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All Alameda Free Library locations will be closed on
Friday, July 4th
in observance of the Independence Day Holiday
 Due to reductions in federal funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the New York Times digital subscription for all California libraries will end on June 30th.
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As part of our strategic planning process, we want to hear from everyone – whether you visit Library regularly or have never been before. Your input will help guide future services, programs, and spaces to better serve Alameda.
Please use THIS LINK to take the survey.
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STORYTIME SCHEDULE AT ALL LOCATIONS |
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MAIN LIBRARY, CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING ROOM
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BAY FARM ISLAND LIBRARY
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You did it!
You participated in the 2025 Summer Reading program! Now it's time to celebrate. Visit any Alameda Free Library location for giant games, a scavenger hunt, and more!
Thursday, July 31, 12:00 - 04:00 PM
At the Main Library, we'll also have Loteria, trivia, and karaoke.
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Don't forget that July 31st is also
the LAST DAY to pick up Summer Reading prizes!
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Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Saturday, July 26, 02:00 - 04:00 PM
Join the Main Library for a SUPA fun Dog Man Day program! We'll have cool crafts and giveaways while supplies last, we'll be playing the Dog Man (PG) movie, and we'll be hosting a Dog Man Art Contest!
See contest rules below
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Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Tuesday, July 01, 02:30 - 03:30 PM
At the Main Library, level up your math skills with mathematically mind-bending games for the whole family! This is a drop-in program and does not require you to attend the entire event.
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Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Tuesday, July 08, 02:30 - 03:30 PM
Level up your inner scientist at the Main Library. Engage your senses in hands-on scientific exploration.
Be prepared to get messy! Best for ages 5 and up.
Registration is required.
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Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
July 11, 2025 | 02:00 - 04:00 PM July 18, 2025 | 02:00 - 04:00 PM July 25, 2025 | 02:00 - 04:00 PM
Flashlight Fridays are back at the Main Library!
Independent readers can sign up for a 30-minute session in one of our tents, complete with a “campfire,” flashlights, and a cozy pillow, where they can read alone to the sound of crickets.
No pesky siblings (or parents), just books, glorious books.
Registration is requested.
Please call 510-747-7705 or email childref@alamedaca.gov for more information or to reserve your tent.
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Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Let's meet at the park for a picnic storytime on Wednesday mornings at 10:30am!
Bring a snack and a blanket, come early to play, then join Ms. Dawn under the trees and listen to stories while you eat.
See below for dates and park information in June -- more dates in July here.
Leydecker Park: July 2, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Chochenyo Park: July 9, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Longfellow Park: July 16, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Jean Sweeney Open Space: July 23, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Krusi Park: July 30, 2025 | 10:30 - 11:00 AM
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 Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Meet and learn about a variety of animals with Tracy the Animal Show Guy! All three shows will be the same, so choose the one closest to you.
Main Library: Saturday, July 19, 2:30pm
No registration necessary. All family welcomed!
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CHILDREN MONTHLY EVENTS
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Sunday, July 13th, 2 PM | Main Library.
Join us for a sensory-friendly, family focused movie matinee!
June selection: Dog Man
Rated PG for some action and rude humor.
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 Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Wednesday, July 16, 03:00 - 05:00 PM
Teens, get ready to get creative with Color Me Mine! Paint and personalize your own piece of pottery—make it bold, make it fun, make it yours.
Registration is required due to limited space. Spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive a confirmation email if your registration is successful.
Click Here to Sign Up.
*This program is for teens in the 7th -12th grade.
** This is one of two sessions offered this summer. Teens may register for only one session, and only one submission per teen is allowed.
Questions? Email refdesk@alamedaca.gov
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Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Created by the Teen Advisory Board, unleash your creativity by designing a tiny fairy door or decorating a mini canvas!
This kit includes a few supplies to help you get started on your creation - paint, brushes, and decorative extras.
Kits are available while supplies last and can be picked up at the Main Library.
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TEEN MONTHLY EVENTS
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Wednesday, July 02, 04:00 - 04:40 PM
Teens, join our Teen Book Club!
Each month, members get to pick the book we read from our Young Adult (YA) collection. While supplies last, free copies are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
To join, please register.
Next up:
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
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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.
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Reviewed by: Rachel
The Survivor Wants to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
This emotional novel is Silvera’s third book set in an alternate world where Death-Cast notifies people of their final day. While many embrace this gift, Paz and Alano have been scarred by it; Paz from a traumatic act to protect his mother,and Alano as heir to the controversial Death-Cast empire. Fate brings them together, but can healing follow? The detailed world-building feels lifelike, and the complex characters kept me engaged to the last page. The relentless plot and cliffhanger made this 700-page book a fast read. Fans of the series will love it—though newcomers should start with They Both Die at the End.
