum Craft with Picture Book Illustrator Eugenia Yoh
Fri, May 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
New date Friday, May 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Central Library
Make a Dim Sum Menu with local illustrator Eugenia Yoh!
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Sat, May 23, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Kids Jewelry Making at THPS
Sat, May 23, 10:00am - 12:30pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
9th St. Labs helps participants create their own custom jewelry!
This event is full
Cancelled
Family Story Time @Central CCR
Sat, May 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Central Library
Join us for fun stories and songs in the Central Children's Room on the 4th Floor of the Central Branch!
Family Story Time with Special Guests--Pigeons!
Sat, May 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
Come to our regularly scheduled story time for books, puppets, songs, and more and stay to meet some of our feathered neighbors--pigeons!
Vietnamese Coffee @North - Exploring Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Craft
Sat, May 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Come for a workshop on Vietnamese coffee with Vina Vo.
The Movement Book Club @North - A book club for the people
Sat, May 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Come together to discuss a book, learn from others, and create meaningful connections in our community.
Cancelled
Mental Health Workshop for Kids @THP South
Sat, May 23, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
Families are invited to participate in an afternoon of exploring feelings big and small with their little ones.
Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra: Terezín Requiem
Sat, May 23, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Central Library
60th anniversary celebration for Berkeley's Community Chorus & Orchestra.
The Anatomy of a Song @ Central - Hosted by violinist, vocalist and teacher Lila Sklar
Sat, May 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - Art & Music Study Hall
Explore the inner workings of music and why it moves us
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Sun, May 24, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 25, All day
Central Library
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 25, All day
Claremont Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 25, All day
North Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 25, All day
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 25, All day
Tool Lending Library
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Closure - Holiday
Mon, May 25, All day
West Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Tue, May 26, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Machine sewing for beginners @Claremont
Tue, May 26, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Learn the basics of machine sewing with Kathe Boyd in this small, hands-on class that will teach the basics.
Baby/Toddler Storytime @THP South - Books, lapjogs, rhymes, music and more
Tue, May 26, 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.
Book Club: The Poet and the Silk Girl
Tue, May 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
A mostly literary fiction Book Club on Zoom.
Crafternoons @Claremont
Tue, May 26, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Crafternoons @Claremont
Electronic Music-Making Studio @ Central CMR - play and learn music creation with Ableton
Tue, May 26, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
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 26, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library - Teen Room
Attention 2026 graduates... turn your graduation cap into a masterpiece!
Mystery Book Club @West - Bluebird, Bluebird
Tue, May 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Join us at the next Mystery Book Club meeting! We will be discussing Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke in May.
LEGO Club @Central CCR
Tue, May 26, 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
Dungeons & Dragons @West Branch - Teen Program
Tue, May 26, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
West Branch - West Teen Room
Teen Game Program
Pop Up Creative Lab @Central
Tue, May 26, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
A creative makerspace pop-up where patrons can explore fun tools for making at the library.
Resumes: Tips to Future-Proof Your Career
Tue, May 26, 5:00pm - 6:15pm
Virtual
An interactive event for job seekers
On the Record: Miles Ahead @ Central - Miles Davis Centenary Listening Session
Tue, May 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library - Art & Music Study Hall
Celebrating the music of Miles Davis on the 100th anniversary of his birth
Board Games @THP South
Tue, May 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Come make new friends, share your favorite board games, and try something new!
Romance Book Club @North
Tue, May 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Join us for a summer of love!
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Wed, May 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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.
Spectrum Community Services @Central
Wed, May 27, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Central Library
Need help paying your energy bill?
Teen Hangout @North
Wed, May 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Teen games & snacks!
Teen Hangout @THP South
Wed, May 27, 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 27, 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 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Electronic Classroom
Drop in tech help
Sewing Machine Open Studio @North
Wed, May 27, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
North Branch
Sewing machines available for your own project
Documentary Screening: And Then They Came For Us @THP South - with Director Abby Ginzberg and Satsuki Ina
Wed, May 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Join us for a documentary screening of And Then They Came for Us followed by a discussion and Q/A with the film's Director Abby Ginzberg and Satsuki Ina, author of The Poet and the Silk Girl.
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Thu, May 28, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
ESL Conversation Club @West
Thu, May 28, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
West Branch - Community Meeting Room
ESL Conversation Club @West
BACS @Central
Thu, May 28, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library
Need help with housing, shelter, and employment resources?
