The document provides information about programs and services at the Berkeley Public Library. It notes that the South and West Branch libraries recently received design awards. It also includes the library hours and locations for each branch and lists numerous upcoming events at the different locations, such as author talks, craft programs, book clubs, and film screenings.

2. Stay in Touch with Berkeley Public Library
Our monthly e-newsletters are full of information about the
great programs, events and services that are provided at all
our Library locations. The e-newsletter archive contains all
our past e-newsletters.
To sign up for newsletters or read
past issues, look for the STAY IN
TOUCH box on our homepage at:
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org

3. South & West Branch Libraries honored for
outstanding design by Berkeley Design Advocates
South and West Branch libraries were honored for outstanding design, along with ten
other building projects completed between January 2013 and December 2014, in the
11th Biennial BDA Design Awards ceremony on March 18, 2015.
Berkeley Design Advocates (BDA) is a membership organization of architects,
landscape architects, planners, builders and design professionals established in 1973
to promote excellence in the built environment of Berkeley.
South Branch Photo: D. Wakely, 2013 West Branch Photo: D. Wakely, 2014

4. Central
Library
Claremont
Branch
North
Branch
South
Branch
Tool Lending
Library
West
Branch
MON 12-8 10-6 10-6 10-6 Closed 10-6
TUE 10-8 10-8 10-8 10-8 10-6:00 10-8
WED 10-6 10-8 10-8 10-8 12-8:00 10-8
THU 10-6 12-8 12-8 12-8 12-8:00 12-8
FRI 10-6 10-6 10-6 10-6 1-6:00 10-6
SAT 10-6 10-6 10-6 10-6 10-6:00 10-6
SUN 1-5 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed
Library Hours

5. Spend the day gliding through an
art museum, learning more about
science, observing animals or
playing pinball on a vintage pinball
machine!
Discover & Go provides Berkeley
Public Library card holders (adult
and senior cards only) access to
free or discounted passes to
amazing venues throughout the
Bay Area. To reserve & print your
passes today, visit:
http://discover.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/

6. Tool Lending Library Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10am – 6pm
Wednesday 12noon – 8pm
Thursday 12noon – 8pm
Friday 1pm – 6pm
Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday Closed
Tool Lending Library – 1901 Russell Street

7. Mondays, 4:30-5:30 pm – 1125 University Avenue

8. Beginner Computer Class
@Central Electronic Classroom
• Free, Drop-In Classes - Relaxed
Atmosphere - Self-Paced.
• Learn how to use the mouse,
use the keyboard, set up email
and search the Internet.
• For more information call 510-981-6148.
Mondays, 6pm – 7pm – 2090 Kittredge Street
Thursdays, 10am – 11am – 2090 Kittredge Street

9. Tiny Tots Storytime & Playtime
Books, songs,
finger plays,
friendly puppets
& movement
activities for ages 6-36
months. Followed by
open play time.
For babies, toddlers
and walkers,
accompanied by
a parent/ caregiver.
** Not suitable for
most daycare groups.
Tuesday mornings, 10:15-11:10 am – 1901 Russell Street

10. Tax Help
West Branch will offer tax help on
Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons
from 12-3 pm.
Reservations are required. Call
510-981-6270 to schedule your
appointment 2 weeks in advance.
Tuesday & Wednesday appointments, Feb. 3-Apr. 15
1125 University Avenue - Call 510-981-6270 for appointment.

11. Read & Share Book Club
A book club for anyone who
likes to read and wants to
share the books they have
read with others. Everyone
is welcome.
4th Tuesday of the month, 3-4 pm – 1901 Russell Street

12. Paws to Read
Spring Session 2015
Children in grades K - 5 may come to read
aloud to a friendly dog. Bring a book or
choose one here.
Parents may call ahead and sign up or drop in for a
session at either 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. Dogs provided by
TherapyPets.
Tuesdays, March 31-May 5 @3:30-4:30PM – 1170 The Alameda

13. Teen Crafternoon
Tuesday afternoons, 4-5 pm – 1901 Russell Street
Teens! Express yourself through crafting at this
laidback, self-paced workshop. The specific
craft will change from week to week, but you
can bet it will be awesome. All materials
provided, just bring your imagination! All
middle and high school-age teens welcome.

