We are excited to have Music with Mariela this Saturday, January 31st @THP South Branch, 1030am for bilingual music!

On this day in 1813 'Pride and Prejudice' was published. Austen started writing the story in 1796. Initially it was called 'First Impressions'. It was rejected several times by publishers. Now it is one of the most famous novels in the English language! #OnThisDay #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice

This Thursday, January 29th join us for Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors, an educational program presented by the Alzheimer's Association. The event will be 4-5pm at THP South Branch library, 1901 Russell Street.

What if our vision for our future in our home was this: I'm done hidin', now I'm shinin' like I'm born to be We dreamin' hard, we came so far, now I believe We're goin' up, up, up, it's our moment You know together we're glowin' Gonna be, gonna be golden -Golden, HUNTR/X, KPop

Patrons are buzzing about this upcoming event on Saturday @THP South branch! Be sure to arrive on time, we will have so much to cover on Decluttering. And neurodiverse peeps: we've got you covered: there's a huge section focused on neurodiverse tips for decluttering.

Not every book is for every reader: some books satisfy while others make us feel unsatisfied. It's okay to read to the end in the hope that it ends well (and if it doesn't, criticize it). You can also decide that you are not enjoying a book and stop early - and find a new read that engages you.

It might not look like a big deal, but Teen Hangout on Wednesdays is so important. Middle school and high school students make their way to branch libraries to hang out in teen rooms. They play games, snack, and develop social skills, as well as get comfortable talking to librarians. :)

Berkeley Public Library partnered with Ala Costa's Community Building Mural and many artists to be an early part of the mural project. This multimedia art mural will be installed at the Ed Roberts campus when completed Here's how it's going:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr at UC Berkeley Sproul Plaza on May 17, 1967. This link leads to the video ❤️ diva.sfsu.edu/collections/...

Coming up this Saturday: Inside the Free Speech Movement Watch the full documentary at Central 2-4pm.

Please join us as we announce our 2026 Berkeley Youth Poet Laureate and Vice Youth Poet Laureate! Tuesday, January 13, 6pm. We will have an exciting night of poetry readings by our finalists, performances, and special guest appearances. Snacks and refreshments provided.

Next Monday, January 19th, all library locations will be closed for Martin Luther King, Jr Day.

How I think I look when I welcome a newcomer to the library and give them a new library card:

One of the best ways to learn empathy is to read about a person who has a different life experience than you, and see the world through their eyes.

My daughter just walked in and said she's scared because in the trilogy she's reading everyone is happy "and there are two books to go."

Truth! This library offers a lot of career resources and gateways to growth. ❤️ Join our zoom class on career topics on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month: here's a link for our next event on Tuesday, January 13th: berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/15384510

Did you know you can access Berkeley history photos online? check out our people and history links page: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/explore/elib... Here's a 1913 photo of a construction worker in the Campanile with North Berkeley in the background. #TBT

Here's a cozy spot to escape the world for a bit! Feel free to guess which branch it is, or wander there to enjoy it. #Shelfie #Library #HyggeLife

Tired of all the beeping noises coming from your phone? Tired of all the endless alerts that you got another email from that website you just visited? Tired of Doomscrolling your time away? Try a Book. It's analog, quiet, and engaging. Give yourself a few moments of peace: Read.

Same!

Need social services like healthcare, housing, and employment? Drop in today @THPS branch at 1901 Russell Street from 10am-12pm to meet with our Social Services Specialist. berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/15236116

For kids and teens, join our Winter Reading Bingo Game pick up a game card, check off your accomplishments, and earn a prize! Find out more here: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/winter-readi... K-8th grade: Cal Womens Volleyball 2 tickets on March 7 9-12th grades: squishy toy and pop up keychain

Actual footage of staff returning to the library after a holiday:

The books don't shelve themselves! We are working hard to get all those books back on the shelves, be sure to pick up your holds before we close at 6pm at all library locations to have fresh reads for the holiday tomorrow.