Book Club: The Poet and the Silk Girl
Thu, May 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Book Club discussion of The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment and Protest
Chess at Central
Thu, May 28, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
Join us for casual chess every Thursday from 3pm-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons!
Thursday Features @THP South
Thu, May 28, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Thursday Features is a monthly screening of movies in the library!
Repulsive Reads @North
Thu, May 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Repulsive Reads is a book club celebrating all things grim, grotesque, unsettling, macabre, and weird in fiction. Every last Thursday of the month from 5 pm - 6 pm.
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Fri, May 29, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Library Late Opening
Fri, May 29, 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Late Opening
Fri, May 29, 10:00am - 11:00am
Claremont Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Late Opening
Fri, May 29, 10:00am - 11:00am
North Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Late Opening
Fri, May 29, 10:00am - 11:00am
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Late Opening
Fri, May 29, 10:00am - 11:00am
Tool Lending Library
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Library Late Opening
Fri, May 29, 10:00am - 11:00am
West Branch
All library locations are closed according to the 2026 Schedule of Holidays, Early Closings & Late Openings.
Literacy Tutor Training - Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor
Fri, May 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Branch - West Berkeley READS
Do you want to be a Berkeley Reads volunteer adult literacy tutor?
Super Cinema
Fri, May 29, 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Movies from all genres and eras.
Bones at Central - Let's get in a game of bones!
Fri, May 29, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
Join us for some casual dominoes games every Friday from 3-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons!
Teen TTRPGs @North
Fri, May 29, 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!
Leamos autoras - Club de lectura en español (virtual)
Fri, May 29, 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 30, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Black Birders Week Field Trip @THP South - Lake Temescal Excursion with East Bay Regional Parks
Sat, May 30, 8:30am - 12:30pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
Birding is for everyone! Meet at THP South for a field trip by bus to Lake Temescal to join our friends from East Bay Regional Parks to celebrate Black Birders Week.
Bike Mobile: Free Bike Repair Day TLL parking lot
Sat, May 30, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Tool Lending Library
Free Bike Repair Day
Bay Area Book Festival YouthLit @Central
Sat, May 30, 10:30am - 5:00pm
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room,Mystery Room,Teen Room,The Commons
Bay Area Book Festival YouthLit takes over the library!
Vietnamese Tea @Claremont - Discover and Taste Vietnamese Tea
Sat, May 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Learn about Vietnamese Tea and join Vina Vo for a tasting.
Line Dance with Carah @THP South
Sat, May 30, 11:00am - 12:15pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Come learn line dances in the library with fitness instructor Carah Herring
Ukulele Club @THP South
Sat, May 30, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - South Teen Room
Play ukulele with us. No experience needed, bring your own ukulele or use one of ours!
Food Drive @North Branch - With Alameda County Community Food Bank
Sun, May 31, All day
North Branch
Join us for a North Branch Spring Food Drive!
Cancelled
Social Services Drop-In @THPS
Mon, Jun 01, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
Join our Social Services Specialist for support on various services, including healthcare, housing, and employment.
Benefits Lawyer in the Library @Central
Mon, Jun 01, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library
Have questions about benefits? Need support with public assistance programs?
Monday Evening Storytime @Central CCR
Mon, Jun 01, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Central Library
Jump into your jammies and join us for stories, songs, puppets, and more!
Cancelled
Social Services Drop-In @Claremont
Tue, Jun 02, 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
Tue, Jun 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Baby/Toddler Storytime @THP South Books, rhymes, music and more
Line Dancing at the Library @Central
Tue, Jun 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Mystery Room
Join us for a fun line dancing class.
Beads For Every Body @West
Tue, Jun 02, 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.
Fiber Arts @Central - Where Knitters and Crocheters Meet!
Tue, Jun 02, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Come play with yarn or hop on a sewing machine.
LEGO Club @Central CCR
Tue, Jun 02, 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
Alberto Ledesma - Artist/Author Talk with Questions and Answers
Tue, Jun 02, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Central Library - Mystery Room
Alberto Ledesma : Artist/Author Talk w/ Q&A
Author Talk: Crystal Wahpepah @North
Tue, Jun 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Join Crystal Wahpepah for a discussion of her new cookbook, A Feather and a Fork:125 Intertribal Dishes from an Indigenous Food Warrior.
Berkeley History Room Open Hours @Central - Every Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pm
Wed, Jun 03, 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, Jun 03, 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, Jun 03, 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.