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Reviewed by: Zoe
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
The Island of Missing Trees is a stunning novel weaving love, family, and nature. Set in Cyprus, it follows Kostas, a Greek Cypriot, and Defne, a Turkish Cypriot, whose love grows amid violence. Their story is witnessed by a fig tree, later transplanted to London, where Kostas and his daughter live after Defne’s death. Through alternating perspectives, including the fig trees, the book explores the power of roots and the cost of hatred. With writing that is lush, lyrical, and surprisingly funny, this book is perfect for anyone who loves nature or moving stories about love, family, and history.
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MAIN LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS |
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Thursday, July 24, 02:30 PM
Come make a cut and paste style perzine! Tired of scrolling on your phone? Make a zine expressing yourself and your life and interests, examples of perzines will be shown, we encourage you to bring writing, lists, media recommendations, personal stories, prompts will also be provided. Make a zine all by hand from start to finish and bring it home with you!
Registration isn't required, but please consider it as space is limited.
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Saturday, July 12, 01:00 - 03:00 PM
Bring a plant or two, meet other plant and garden people, and take home something new.
PLANT SWAP GUIDELINES
bring plant cuttings, succulents, and potted indoor & outdoor plants to share; healthy, disease-free and pest-free plants only; label your plants if possible; no early drop-offs.
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Friday, July 18, 02:00 PM
Test your skills at drawing from life with two clothed models doing short and long poses. Some materials provided, but please bring your own sketchbooks etc. as you are able.
This program will be held outdoors; please dress accordingly!
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Online Author Talk with Pria Anand
Thursday, July 31st, 11:00 AM PDT
Register and add questions for the author, then tune in live or watch the event recording.
You’re invited to a fascinating conversation with neurologist and author Pria Anand to chat about her new book The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains. The Mind Electric speaks to the stories we tell ourselves about our brains, and the stories that our brains tell us. In neurology, illness is inextricably linked with narrative, the clues to unraveling these mysteries hidden in both the details of a patient's story and the tells of their body.
The Mind Electric @AFL
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 ADULT MONTHLY EVENTS
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Friday, July 11, 03:00 - 04:00 PM
Join us in the Family Study Room to practice your French conversation skills just in time for Bastille Day (July 14).
This is the first in a monthly series designed to increase your confidence in speaking French conversationally in your communities.
Then Third Friday // 3:00-4:00PM // Family Study Room Main Library
All levels and dialects welcome. À bientôt!
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Saturday, July 12, 03:00 - 04:00 PM
Learn the basics of 3D modeling and printing in this hands-on workshop.
Ages 7 and up.
Limit 10 learners. Registration only at this time.
Submit your questions for the presenter.
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Saturday, July 10, 01:00 - 04:00 PM
Come prepared for a short intro, including: your name, why you write, what you write (genre(s)), what you're working on now or most recently. And then let's get to it!
I will provide 5 short prompts for your choosing for those of you that like warming up or prefer to start with some inspiration for writing short stories and such.
I look forward to seeing you in person or on zoom!
Zoom info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84243653058?pwd=RHVMT3I0amZoRGJTOEFKd2FpVVVUZz09
Meeting ID: 842 4365 3058 ; Passcode: 816773
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Fourth Friday of the month, 12:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Join us in the Main Library Family Study Room at 12:30pm for a workforce development community of practice. New job, new you. Your next chapter starts right here in Alameda. Let us support you in taking that first step toward your future. You bring the hustle; we’ll bring the tools. From resumes to interviews, networking to job boards, we’ve got what you need to get hired. Because every great journey starts with a roadmap—come get yours. Any and all career stages welcome.
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Second Tuesday every other month
Tuesday, July 8, 2:00 - 05:00 PM
To sign up please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code ALAMEDALIBRARY
To save time while saving a life please fill out a Rapidpass. Learn more at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass
Please give blood if you can!
Stafford Meeting Room, Alameda Free Library
1550 Oak St., Alameda, CA 94501
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Third Wednesday of the month 11:30 AM - 05:30 PM
Alameda Health System (AHS) will be bringing their Mobile Health Van for basic screenings as well as more specialized referrals in the back parking lot of the Main Library.
Sign up for appointments with Alameda Health System staff who will be on-site. Max of 10 appointments per van visit.
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ADULT BOOK CLUBS
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A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book. Bay Farm Branch. Third Wednesday of the month at 1:00PM. This month's theme: Featuring a Medical Doctor or Veterinarian. Please email the facilitator, Lynda, at llyndaw@gmail.com for more information.
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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: The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen.
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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: The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen.
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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: True Biz by Sara Nović. Join us for a lively discussion and deepen your engagement with your reading!
