Grants support expansion of Tool Library to include culinary equipment. Funding for annual Library Lego Challenge to distribute classic LEGO sets to shelters and organizations serving children living in poverty. Hotspot and Chromebook Lending Pilot Project provides laptops for long term lending.
The Foundation invested in the Library’s first collection of circulating digital devices, Launchpads/Playaways, which contain secure, preloaded, ad-free educational apps with STEM and literacy themes. Facing new challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation supports the Library in re-opening for curbside pickup and providing community access to Brainfuse online tutoring for k-12. Foundation produces Reading is Instrumental, an online celebrity musical story time in partnership with Berkeley Symphony.
Following the 17th Annual Authors Dinner in February, construction began on the new teen space and other renovations at Central. Library partners with The Charlie Cart Program, using the Berkeley-originated curriculum and mobile kitchen to teach food and nutritional literacy while also advancing math and STEM learning.
Foundation commits $58,000 for technology enhancements, staff training, and librarian-identified innovations. Berkeley celebrates naming of Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch, honoring the civil rights and community activist. With $75,000 in Foundation support, Library installs a laptop lending kiosk and inaugurates "The Commons," a flexible open space at Central.
With support from Stephen M. Silberstein, the Foundation and Library partner with Cornerstones of Science, launching the first science literacy program of its kind at a West Coast library. Foundation creates The Generation Fund, aimed at increasing financial readiness for future significant projects. Library champion Linda Schacht Gage receives the Cody Award for her leadership and unwavering advocacy for the Berkeley Public Library.
Foundation launches It's Time for Central to raise $616,000 toward a new teen space, technology, and improvements at Central. Fundraiser Tall Tales and Local Ales held at Central Library, featuring local storytellers and tasty brews. Foundation donors provide funding to pilot Berkeley Builds Readers, a now thriving early-childhood literacy program.
With needs identified in its strategic plan, the Library holds public meetings to help map out critical improvements at the Central Library. Architects Noll & Tam, experts in library design, hired to lead the project.
Foundation funds the Library on Wheels, which becomes a fixture at Berkeley community events.
New South Branch and new West Branch hold grand re-openings. West is the first Net Zero Energy public library in California.
North Branch and Claremont Branch hold grand re-openings.