Cancelled
Insight Housing @Central
Wed, Jun 03, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Central Library
The SSVF Alameda Team will be on-site to support veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Cancelled
Teen Hangout @North
Wed, Jun 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
North Branch
Teen games & snacks!
Teen Hangout @THP South
Wed, Jun 03, 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.
Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
Wed, Jun 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Electronic Classroom
Drop in tech help
Playreaders Circle @Central - Bringing Plays to Life
Thu, Jun 04, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Gathering Together to Read a Different Play each Month
Teen Summer Party @North
Thu, Jun 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Lawn
Start summer with a party on the lawn!
Chess at Central
Thu, Jun 04, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
Join us for casual chess every Thursday from 3pm-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons!
Halau O Keikiali'i Hawaiian Dance, Music and Culture
Thu, Jun 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Claremont Branch
Hālau o Keikiali`i is a traditional Hālau Hula (Hula School) whose main focus is to share the ancient culture of Hawaii – its music, dance, chant, language, story-telling, arts, crafts and more.
Thursday Features @THP South - Movies in the Library
Thu, Jun 04, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Thursday Features is a monthly screening of movies in the library!
Family Game Night @West
Thu, Jun 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Families, join us for family fun with new and classic board games!
Dance, Dance, Dance Party @CCR - June is for Joy!
Fri, Jun 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Central Library - Central Children's Story Room,Children's Non-Fiction Room
Dance, Dance, Dance! Hear a story, learn a dance, travel back in time!
Bilingual Baby Bounce (Spanish/Español) @West - Hora de cantos y juegos para bebé
Fri, Jun 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Storytime in Spanish and English for babies and toddlers
Stay-n-Play @West
Fri, Jun 05, 11:00am - 11:30am
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Stay-n-Play a while, right after our Bilingual Baby Bounce
Super Cinema
Fri, Jun 05, 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Movies from all genres and eras.
Chess Club @Claremont - A weekly chess meet-up for all ages and levels.
Fri, Jun 05, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Claremont Branch Exterior
Chess Club happens every Friday from 3pm-5pm outside the Claremont Branch. All ages and skills levels are welcome. Boards, pieces and clocks are provided.
Bones at Central - Let's get in a game of bones!
Fri, Jun 05, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
Join us for some casual dominoes games every Friday from 3-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons!
Collage Club @Central A&M
Fri, Jun 05, 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!
Sewing Circle @Central - Make or Mend
Sat, Jun 06, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Drop in and use one of our sewing machines.
Family Story Time @Central CCR
Sat, Jun 06, 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, Jun 06, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Virtual
Monthly book club featuring prominent Queer characters and themes!
Summer Reading Kickoff @North - with Full Queer Wrestling
Sat, Jun 06, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
North Branch - North Branch Lawn
Wrestling at the library!
Jan Steckel, guest poet @Claremont - Clearly Meant presents our summer poet!
Sat, Jun 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Clearly Meant presents Jan Steckel. Jan will read her poetry then sit for an interview with host Glenn Ingersoll.
Defiant to the Last with Emiko Omori and Satsuki Ina
Sat, Jun 06, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Defiant to the Last: Resistance at the Tule Lake Jail. Japanese Internment documentary screening with Emiko Omori and Satsuki Ina.
Chess @North
Sat, Jun 06, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Chess on the first Saturday of the month
Monday Evening Storytime @Central CCR
Mon, Jun 08, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Central Library
Jump into your jammies and join us for stories, songs, puppets, and more!
Need Medical Care @Central
Tue, Jun 09, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Central Library
Need help connecting to medical care or community resources? Come to the Library for assistance with urgent care, care coordination, linkage, and referrals to community resources.
Baby/Toddler Storytime @THP South
Tue, Jun 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Baby/Toddler Storytime @THP South Books, rhymes, music and more
Lunch at the Library @Central
Tue, Jun 09, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library - Central Children's Story Room
Free lunch for kids and teens 18 and under. Plus activities like cooking classes with AAVE Cafe, arts, crafts, games and more! 
Electronic Music-Making Studio @ Central CMR - play and learn music creation with Ableton
Tue, Jun 09, 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*
Kids' Summer Movie Nights
Tue, Jun 09, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Kids’ Summer Movie Nights is a fun weekly movie program for elementary school students.
