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 Logo of the Alameda Free Library. Image Text: Alameda Free LIbrary - Between the lines -
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If you need accessibility accommodations to participate, or information translated or in other formats, please contact ada@alamedaca.gov or fill out our ADA Request Form at least seven (7) working days before any event listed. |
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The Library will be closed Friday, June 19th
in observance of
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JUNE NEWSLETTER
Join Us In Celebrating LGBTQI Pride Month
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 Text on multicolor background image: Pride
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 Text on an image showing a draw bridge: "ABC Almeda Book Con 2026"
Alameda Book Con (ABC) 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Alameda Free Library is excited to announce Alameda Book Con (ABC) 2026—an engaging literary event celebrating local authors and creators. Join us at the Main Library (1550 Oak Street.)
Mark your calendar and stay tuned for the full schedule of events! Please visit www.alamedafree.org/ABC2026 for more updates.
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SUMMER READING 2026
Saturday, June 6, 10:30AM - 12:30PM
Join us to kick off Summer Reading at AFL with stories and crafts! Our Summer Reading 2026 theme is Plant a Seed, Read.
10:30am–11:00am | Summer storytime
11:00am–12:30pm | Crafts for kids, teens, and grownups: Make and decorate your own cardboard container for seeds, or create a mini terrarium! All materials provided while supplies last.
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Love the Alameda Free Library? So do we! Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL) is a nonprofit volunteer group dedicated to supporting the library, and their monthly newsletter is the best way to stay in the loop on news, events, and ways to get involved.
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AFL FRESH
@Bay Farm Island Library, Outdoor Space
Summer Reading 2026
Saturday, June 6, 1:00 - 3:00PM
Join us for an outdoor community art class steps away from the Bay Farm Island Library! Miss Stephanie of Petit Picassos will guide participants through a read-aloud story, planting, and creating garden-themed projects.
Designed for families and with projects intended for ages 4 and up. This is a drop in event! We recommend arriving as early as you can since supplies are limited.
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@West End Library
Summer Reading 2026
Saturday, June 6, 3:00 - 4:00PM
Kick off Summer Reading with a laugh! Summer Reading is for Everyone and so is this puppet show! Bring the whole family to the show AND sign up for summer reading. Leave no reader at home!
No registration is required but come early as space is limited.
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@Bay Farm Island Library
Tuesday, June 9,10:30 - 11:30AM
Do you enjoy crocheting? And are you interested in a fun way to capture all the books you read in a given period of time? The premise is using the colors in a book cover to create each square.
Join us on the second Tuesday of each month to start a book square or continue working on one. Basic crocheting skills are required. Limited instruction will be provided and limited supplies of yarn and hooks are available.
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@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Wednesday, June 10, 2:00 - 4:00PM
Hosted by Piscola Mami, join us for a session where you can create your own personalized stamp and print it on a tote bag!
Registration is required due to limited space (15 spots available). Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
*This program is for teens in the 7th – 12th grade.*
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@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Saturday, June 13, 2:00 - 3:30PM
Join us for this drop-in program to discover how nature inspires amazing ideas in this fun, hands-on biomimicry program!
Kids will explore how animals stay warm, protect themselves, and use special features like beaks to survive, then design and build their own creative solutions. Through simple experiments and building challenges, participants will think like engineers, get curious about the natural world, and learn how real-life inventions are inspired by nature.
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@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
Wednesday, June 17, @ 4:30 PM
Practice genuine connection through playful exercises. No performance pressure—just building the confidence and skills to show up and spark connection in our everyday unscripted lives. Learn to navigate awkward moments, meet new people with ease, and trust yourself when there's no script. Free and open to ages 13+.
Facilitated by Claire Slattery, founder + creator of Alameda's Improv Central. Registration required.
To register click on Book Now at the top of the Event calendar entry or go to the page bottom section titled Book Online (Registration) follow the prompt.
For more information about this program, please email us at RefDesk@alamedaca.gov.
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@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Thursday, June 18, 3:00PM
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 (16 spots available). Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Please note, teens may register for one session only (June or July.)
*This program is for teens in the 7th – 12th grade.*
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STORYTIME SCHEDULE AT ALL LOCATIONS |
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THERE ARE NO CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS IN AUGUST
MAIN LIBRARY, CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING ROOM
BAY FARM ISLAND LIBRARY
WEST END LIBRARY
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The mission of the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Friends of Alameda Free Library (FAL) is to raise funds and advocate for the success of the Alameda Free Library. For more than 50 years, FAL has worked alongside the Library to ensure equal, free, and safe access to critical resources. The Library relies on FAL to maintain and expand its collections of books, digital resources, and technology. In 2025, more than 44,000 individuals attended over 1,250 Library programs offered, which were made possible with FAL’s support. To stay up to date with important Library-specific community events, FAL used book sales, and more, please visit us at https://alamedafriends.com/ and sign up for our monthly newsletter here
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@Main Library, Children's Programs Room
Summer Reading 2026
Sundays, June (Except 06/28) & July @ 12:30 - 1:00PM
Join us for a Malinky bilingual Spanish/English series that brings children and caregivers together through traditional and original songs that inspire rhythm, movement, language, and joyful connection. Singing and learning together!