14. THING
MAKE
SOME
Tuesdays, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
West Branch
1125 University Avenue
A different project every week!
This event is open to all teens!
Supplies and refreshments provided!

15. Join
Berkeley Public Library’s
Playreaders
We meet weekly to read aloud from great
plays, changing parts frequently. On hiatus
during the last two weeks of December, and
the month of August. Please call 510-981-
6236 for more information.
Adult programming brought to you by the Art & Music Department
Wednesdays, 12-1 pm – 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck, 4th Floor Story Room

16. Teen Homework Café
Need a quiet place to study and do
homework? Join us for a Homework Café
for all teens, middle-school through college.
Snacks will be served and group projects
and study are welcome!
Wednesdays, 2-4pm – 2940 Benvenue Avenue

17. THING
MAKE
SOME
Wednesdays, 3pm - 4pm
North Branch
1170 The Alameda at Hopkins
A different project every week!
This event is open to all teens!
Supplies and refreshments provided!

18. Teen Reading Club
Image:Rstoplabe14aten.wikipedia
Has it been a while since you read the Harry Potter series?
Maybe you missed the train to Hogwarts the first time
around and have never read any of the books! Join our
new book club and revisit modern classics of Young Adult
literature (beginning with the complete Harry Potter series)
to see how our old favorites stand the test of time.
March 4
Harry Potter and
the Sorcerer's
Stone
March 11
Harry Potter and
the Chamber of
Secrets
March 18
Harry Potter
and the Prisoner
of Azkaban
(Chapters TBA)
March 25
Harry Potter
and the Prisoner
of Azkaban
(Chapters TBA)
April 1
Harry Potter and
the Goblet of Fire
(Chapters TBA)
Wednesdays @3:30pm – 2940 Benvenue @Ashby

19. Free SAT prep class
We'll meet for six consecutive Wednesdays
beginning February 4.
Space is limited to 20. Juniors get priority.
Registration is required. For more information
call: 510-981-6135.
Wednesdays, February 4 to March 11 @ 4-5:30pm
2090 Kittredge Street, 3rd Floor Electronic Classroom

20. The Claremont Book Club
Every other month, the Claremont
Book Club hosts a special “Read
and Share” session.
Bring a book you read to share, hear a few great
reading ideas from other readers and get to know
other members of the Claremont Book Club.
Sponsored by Friends of the Berkeley Public Library www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org
Wednesdays, Feb. 18, Apr. 15 & Jun. 17 @ 6:30-7:30 PM – 2940 Benvenue @ Ashby

21. Board Games, Wii U, Magic: The Gathering, Card Games
and so much more!
Refreshments provided, all teens welcome!
Thursdays @ 4-5 pm – North Branch, 1170 The Alameda
T EE N
A EG M S

22. Teen Homework Café
Need a quiet place to study and do
homework? Join us for a Homework Café
for all teens, middle-school through college.
Snacks will be served and group projects
and study are welcome!
Thursdays, 4-5:30pm – 1901 Russell Street

23. Second Thursday of the month @ 6:30pm – Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue
Our poetry program
at Claremont features YOU
and what YOU like. We’ll take
turns in a reading circle.
Bring a poem or
find one here.

24. Lawyers in the Library
Sign-ups start at 5:00 for a
spot with our visiting Lawyer.
Names will be pulled at
random at 6:00 for appointment times.
Third Thursday of the month, 6-7:45 PM – 1170 The Alameda

25. Lawyers in the Library
• Sign-ups start at 5 PM
for a spot with our
visiting lawyer.
• Names will be pulled at random at
6 PM for appointment times.
Fourth Thursday of the month, 6-7:45 PM – 1901 Russell St.

