|
ALL ALLAMEDA FREE LIBRARY LOCATIONS WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 IN OBSERVANCE OF THE PRESIDENT'S DAY HOLIDAY
|
|
February Newsletter:
Welcome to the
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
|
|
Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
In honor of Black History Month, join us for an afternoon of song with the Grammy-winning Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, a local 501(c)(3) performing arts organization whose mission is to "to inspire joy and unity among all people through Black Gospel and Spiritual Music traditions."
We will hear joyous pieces from choir members, view clips from the inspiring documentary about the group's trip with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus through the Southern US in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election and learn about the history of the oldest non-Indigenous musical form in the nation.
This venue is located on the ground floor and is wheelchair-accessible. There is AAC available upon request. There will be an audiovisual presentation, captioned in English.
-- Stafford Meeting Room, Main Library.
|
|
STORYTIME SCHEDULE AT ALL LOCATIONS |
|
MAIN LIBRARY, CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING ROOM
|
|
MAIN LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN |
|
Join us for special programs that celebrate Black History Month with children's activities highlighting Art and Science focused on the work of the following artists and scientists. For Ages 6+.
Paper Story Quilt | Friday, February 7th at 3:30 PM: Faith Ringgold
DIY Planetarium | Thursday, February 13th at 3:30 PM: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Circle of Flowers | Friday, February 21st at 3:30 PM: Alma Thomas
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Sign up by contacting the Children’s Desk by phone (510) 747-7705 or email (childref@alamedaca.gov). Please provide your child's name, age, parent name, email, phone, and the program date you are interested in.
Participants can sign up for more than one program
|
|
 Learn about painter, writer, sculptor, quilter and activist Faith Ringgold. Create your very own paper story quilt based on her picture book “Tar Beach”.
|
 Learn about American astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and create your own DIY Planetarium to use as a star projector!
|
 Learn about Washington D.C. based artist and teacher, Alma Woodsey Thomas. You’ll be able to paint and create your very own Circle of Flowers artwork.
|
|
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Join Bay Area author/illustrator Judd Winick to launch the newest adventure in his graphic novel series for kids, Hilo #11: The Great Space Iguana. Judd will sign copies of his book after the presentation. Books will be available to purchase at the event, but no purchase is necessary to attend.
Registration is appreciated. Please register for the event at Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/3umt8mkn
|
|
Monday, February 03, 2025 | 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Join us for a fun and eco-friendly Toy Swap at the Main Library!
Leading up to the event the Main Library will be collecting clean, gently used, re-giftable toys from January 21st to February 2nd.
The library will not be accepting stuffed animals. There is a maximum of up to 2 donated toys per child. Families will receive a ticket for the event when they drop off the toys.
|
|
|
 |
|
Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Tweens! Explore printmaking with items you can find around the house. Materials provided, bring your creativity!
Ages 9 and up welcome.
|
|
|
CHILDREN MONTHLY EVENTS
Family Movie Matinee. Sunday, February 9th, 2PM | Main Library. Join us for a sensory-friendly, family focused movie matinee!
|
|
 |
|
September selection:
Transformers One
The untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but who once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
|
|
|
MAIN LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR TEENS |
|
Teens*, are you looking for an incredible adventure? Well, look no further than Dungeons and Dragons (D&D)! Create your own character and join the Guild with other adventurers to embark on an epic journey.
No experience needed. Character sheets, dice, and rules explanations provided.
please register to join.
*This program is for teens in the 7th -12th grade
|
|
TEEN MONTHLY EVENTS
-
Teen Advisory Board. Tuesday, February 4th, 4:30PM | Main Library. Are you a teen in 7th-12th grade? Do you want to share your interests and help with library projects? If yes, then why not join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB)? You can gain valuable experience and earn volunteer hours as a member.
-
Teen Book Club. Wednesday, February 5th, 4PM | Main Library. Teens choose what we read each month. Free copies of the book while supplies last. Next up: Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis.
-
Dungeons & Dragons. Monday, February 3th & 10th, 6PM | Main Library. Looking to get into Dungeons & Dragons? No experience needed. Character sheets, dice, and rules explanations provided.
-
Teen Book Reviews. Teens in the 7th-12th grades are invited to write book reviews for the library. Please visit the Teen Book Reviews Page for more information.
|
|
 |
|
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
Reviewed by: Vy
In Bloodmarked, the sequel to Legendborn, Bree navigates a world of secrets and supernatural challenges following her mother’s death. As King Arthur's true heir, she must prove her worthwhile grappling with her newly inherited powers. With her loyal friend by her side, Bree faces complex relationships and the haunting disappearance of her boyfriend. Blending mythology and fantasy, Bloodmarked delivers an emotionally charged adventure reminiscent of N.K. Jemisin’s The Inheritance Trilogy, making it a must-read for fans of magical tales and mysterious quests.
|
 |
|
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
Reviewed by: Shion
In The Reappearance of Rachel Price, Bel Price faces the shocking return of her mother, who vanished 16 years ago. As Bel and her family film a documentary about the mystery, she grapples with mixed emotions—relief at her mother’s return, but also suspicion that Rachel is hiding the truth. As secrets unravel and family dynamics shift, Bel must confront the lasting impact of her mother’s disappearance. This thrilling journey, filled with tension and twists, will keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for fans of suspense and true crime.
