News
News
Recent News
August 2, 2024
Neighborhood Libraries “refresh” Project, Save the Date for Authors Dinner 2025, a ballot measure in November to support Berkeley Public Libraries, and Claremont turns 100!
July 31, 2024
Foundation Board and Staff curated summer reading list, and July Events at the Library such as Sewing with Scraps, drop-in tech help, Art Talk, and Lunch at the Library for youth. Happy summer reading!
May 17, 2024
New charging stations for patrons while in the library, popularity of sewing machines and “sewing literacy program,” and recap of Authors Dinner 2024 event. Also, check out how to become a “fan” of the library and get a free tote.
October 27, 2023
New board members, Rosa Shattuck Circle reception recap, and Authors Dinner 2024 honorees.
June 2, 2023
Foundation’s Executive Director, Kathy Huff, shares awareness about banned books and censorship in the United States.
April 6, 2023
The Library Foundation congratulates the 2023 honored authors featured at our Annual Authors Dinner. Remembrances of long time emcee William Schechner and artist David Lance Goines.
February 8, 2023
Berkeley Public Library announces the arrival of Henry Bankhead as the Library’s new Deputy Director. The 20th Authors Dinner to be held in March.
December 21, 2022
What are you reading? What we are reading – a list of good books for long nights.
September 18, 2022
The Foundation welcomes new board members and helps launch a new project, Conscious Kits for Kids book discussion kits on racial equity, identity, and social justice.
June 17, 2022
The Library’s Summer Reading kicked off with some fun events. Get invigorated during the rest of the hot summer months with the Library’s exciting reading list and activities!
Apr 23, 2022
We’re delighted to announce that this year’s Cody Award goes to the Bay Area Book Festival!
Feb 14, 2022
Happy Valentine’s Day! We kicked off our 25th anniversary year with a lovely virtual Library Love Letters video that brimmed with heartfelt messages from our fans. We’re happy to share the video here. If you have a Library story to share with us too, please send it to us at [email protected]!
Jan 28, 2022
Our 25th anniversary Library Love Letters campaign has commenced! Annie is the author of the famed Ivy & Bean series, the Guernsey Literary and the Potato Peel Society, and a Berkeley Public Library fan for 30 years. Tune in, February 12 & 13, to hear about the moment the 7-year-old Annie mustered the courage to venture into the junior fiction section at the library.
Dec 20, 2021
As we share this video showcasing our new Teen Room at Central, we thank our Community Partner, Berkeley Ballet Theater, and you, the donors, who helped make this renovation possible. Now, the space is inviting, cozy, flexible, and conducive to collaboration.
Dec 16, 2021
It’s winter. It’s raining. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book. And to make an end-of-the-year gift to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation, whose donors funded the perfect place to find and enjoy that book: the new Mystery Room at Berkeley Central.
Nov 16, 2021
Season 3 of Reading Is Instrumental kicks off; introducing our newly elected board president and board members; and other Library happenings! Tickets to our in-person May Authors Dinner will go on sale in March – save the date!
Sep 29, 2021
Important updates on our events and programs; a new staff member on board; and a reminder to be subscribed to Library events so you don’t miss out on hearing about exciting research being done by UC Berkeley scientists!
JUN 20, 2021
Read on for the extended browsing hours at the downtown Central Library, learn about new BOLT member Beverly Greene, and see a summer reading list from Foundation Board and Staff. Enjoy!
MAY 30, 2021
Learn about the incredible services the Library Staff have offered during the pandemic; announcing our new laptop lending program; and join our Fan Club for the chance to get a FREE tote!
APR 30, 2021
Spring updates include; our support of Urban Libraries’ statement against Anti-Asian Hate Crimes, announcing the Tool Lending Library’s expansion to include culinary items, and the launch of journalist Linda Schacht’s episode of Reading is Instrumental.
FEB 1, 2021
Roman Mars to host March 6th virtual event. KTVU’s Gasia Mikaelian kicks off a new season of Reading Is Instrumental. We remember long time library supporter Nancy Park.
DEC 23, 2020
The Berkeley Public Library received its first five-star rating, the highest rating awarded to public libraries in the USA, by the Library Journal (LJ). After an annual review of more than 5,600 libraries, the LJ spotlights the “best of the best” public libraries.
AUG 18, 2020
After a rigorous recruitment process, the Berkeley Public Library Board of Library Trustees (BOLT) has enthusiastically appointed Tess Mayer as the new Director of Library Services.
JUL 29, 2020
The Tool Lending Library is open again! You can check out everything from screwdrivers to orchard ladders to power tools. Click below for a complete list of available tools.
JUL 29, 2020
This summer, dig into a good book with the Berkeley Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover.” There are programs for adults, teens, and children.
JUL 17, 2020
As summer blooms begin to peak this month, roses of every size, shape and color remind us of the beauty and awesome power of people coming together to make change. They also remind us of something else — the legacy of Rosa Shattuck.
JUN 17, 2020
“About one-third of Library staff have been assigned to COVID-19 disaster work since our buildings have been closed,” said Elliot Warren, director of library services.
APR 7, 2020
Tienne Lee reflects on the 18th Annual Authors Dinner. Thanks to the outstanding authors, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and gifts from local businesses, the evening was a grand success.
MAR 20, 2020
The buildings of the Berkeley Public Library are currently closed. Your library card will still give you access to many online resources and learning tools. Visit the library’s large collection of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, virtual classes, and more. Check the BPL website and our most recent e-news for updates.
JAN 14, 2020
Change is coming! In the days ahead, there will be many exciting transitions at our library. Be sure to read the latest newsletter about what’s coming up new at the library.
Our library exceeds the expectations of all of us who live here. Can we think of another library institution to match this?
–Carol & Tom Leonard, BPLF Donors
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