26. AARP Tax Help
Free tax preparation and e-filing is available
to all individuals and families with low to
moderate income with special attention to
those 60 and older.
Tax Aide tax preparers are AARP volunteers
that are IRS tested and certified each year.
Available by appointment with any walk-ins served on the basis
of available vacancies and no shows. Please call 510-981-6260
or ask at the desk to book your appointment.
Fridays, Feb. 6 – Apr. 10 @10:30am-1:30pm – 1901 Russell St.

27. LEGO in the Library!
First Friday of the month, @3:30-5 pm – 2090 Kittredge Street, 4th Flr. Children’s Story Room
Image licensed under the Creative
Commons Attribution-Share
Alike 2.0 Generic license

28. Lawyers in the Library
Sign-ups start the prior evening. For a spot with
our visiting lawyer, call Thursday evening (6:00
pm - 7:30 pm) to sign-up or drop-in on Friday
morning, while the lawyer is present.
Call 510-981-6270 for more information.
Second Friday of the month, @10-11:30 am – 1125 University Ave.

29. Maker Space
First Saturday of the month @2-5 pm – 1170 The Alameda
Come one, come all for an afternoon of crafting! Bring
a project and sewing machine, or come for inspiration.
The library provides two sewing machines, embroidery
hoops, floss, and needles, clay, beads, hot glue guns,
and much more...including inspiration!
Check out Berkeley Public Library on Pinterest
to see what we've been up to...

30. Baby Bounce &
Toddler Tales
Songs, lap-bounces, tickles and stories for
babies and toddlers 6 mos – 35 mos and their
parent(s) or caregiver. Three-year-olds are
welcome with a younger sibling.
Questions? Call 510-981-6270 or visit:
berkeleypubliclibrary.org
First 3 Saturdays of the month, @10:15-10:45 am – 1125 University Avenue

31. Family Story Time
Join our children's librarians for stories,
songs and other activities!
A great way to rediscover favorite titles
and meet some of the best new books
for early listeners, ages 3-7.
Call 510-981-6223 for more information.
Saturdays, 10:30-11am – 2090 Kittredge St., Children’s Room

32. Islamic Art Exhibit
“Women in Islam”
Islamic Art Exhibit presents a
group art exhibition "Women in
Islam" highlighting the rights,
status and accomplishments of
Muslim women through original
artwork by local artists from the
Bay Area Muslim community.
Artist Reception: February 14 @2 PM – 2090 Kittredge St., Community Meeting Room
Exhibition: Feb. 9 to Apr. 19 – 2090 Kittredge St., 1st Floor Catalog Lobby during open hours
Taskeen Fatehdin (Mother/child)

33. Kenn Adams Adventure Theater:
The Myth-Adventures of Melanie Moe
Crazy about mythology? Don't miss this absolutely
hilarious interactive theater performance where you
get to star in the show.
In The Myth-Adventures of Melanie Moe, our
heroine, Melanie Moe, travels through time to ancient
Greece and accidentally offends Hera, Queen of the
Gods. This sets Melanie off on a perilous adventure
where she must battle the Cyclops, escape the Furies,
and outwit the Sphinx, all with your help! Ages 8-12.
Wednesday, April 8 @3:30-4:15PM – 1170 The Alameda
Photo: Joy Bianchi

34. Thursday, April 9 @4-6 PM – 1901 Russell Street

35. Film Series @Central
Each month we explore a different theme or genre.
April’s theme is Now Showing at the Atomic Cafe: Films of the Cold War
4/10 The Front
(1976 / 95 min. / Rated PG)
The time is the early 1950s. Several TV writers who
are being blacklisted for their allegedly leftist
political views arrange to have a nonpolitical cashier
(Woody Allen) “front” their scripts. The film’s director
(Martin Ritt) and most members of the cast,
including Zero Mostel and Herschel Bernardi,
actually WERE blacklisted during the McCarthy era.
Fridays 3-5pm – 2090 Kittredge Street, Community Meeting Room

36. For this special
Words and Jazz Month
edition of
MAKE SOME THING,
we'll be creating
blackout poetry
using discarded books,
sharpies & our creative spirits.
MAKE
THING
SOME
Blackout Poetry
Friday, April 10 @4 PM
Claremont Branch – 2940 Benvenue