Acompáñanos para disfrutar de la serie bilingüe Malinky en español e inglés, que invita a niños y cuidadores a formar parte de una cálida comunidad musical. A través de canciones tradicionales y originales, los niños exploran el ritmo, el movimiento, el lenguaje y las primeras habilidades musicales de una manera alegre y participativa. La maestra Emilia espera crear comunidad y conexión — ¡cantando y aprendiendo juntos!
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@Main Library, Stafford Room
Summer Reading 2026
Sunday, June 7, 1:30-4:00PM
We invite children and families to attend our first ever Baby Rave, featuring local DJ and community member Black Sunshine.
We will be bumping beats appropriate for all ages, blowing bubbles, and making glow bracelets as we take time to relax, move together, and socialize as a community.
We encourage attendees to dress to this year's Summer Reading Program theme; Plant a Seed, Read! We look forward to seeing how this year's theme speaks to you.
There is no registration required; please drop in at any time during the event!
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@Main Library, Off Site
Summer Reading 2026
Wednesdays 10:30AM - 11:00AM
Let’s meet at the park for a picnic storytime! Bring a snack and a blanket, come early to play, then join Dawn under the trees and listen to stories while you eat. Dates and Locations:
JUNE 10: Franklin Park, 1432 San Antonio Ave.
JUNE 17: Littlejohn Park, 1401 Pacific Ave.
JUNE 24: Lincoln Park, 1450 High St.
JULY 1: Leydecker Park, 3225 Mecartney Rd.
JULY 8: Longfellow Park, 520 Lincoln Ave. (Linden Street between Haight and Lincoln Avenues)
JULY 15: Jean Sweeney Open Space, 1925 Sherman St.
JULY 22: Tillman Park, 220 Aughinbaugh Way
JULY 29: Krusi Park, 3001 Otis Dr.
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@Main Library, Children's Programs Room
Summer Reading 2026
Fridays 2:00 - 4:00PM.
Dates: June 12 & 26; July 03, 10, 17, 24.
Flashlight Fridays are back! At the Main Library during the months of June and July, 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 kids can read alone to the sound of crickets. Appointments begin at 2:00p.m.
Registration is required! Please contact Children's via phone or email to register: (510) 747-7705 | ChildRef@alamedaca.gov
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@West End Library
Saturday, June 13, 3:00 - 4:00PM
Join us at the West End Library for a fabulous INTERACTIVE Puppet Show presented by WYLDING WOODS! Join in the fun as they present BARNABY AND THE DRAGON'S TREASURE!
This puppet show is recommended for ages 4 and up. No registration required, but come early space is limited.
For more info: WEBref@alamedaca.gov or call (510) 747-7767.
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@Bay Farm Island Library
Summer Reading 2026
Mondays 2:00-3:30PM
Summer Art Club is a four-part series open to children ages 8-13. We aim to create a supportive environment for creativity, fun, and collaboration! All the events will take place outside at the theatre space to the right of the library. Dates and Crafts:
June 15th: Play with Clay
June 29th: Decorate a Canvas Bag
July 13th: Play with Clay
July 27th: Decorate a Canvas Bag
Space is limited. Please register here or call 510-747-7787 to register for Summer Art Club and specify which date(s) you will be attending. No prior experience is needed and all materials are provided.
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@Main Library
Wednesdays, 2:30PM - 4:30PM
Join us for a Sewing Workshop for Kids series this summer! Each week will feature a different project suited for beginners ages 8-14.
These six workshops will cover the basics of hand sewing and provide plenty of practice while making fun projects for participants to take home.
June 17 | Pride Rainbow ; June 24 | Narwhal Stuffy
July 1 | Jelly Stuffy ; July 8 | Moon Pillow
July 15 | Star Pillow ; July 22 | Mini Pocket Pets*
No experience is needed for the first five workshops.
*We recommend having some sewing experience (like taking one or more of the other workshops) for workshop six.
Spaces are limited with a new sign-up required for each session. Please contact Children's to register: (510) 747-7705 ; ChildRef@alamedaca.gov
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@Bay Farm Island Library
Celebrating LGBTQI Pride Month
Saturday, June 20,10:30AM
Pride is here and we couldn't be more excited! Join us for Bay Farm Island Library's first annual Pride Festival. We'll begin our festival with a Drag Storytime hosted by the Bay Area's own Jota Mercury (they/he), followed by face painting, crafts, fun, bubbles, and community resources. We hope you can celebrate Pride with all of us!