LEGO Club @Central CCR
Tue, Jun 09, 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, Jun 09, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
A creative makerspace pop-up where patrons can explore fun tools for making at the library.
Autistic Connections @THP South - Autism Support Group and Social Club
Tue, Jun 09, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
A supportive and inclusive autism support group and social club
Berkeley History Room Open Hours @Central - Every Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pm
Wed, Jun 10, 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, Jun 10, 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, Jun 10, 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.
Lunch at the Library @Central
Wed, Jun 10, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library - Central Children's Story Room
Free lunch for kids and teens 18 and under. Plus activities like cooking classes with AAVE Cafe, arts, crafts, games and more! 
Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
Wed, Jun 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Electronic Classroom
Drop in tech help
Māori Mo Ake Tonu
Wed, Jun 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Join us for a performance by Māori Mo Ake Tonu!
Fiber and Needle Arts @North
Wed, Jun 10, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Fiber and Needle Arts @North
Your Turn! A Community Board Game Night @West
Wed, Jun 10, 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, Jun 10, 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.
Eviction Defense Center @Central Com
Thu, Jun 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library
Need help with housing matters or facing eviction?
Musical Story Time @The Freight - with The Story Time Band
Thu, Jun 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
The Freight
Music, Movement, and Stories for Children
Playreaders Circle @Central - Bringing Plays to Life
Thu, Jun 11, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Central Library - Berkeley History Room
Gathering Together to Read a Different Play each Month
ESL Conversation Club @West
Thu, Jun 11, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
West Branch - Community Meeting Room
ESL Conversation Club @West
Lunch at the Library @Central
Thu, Jun 11, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Central Library - Central Children's Story Room
Free lunch for kids and teens 18 and under. Plus activities like cooking classes with AAVE Cafe, arts, crafts, games and more! 
BACS @Central
Thu, Jun 11, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library
Need help with housing, shelter, and employment resources?
Chess at Central
Thu, Jun 11, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
Join us for casual chess every Thursday from 3pm-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons!
Adventure Theater @THP South
Thu, Jun 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
You're the star at Adventure Theater! Episode 1: Adventure in Space!
Read to a Dog @CCR
Thu, Jun 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Central Library - Central Children's Story Room
Practice your reading and hang out with the sweetest dogs ever! Ages 5 and up.
Thursday Features @THP South - Movies in the Library
Thu, Jun 11, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Thursday Features is a monthly screening of movies in the library!
Leamos autoras - Club de lectura en español (presencial) @Central
Thu, Jun 11, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library
¡Bienvenides al club de lectura en español de la Biblioteca Pública de Berkeley!
Mandarin Classes for Adults @North
Thu, Jun 11, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
8-week Mandarin Language class
Bilingual Baby Bounce (Spanish/Español) @West - Hora de cantos y juegos para bebé
Fri, Jun 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Storytime in Spanish and English for babies and toddlers
Stay-n-Play @West
Fri, Jun 12, 11:00am - 11:30am
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Stay-n-Play a while, right after our Bilingual Baby Bounce
Super Cinema
Fri, Jun 12, 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Movies from all genres and eras.
Chess Club @Claremont - A weekly chess meet-up for all ages and levels.
Fri, Jun 12, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Claremont Branch Exterior
Chess Club happens every Friday from 3pm-5pm outside the Claremont Branch. All ages and skills levels are welcome. Boards, pieces and clocks are provided.
Bones at Central - Let's get in a game of bones!
Fri, Jun 12, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library - The Commons
Join us for some casual dominoes games every Friday from 3-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons!
Free Bike Repair by the Bay Area Bikemobile @North
Fri, Jun 12, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Lawn
Free Bike Repair Clinic
Dance, Dance, Dance Party @CCR - June is for Joy!
Fri, Jun 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Central Library - Children's Non-Fiction Room
Dance, Dance, Dance! Hear a story, learn a dance, travel back in time!
Family Story Time @Central CCR
Sat, Jun 13, 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!
Where Music Meets Imagination - presented by The Berkeley Public Library Foundation
Sat, Jun 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
The Freight
A Benefit Concert for the Berkeley Public Library
Ukulele Club @THP South
Sat, Jun 13, 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!