37. Rosy the Tree Faerie Magic Show
In Listen to the Environment, magician
Erica Sodos becomes Rosy the Tree Faerie
and entertains and informs about the
importance and magic of nature.
Incorporating magic, storytelling, and audience participation,
Listen to the Environment inspires the audience to
understand and respect the earth and all of its creatures.
Ages 4-12.
Saturday, April 11 @10:30-11AM – 2090 Kittredge St, Comm. Mtg. Rm.
photobyWildEarth

38. This event made possible by a generous gift from the Pace Trust, in support of the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library.
Enjoy the musical stylings of the Eric Van
James Trio in celebration of Berkeley
Public Library’s “Words and Jazz Month”.
Featuring: Ken Stout, Alto Saxophone;
Rod Verette, Upright Bass; and
Eric Van James, Piano/Keyboard/Vocals.
Saturdays, April 11 & 25 @11:30AM-1PM – 1170 the Alameda

39. Tickets for this event are limited. For more information about tickets, please visit: www.BPLF.org
An Afternoon with Mark Cohen
April 12, 3:00-5:00pm
A Presentation on the story of Allan
Sherman, his impact on the image of Jews
in the media, as well as his rapid fall from
grace will be presented by author Mark
Cohen in a historic Berkeley home.
Enjoy catering provided by Saul’s Delicatessen's.

40. 4th & 5th Grade
Book Club
Read and talk about great books.
Make new friends. Meets once a
month at the Central Library, 4th
Floor Story Room.
Contact 510-981-6223 /
BPLKids@ci.berkeley.ca.us
for more information.
Tuesday, April 14 @4-5 pm.
Please note that this meeting is on the second Tuesday of the month.
Join us for our last meeting of the year! We will be discussing this month's book
The Mapmaker and the Ghost by Sarvenaz Tash, saying good-bye for another
school year, and (of course!) eating great snacks!

41. Tuesday, April 14 @4-6 PM – 2090 Kittredge Street

42. FREE Bicycle Safety Class
1-Hour Commuter Workshop
Learn Smart Cycling Skills. Bike with
confidence. Bike for the future. Bike for fun
West Branch, 1125 University Ave
Thursday, April 16
6-7PM
More information
available at:

43. Author Robin Sloan
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hr Bookstore
Already a modern classic, this book is a comic
fantasy about literary obsession and the 21st
Century tension between paper and pixels. It’s a
book to savor and a conversation that you won’t
want to miss!
Copies available to borrow at North Branch.
Thursday, April 16 @ 6:30 PM – 1170 The Alameda

44. Film Series @Central
Each month we explore a different theme or genre.
April’s theme is Now Showing at the Atomic Cafe: Films of the Cold War
4/17 Kiss Me Deadly
(1955 / 106 min. / NR)
In this classic film noir detective Mike Hammer
gets involved in the dangerous pursuit of a
“great whatsit” — a box that is hot to the touch
and reportedly extremely valuable — after two
people connected to it turn up dead. Based on a
Mickey Spillane novel of the same name.
Fridays 3-5pm – 2090 Kittredge Street, Community Meeting Room

45. Celebrate the spirit of jazz with an
improvisational synth jam at Claremont!
We'll be using a variety of electronic
instruments, from iPads to banana pianos built
with MaKey MaKey invention kits and hand
constructed KORG synthesizers created using
Littlebits circuitry kits! Our creations will be
uploaded to Soundcloud for sharing with friends
and family. Participants are encouraged to bring
instruments from home as well.
MAKE
THING
SOME
Teen Synth Jam
Friday, April 17 @4 PM
Claremont Branch – 2940 Benvenue
ImagebyKai'Oswald'Seidler[CCBY2.0,viaWikimediaCommons