|
|
|
MAIN LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS |
|
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
In honor of Black History Month, we will host a screening and discussion of the acclaimed documentary film "Strange Fruit: The Biography of a Song" about jazz singer Billie Holiday's haunting hit of the same name.
 |
|
Strange fruit: the biography of a song
by David Margolick with a foreword by Hilton Als
The book is portrait of the song "Strange Fruit," written by Abel Meeropol and describing a racial lynching in the South, which was recorded by legendary singer Billie Holiday in 1939, examines the influence of the song on the growth of the Civil Rights Movement and traces the lives of singer Billie Holiday and songwriter Abel Meeropol.
|
|
|
Saturday, February 01, 2025 | 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Learn the basics of 3D modeling and printing in this hands-on workshop. Ages 7 and up. Limit 10 learners. Registration strongly encouraged. Submit your questions for the presenter ahead of time along with your registration - no question is too large or too small!
The entrance to the Main Library is wheelchair accessible. This event takes place on the second floor; there is an elevator. The program content will be delivered in spoken English.
|
|
|
Friday, February 14, 2025 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Join us in the Family Study Room at the Main Library for a visible mending workshop where we will create our own one-of-a-kind broken heart patches! Feel free to bring your own clothing to patch up, or simply use the fabrics provided. First come first served while supplies last.
|
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 04:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 04:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Please join us at the Main Branch in the Family Study Room for a fiber arts craft circle. All kinds of fiber artists welcome. Please bring your own materials and expertise. Limited instruction available. It will be an afternoon of community building and crafting. See you there!
|
|
ADULT BOOK CLUBS
-
Alameda Great Books Group. Main Library. Family Study Room. Second Tuesday of the month at 6:30PM. This month's pick: Genesis.
-
A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book. Bay Farm Branch. Third Wednesday of the month at 1:00PM. This month's theme: Biography/Autobiography/Memoir.
-
Main Library Mystery Book Club. Fourth Monday of the month at 6:00pm. Copies are available in the Alameda Free Library collection and through LINK+. This month's pick: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson.
-
Bay Farm Mystery Book Club. Fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30PM. Copies are available in the Alameda Free Library collection and through LINK+. This month's pick: My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson.
-
A Novel Idea. Main Library. Last Tuesday of the month at 5:30PM. Copies are available in the Alameda Free Library collection and through LINK+. This month's pick: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
|
|
FEBRUARY PROGRAMS AT THE BRANCHES:
CHILDREN — TEENS & TWEENS — ADULTS
|
|
We will provide the LEGO building blocks. Use your imagination and creativity to create with them!
|
IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Special storytime & craft featuring the work of renowned artist Ashley Brown
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us for a special family storytime highlighting the art and words of Ashley Bryan in celebration of Black History Month. Stay for a collage craft and/or pick up a take and make kit to create a beautiful blackbird at home.
|
|
BAY FARM ISLAND MONTHLY EVENTS
Build with LEGO: every Thursday, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM, ages 0-2.
|
|
BAY FARM COMMUNITY READS
 |
|
Linnea is reading:
A classic for a reason! No other book matches the combination of themes: class struggles, feminism, religion, and love set in a compelling, Gothic, dark romance. Bronte's writing is magical and feels modern. This book will fly by with its twists and turns!
|
|
|
IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Special storytime & craft featuring the work of renowned artist Ashley Brown
Monday, February 10, 2025 07:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Join us for a special family storytime highlighting the art and words of Ashley Bryan in celebration of Black History Month. Stay for a collage craft and/or pick up a take and make kit to create a beautiful blackbird at home.
|
Thursday, February 27, 2025 @ 03:30 PM
The West End Library is batty with excitement, NorCal Bats will be visiting and bringing some of their winged friends! Come learn about these fascinating creatures at our cozy branch library. All ages are welcome!
.
|
|
We have a new electronic resource!
Tune in for live monthly author talks from your personal device or a library computer
Submit questions to some of the world's top authors and creators in real time
Browse the expansive back catalog of session recordings whenever you like
Questions?
Ask library staff at the Reference Desk or visit our microsite to learn more.
|
|
 |
|
Micaela is reading:
Isaac’s Song by Daniel Black
It’s a sequel to his 2022 book, Don’t Cry for Me; and while that book was written from the perspective of a dying father looking back on his relationship with his estranged son, Isaac’s Song follows the titular character, Isaac Swinton, as he goes on an emotional journey shortly after his father’s funeral. You don’t have to read the first book to understand what’s going on in this story, and it’s reminiscent of classic works of Black fiction such as The Color Purple (Alice Walker) and Push (Sapphire).
|
|
|
 |
|
Nico is reading:
Empire of Normality by Robert Chapman
It's a short yet well-argued book that links historical views of normality and mental illness with shifts in the demands of capitalism. Chapman's dialectical analysis on the pathology paradigm and anti-psychiatry movement is particularly sharp. Overall the work serves as an excellent primer for anyone interested in neurodiversity studies.
|
|
|
|
Looking for more recommendations?
Check out these book lists created by AFL librarians.
|
|
|
|
|