Storytme @Edible Schoolyard
Sat, Jun 13, 11:00am - 11:30am
Edible Schoolyard @King Middle School
Storytime at the Edible Schoolyard Berkeley
No Straight Lines Film - Pride Month Event
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
No Straight Lines: directed by Vivian Kleiman. After the film, director Vivian Kleiman and artist Ajuan Mance in conversation + Q&A
On the Record: Everybody Is A Star @ Central - Celebrating Juneteenth Through Music
Sat, Jun 13, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library - Mystery Room
Learn about this national holiday with a dive into gospel, r&b, soul, funk, jazz, and hip hop
Social Services Drop-In @THPS
Mon, Jun 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
Join our Social Services Specialist for support on various services, including healthcare, housing, and employment.
Puppet Art Theater presents Jack and the Beanstalk
Mon, Jun 15, 11:00am - 11:30am
North Branch - North Branch Lawn
A fun and humorous version of a classic tale! Ages 3 to 8.
Omoiyari: A Song Film Screening @Central - by Kishi Bashi
Mon, Jun 15, 5:30pm - 7:15pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Violinist and songwriter Kaoru Ishibashi travels on a musical journey to understand WWII era Japanese Incarceration, assimilation, and what it means to be a minority in America today.
Monday Evening Storytime @Central CCR
Mon, Jun 15, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Central Library
Jump into your jammies and join us for stories, songs, puppets, and more!
Baby/Toddler Storytime @THP South
Tue, Jun 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
Baby/Toddler Storytime @THP South Books, rhymes, music and more
Lunch at the Library @Central
Tue, Jun 16, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library - Central Children's Story Room
Free lunch for kids and teens 18 and under. Plus activities like cooking classes with AAVE Cafe, arts, crafts, games and more! 
Personal Safety & Bystander Awareness @North - Literally How: A Life Literacy Series
Tue, Jun 16, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
North Branch - North Branch Meeting Room
Come learn about situational awareness and bystander intervention in a safe, inclusive setting.
Line Dancing at the Library @Central
Tue, Jun 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Mystery Room
Join us for a fun line dancing class.
Fiber Arts @Central - Where Knitters and Crocheters Meet!
Tue, Jun 16, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library - Community Meeting Room
Come play with yarn or hop on a sewing machine.
Creative Writing Space @West
Tue, Jun 16, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
West Branch - West Branch Meeting Room
Come by West and enjoy our peaceful, friendly and community writing space. All levels of writers welcomed!
Kids' Summer Movie Nights
Tue, Jun 16, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Kids’ Summer Movie Nights is a fun weekly movie program for elementary school students.
LEGO Club @Central CCR
Tue, Jun 16, 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
Rescheduled
Old-time Tune Jam @Central Art & Music - hosted by Berkeley Old Time Music Convention
Tue, Jun 16, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
New date Tuesday, June 30, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library
Bring your musical instrument and play American old-time repertoire in a jam-session with Berkeley Old Time Music Convention.
Author talk with Andrew Lam @Central - Readings from his new book Stories From the Edge of the Sea
Tue, Jun 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Central Library - Mystery Room
A collection of short stories set in the Bay Area which explore love and loss among Vietnamese Americans haunted with memories of war and the subsequent diaspora.
Anime Your Way Workshop for Kids @West
Tue, Jun 16, 6:15pm - 7:30pm
West Branch
Do you love anime? Want to learn how to draw comics or manga? Come to this program and learn how. Ages 6-13. Registration Required.
Berkeley History Room Open Hours @Central - Every Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pm
Wed, Jun 17, 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, Jun 17, 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, Jun 17, 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.
Spectrum Community Services @Central
Wed, Jun 17, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Central Library
Need help paying your energy bill?
Lunch at the Library @Central
Wed, Jun 17, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library - Central Children's Story Room
Free lunch for kids and teens 18 and under. Plus activities like cooking classes with AAVE Cafe, arts, crafts, games and more! 
Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
Wed, Jun 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library - Electronic Classroom
Drop in tech help
Swords to Plowshares @Central
Wed, Jun 17, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library
Are you a veteran in need of housing and employment support?
Pride Buttons and Friendship Bracelets
Wed, Jun 17, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch - THPS Branch Meeting Room
LGBTQIA+ and allies: join us to make your own buttons and friendship bracelets! We'll have snacks and great music to sing along as you wish.
Culinary Herbalism @Claremont
Wed, Jun 17, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Claremont Branch - Claremont Area Flex Space
Learn to make Oxmel, an herbal honey-vinegar-based tonic, in this free class taught by Hanan Masri. Registration required.
See all events