46. Unbroken Web:
The Art of Ellen & Lucy Begay
Gary Beaudoin will discuss his book, The Unbroken Web.
Beaudoin and the three generations of Begay weavers--
grandmother Mary, mother Lucy, and daughter Ellen--celebrate
the spirit of the Southwest in a profoundly personal way.
The freshly redesigned work features nineteen exquisite wool
textiles crafted by the Begay women, complete with notes
about the inspirations and traditions behind the creation of each. Color
photographs show the textiles, the weavers at work, and the timeless
landscapes that have inspired their ancestors for centuries.
Mr. Beaudoin will bring authentic Begay weavings to exhibit and discuss.
Saturday, April 18 @11 AM – 2090 Kittredge Street

47. Poetry & Jazz - A mash-up concert
Four sets of notable poets and musicians
present the words and music of poetry.
• Al Young (former California Laureate poet)
with John Wiitala (bass)
• Avotcja (poet/percussionist) with Val Serrant
(steel drum, djembe, and talking drum)
• Phavia Kujichagulia (spoken word, trumpet, percussion) with Ron Williams
(electric guitar, percussion) and Val Serrant (steel pans, percussion)
• The Word-Music Continuum (Kirk Lumpkin, poet, percussionist; Paul
Mills, guitar; Mark Wieder, bass) with special guest, Q.R. Hand, poet
Saturday, April 18 @ 2-4 PM – 2090 Kittredge Street

48. Tickets for this event are limited. For more information about tickets, please visit: www.BPLF.org
Book Club with Bestselling
Author Ellen Sussman
April 19, 2:00-4:00pm
Pick up a copy of Ellen Sussman’s most recent novel, A
Wedding in Provence, and come ready to discuss it with
the author herself!
Ellen Sussman has written three
previous best selling novels, The
Paradise Guest House, French
Lessons, and On a Night Like This,
and two anthologies.

49. Tickets for this event are limited. For more information about tickets, please visit: www.BPLF.org
Pelican Dreams
April 19, 3:00-5:00pm
Meet filmmaker Judy Irving at Meyer Sound’s Pearson Theater
for a screening of her documentary, Pelican Dreams.
Pelican Dreams features a young brown
pelican who mistakenly lands—tired,
hungry, and confused—on the roadway of
the Golden Gate Bridge, creating a
spectacular traffic jam and re-igniting
Judy’s enduring fascination with these
ancient, endangered birds.

50. Make a Quilted Bookmark
Learn the principles of quilting as you create a
beautiful, one-of-a-kind bookmark with the Textile
Mavens (Catherine Durand & Fern Royce).
Supplies are provided, and participants are invited
to submit their work for inclusion in the Library’s
upcoming 34th Annual Quilt Show.
Space is limited. Call 510-981-6236 to register for a spot in one
of the four half-hour sessions, ending with a 6:30 pm session.
This free workshop is open to all, ages 6 and up.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library – www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org
Monday, April 20 @5-7PM – 2090 Kittredge St., 4th Flr. Story Room

51. This event made possible by a generous gift from the Pace Trust, in support of the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library.
Celebrate the spirit of jazz with an
improvisational synth jam!
We’ll be using a variety of electronic
instruments, from iPads to banana
pianos built with MaKey MaKey
invention kits and hand constructed
KORG synthesizers created using
Littlebits circuitry kits!
Our creations will be uploaded
to Soundcloud for sharing with
friends & family.
Participants are encouraged to bring
instruments from home as well.
THING
MAKE
SOME
SYNTH JAM!
Wednesday, April 22 3-4:30PM
North Branch - 1170 The Alameda

52. Lawrence Hall of Science
Inventor's Workshop
Make a Wobble Bot!
Kids and families, try your hand at
electrical engineering and build a
motorized contraption that can draw,
buzz, light up or dance across a table!
Ages 6 -13.
Wednesday, April 22 @3:30-5PM – 2090 Kittredge Street

53. Inventing Your Library
New Teen Room at the Central Library
Attend a special workshop of the Board of the Library
Trustees to hear updates on the Central Library’s Teen Room
Project. The design team of Noll & Tam will present an update
on schematic design and layouts affecting the first two floors of
the Central Library. All community members are invited to attend
this special workshop.
See more information at:
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/planning/central-library-space-improvements
Wednesday, April 22– 1901 Russell Street
special workshop @5:30PM followed by a regular Board Meeting @6:30PM