Make a New Year’s Resolution or goal to learn new skills you can use in your neighborhood before, during, and after disasters. Learn how to: 🧯 extinguish fires ⛑️ rescue victims 🩹 perform first aid and 💙 help others cope with stress Register for classes now:

Yes, we have Story Time at North Branch on Wednesday, 12-31-25 at 1030am. 😀 Noon Year's Eve at Central Branch is at 11:30am for ages 3-6 and their grown ups. All library locations will be open on New Year's Eve from 10am-6pm.

As 2025 is ending, you might be thinking about your future plans and resolutions. Is Decluttering one of those things you've been meaning to do? Join us on Saturday, January 24th, 3-5pm @THP South branch to learn the best decluttering methods for you.

Everyone at the library today:

Tool library closes at 6pm tonight. All library branches are open until 8pm tonight. Be sure to stock up on books, movies, magazines, and more. We'll be back on Friday 10am-6pm at all locations, y'all!

There's still time to stock up on books, movies, magazines, culinary tools, and more at the library! Monday: Central Library 12-8pm today Branches 10am-6pm Tuesday: All library locations: 10am-8pm Tool Library: 10am-6pm

I don't know who needs to hear this, perhaps you know someone who does? We'll have a Decluttering for the New Year event @South branch on Saturday, January 24th, 3-5pm.

¡Participar en política local puede tener mayor impacto para tu comunidad! En este programa aprenderemos cómo funciona el gobierno de Berkeley a través de la agenda del consejo municpal. Próxima reunión: Lunes, 12 de enero, 6:30-7:30pm en el Electronic Classroom en el sucursal Central.

Here's your chance to get engaged with local politics by understanding the City Council agenda! Join us @Central on Monday, January 12th, 6:30-7:30pm in the Electronic Classroom.

Wishing you a cozy warm spot to read, watch movies, and enjoy a quiet moment of peace.

"When you are growing up there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you" - Keith Richards

Oh my, Holly GoLightly, do you even know how much money you can save by going to the library? Free books, movies, lively programs and classes, tools, and don't forget all of the ebooks, e-audiobooks, graphic novels, and magazines! And start streaming with Kanopy and Hoopla for movies and TV shows!

It's that time of year to stock up on books, movies, culinary tools, and more! All library locations will be closed on December 24, 25, and January 1. All branches will be open on December 31 from 10am-6pm. The Tool Library will be open 12-6pm. Our e-Library resources are always available! ❄️

I feel like if I just watch the movie enough times, George Bailey will get that trip to Europe after all.

Join us @Central for the Old-Time Tune Jam! We'll play traditional instrumental tunes from the American old-time repertoire on fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and more. Everyone, at all levels is welcome, including listeners. berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/13640225

It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it. -Oscar Wilde

I know we have some big Jane Austen fans here, check out this event with our friend @themerl.bsky.social ! #JaneAusten

You know this, right? That there are no holds and there is no waiting on @hoopladigital.bsky.social You and ALL of your friends can check it out at the same time. And it's not just ebooks and e-audiobooks: comics, magazines, music, movies, and TV, too! Me listening to KPOP Demon Hunters album:

That moment when you find an article on Tool Lending Libraries on the Urban Sustainable Directors Network and discover that the photos show your own Tool Lending Library! 🙂🥲😍 sustainableconsumption.usdn.org/initiatives-...

Good news! BART is back up and running.

Saturday December 6th 2-4pm @THP South Chanel London of Hella Artsy is paying tribute to the PBS shows we know and love like Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George! Come create crafts that spark nostalgia and celebrate the joy these characters brought us!

Overheard at the Library: parent: here's a book for you. elementary student: *looks at book* no. parent: okay, let's go find a chapter book. librarian: hey how about Percy Jackson? We have the first book in the series. elementary student: *looks at book* yes! parent: 😀 student: 📕 librarian: 😍

Librarian: so here's all the hacks for your new library card! new patron: what, there's hacks? Librarian: do you want a bajillion things for free? new patron: heck, yes, I do!

a surprising number of people: "you mean I can get ebooks and e-audiobooks for free?!?"

In the mood for holiday fun? Join us @THP South branch for The Nightmare Before Christmas today at 4pm. Snacks, crafts, and fun!

It's true! We offer Discover & Go - get free and discounted admission to local museums and attractions for Berkeley residents.