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No feeling is Final. West End Library. Third Wednesday of the month at 3:00PM. Taken from Austrian poet Rainier Maria Rilke's The Book of Hours, "No feeling is final" is the name given to our poetry reading group and community of practice where participants are encouraged to move through life's variable rhythms with the help of a regular poetry practice. We encourage adults 18 and up to come build community through poetry in this monthly part-book club, part-workshop gathering. Read poetry, write to prompts, and welcome local poets to share their works-in-progress. Bound poetry zines featuring each month's poems will be available to pick at the West End Branch Library the week prior to the program, with additional copies available when we meet. All levels of experience reading and writing poetry are welcomed!
“Go to limits of your longing: let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” - RMR
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JULY PROGRAMS AT THE BRANCHES:
CHILDREN — TEENS & TWEENS — ADULTS
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Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Meet and learn about a variety of animals with Tracy the Animal Show Guy! All three shows will be the same, so choose the one closest to you.
Bay Farm Island Library: Saturday, July 19, 1:00 PM
No registration necessary. All family welcomed!
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 Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Tuesday, July 29, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Hosted by Petit Picassos! Join us outdoors near the Bay Farm Island Library for crafts, snacks, and summer stories under the trees. Participants will create flower crafts to enjoy all summer long.
Open to children ages four through nine. Timing is flexible, dropping in anytime between 10:30 and 12:30, but registration is required!
Location: 3221 Mecartney Rd, Alameda 94502. Find us behind the library near the amphitheater stone steps
Please call or visit the Bay Farm Island Library to sign up (510- 747 - 7787).
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 BAY FARM MONTHLY EVENTS
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Third Tuesday of the month 1:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Join us at the Bay Farm Island Library at 1pm for small-group instruction on computers, tablets, smartphones and more!
Registration required.
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Saturday Family Storytime
Saturday, July 12, 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Join us at the West End Library for a family storytime! These storytimes are about a 30 minute program geared towards a mix of ages. We invite families to participate as we read stories, learn about topics of interest, gain knowledge of how our animal or built world works, create special crafts, immerse ourselves in scavenger hunts, and more.
No registration required.
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Summer Reading 2025: LEVEL UP
Meet and learn about a variety of animals with Tracy the Animal Show Guy! All three shows will be the same, so choose the one closest to you.
West End Library: Saturday, July 12, 2:30pm
No registration necessary. All family welcomed!
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WhaZoodle
WhaZoodles are now available for checkout at the library!
A WhaZoodle is a screen-free audio speaker sidekick learning device that will be available at all three of our library locations. Each WhaZoodle program runs about two hours. Children can listen with headphones or the speaker function. WhaZoodles do not require Wi-Fi and it provides an all-audio, holistic learning experience geared for kids ages 3-12.
Explore the dozens of themes in our catalog that include: animals and bugs, adventure and travel, music and creativity, nature and environment, fantasy and fairy tales, reading and language, social and emotional and more.
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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.
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Recommeded by: Kayla
Jade City by Fonda Lee
It is an amazing start to an action-packed urban fantasy trilogy. The world-building is vivid, but easy to follow. The story follows the No Peak clan as it fights for territory and for the usurpation of the jade trade from the Mountain clan. Jade being a hot commodity as it amplifies the abilities of those of Green-Bone heritage. Tensions arise when Shine, a drug non-Green-Bones can use to access jade, becomes involved and calls into question who is entitled to wear jade. Read to find more about what it means to be part of a family and the loyalty that bonds members outside of blood.
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Recommended by: Jena
Sophie's World by Jostein Gaardner
A simply wonderful, irresistible book...a cross between Bertrand Russell's History of Western Philosophy and Alice in Wonderland.
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Recommended by: Jennifer
Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewel
Jewell’s cutting between past and present certainly allows revelations to ooze out at a slow, controlled pace; even as the reader makes obvious connections, the full picture remains obscure.
Jewell has written some incredibly engaging and strong female characters, Nina, Ash, and Jane foremost among them.
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Recommended by: Micaela
Twenty-four Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds
It is about a seventeen year old who is about to have his first true fully intimate encounter with his girlfriend and in the twenty-four seconds before he leaves the bathroom to go to her he thinks back on the last twenty-four months of his life, his relationship with his girlfriend, and the advice he's been given about how to carry yourself in romantic and physically intimate relationships. Great Read!
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Recommended by: MC
Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay
It is about three generations of Filipino men living together under one roof due to COVID-19 shutdowns. It examines why Filipinos initially began to immigrate to the US in large numbers and how that immigration has contributed to American society and effected the American-born Filipinos that came after them. Great Read!
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Recommended by: Giuliano
The Nation That Never Was: Reconstructing America's Story by Kermit Roosevelt III.
An opportunity to learn how to read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, paying attention to the meaning of the written words within the historical and political context of when they were written--with an eye towards those involved in their creation. An important contribution to the development of a future democratic nation.
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This was a long list!
Thank you for supporting your library with your readership and attendance to events. Please let us know how we are doing.
We listen!!
Looking for more recommendations?
Check out these book lists created by AFL librarians.
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