54. This event made possible by a generous gift from the Pace Trust, in support of the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library.
Storytime for Grown-Ups: Poetry
Sit back and experience the
world of poetry as your
friendly North Branch staff
and special guests share
some of their favorite poems.
Thursday, April 23 @ 6:30-7:30PM

55. Willard Middle School Jazz Band Performance
Friday, April 24, 2015 - 4:30PM – 2940 Benvenue Avenue

56. Film Series @Central
Each month we explore a different theme or genre.
April’s theme is Now Showing at the Atomic Cafe: Films of the Cold War
4/24 One, Two, Three
(1961 / 115 min. / NR)
C.R. MacNamara (James Cagney) is Coca-Cola’s
head man in West Berlin. He is promoting a deal
to sell Coke in the Soviet Union to its drunken
representatives — AND hosting his stateside
boss’s rebellious daughter, who wants to marry a
young, adamantly anti-capitalist East German
Communist. Written and directed by Billy Wilder.
Fridays 3-5pm – 2090 Kittredge Street, Community Meeting Room

57. This event made possible by a generous gift from the Pace Trust, in support of the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library.
Berkeley Verses
In celebration of National Poetry Month, local poets Susan
Cohen and Meryl Natchez present a look at Berkeley’s
poetic legacy by celebrating some of its most iconic voices!
Come hear readings of poems by Chana Bloch, Bob Hass,
Louise Glück, Allen Ginsberg, and other luminaries who
have called Berkeley home!
See why our city could truly be called the Paris of America.
Saturday, April 25 @1-2PM – 1170 The Alameda

58. Tickets for this event are limited. For more information about tickets, please visit: www.BPLF.org
Paris Transforming
April 26, 2:00-4:00pm
North Branch Library
The Beauty and the Horror of Urban Reconstruction by Leonard Pitt
Leonard Pitt has excelled in acting, teaching,
and writing, has written numerous books, and
been a graphic artist and a mime. And now,
with this latest show he brings old Paris to life
right before our eyes.

59. Wednesday, April 29 @4-6 PM – 1170 The Alameda

60. Focus on the Cello
Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library - www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org
Wednesday, April 29 @ 6 PM – 2940 Benvenue

61. Tickets for this event are limited. For more information about tickets, please visit: www.BPLF.org
Conversation with Scott Saul
May 3, 4:00-6:00pm
Join author of a new Richard Pryor biography at Linden Street Brewery.
Scott Saul will talk about the complex process of
writing a biography as well as about his subject:
Richard Pryor.
Enjoy Adam Lamoreaux’s famed brews along with
wine and snack creations from the new James
Syhabout restaurant, The Dock at Linden Street.

62. Tickets for this event are limited. For more information about tickets, please visit: www.BPLF.org
Conversation with Zac Unger
May 3, 3:00-5:00pm
Zac Unger moved with his wife and children from
Oakland to frigid and the “polar bear capital of the
world.” His book Never Look a Polar Bear in the
Eye is a spirited and often humorous account of
his family’s time in this unique place.
A copy of Never Look a Polar Bear in the Eye is
included with each ticket.
Conversation with author of Never Look a Polar Bear
in the Eye at Private Berkeley Home

63. Piano Chat for Seniors
Join us for a special hands-on program for seniors!
Pianist and teacher Brenda Becker will offer a
piano instruction event built around mastering
chords and having fun together.
No previous piano experience is necessary. Space
is limited. Call 510-981-6280 to sign up.
Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20 & 27 @1-2PM – 2940 Benvenue Avenue
Photo:ScottDetwiler2012

64. Visit us at: www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org
Friends of the Library
Question of the Month:
Q: Are you having a Big Book Sale this summer?
A: Funny you should ask--we just set the dates.
Yes, dates! A 2-day sale is scheduled for
June 13-14
We'll have LOTS of kids books, books in other
languages, and the ever popular “miscellaneous.”
More info next month.