Schedule of Events
Drag Storytime (Hosted by Jota Mercury) | 10:30-11:30AM
Face Painting, Crafts, Community Resources | 11:30AM-1:00PM
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@West End Library
Saturday, June 27, 11:00AM - 12:00PM
Love astronomy? Want to learn more and take a Virtual Journey through the solar system? Check out sunspots (safely) through a telescope? Join us at the West End Library for Astro Everywhere!
Our presenter, Josh Roberts will take audience members on a virtual tour of the galaxy and answer questions about space. He will also be bringing telescopes in which audience members will be able to view the sun (safely) following a safety lecture.
No Registration required! Please contact the West End Library via phone (510) 747-7767 or email WEBref@alamedaca.gov if you have any questions.
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MONTHLY EVENTS :: CHILDREN
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@West End Library
Third Saturday of the month, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Join us at the West End Library for drop-in Chess Club for Kids (8+) No instruction provided. Just bring yourself; boards and pieces will be available.
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@West End Library
Fourth Saturday of the month, 10:30A - 12:00P
Join us at the West End Library, children aged 3+ can squish, sculpt and play with playdough.
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@Main Library, Stafford Room
Second Sunday of the month, 2:00 - 4:00PM
Join us for a sensory-friendly, family focused movie matinee!
June selection: The Spongebob Movie: The Search for Squarepants
Rated PG: for rude humor, action and some scary images
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LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR TEENS & ADULTS |
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@Main Library, Stafford Room A
Monday, June 1, 3:45 - 5:30 PM
Teens, are you hunting for a spot to study or work on final projects? The library has got your back! During Study Hall, we've got open seating, snacks to keep you fueled up, and even coloring pages to help you take a break and unwind.
*This program is for teens in the 7th – 12th grade.*
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@West End Library
Thursday, June 25, 4:00PM
Are you looking to make new friends? Join us at the West End Library for a fun interactive event, where you will meet new people and hopefully make new friends. Speed friending events will be hosted on the fourth Thursday of the month and will be separated by age range. This event will be for people who are between 35(ish) and 45(ish). First come, first seated. Bring along fast facts and interesting questions to dive deep into the handful of moments provided with each participant. Sheets of interesting questions and ideas will be available for participants. A fun activity will be available after the sessions.
Hope to see you there! Herbal Tea will be available.
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@Main Library, Stafford Room
Saturday, June 27, 3:00 - 4:30PM
This free urban cycling class is a fun and informative presentation of videos, slides and discussion on avoiding most common bike crashes in traffic, bike laws, riding comfort, theft prevention and locking information. Bikes not required, classroom setting. Great for new and experienced vehicle drivers too!
Presented by Bonnie of Easy Street Cycling.
Adults, teens and kids 10 and older are welcome! All minors need a grown-up to stay with them during the session.
Registration is required! Please register with the program facilitator here.
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@Main Library
Sunday, June 28, 1:00 - 4:00PM
Please note that this event will take place in the Stafford Room and the parking lot of the Main Library.
The BikeMobile hosts bicycle repair clinics at schools, libraries, recreation centers, and community events across the San Francisco Bay Area. At these events, we engage participants in a hands-on repair process so that they may be more confident making future repairs on their own. Additionally, we promote safe riding, teach beginners how to ride without training wheels, and give away refurbished bicycles.
Registration is required! Please contact Adult/Teen Services at the Main Library: (510) 747-7713 | RefDesk@alamedaca.gov
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MONTHLY EVENTS :: TEENS ONLY |
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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
Better the Devil by Erik Brown
Better the Devil follows a homeless teen who gets arrested for shoplifting and pretends to be a missing boy, Nate, as a temporary solution. One thing leads to another, and it becomes clear that there is no going back on the charade. A series of events reveals that Nate was murdered, and now the imposter must solve the mystery for Nate’s sake and to preserve his own life. This book has all the good parts of a murder mystery, but with a fresh plot. The plot twists were dramatic and unexpected, and I never knew who to trust.
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Reviewed by: Charlize
The One That Got Away With Murder by Trish Lundy
The One That Got Away with Murder follows Lauren O’Brian as she navigates her senior year, a troubled past, soccer, and a new relationship with Robbie Crestmont. Rumors surrounding the Crestmont brothers begin to catch up with her, while her past threatens to ruin her fresh start. Though the book is a bit slow, the suspense and intrigue kept me entertained, and the story surprised me more than I expected. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy murder mysteries with romance, chaos, and a happier ending.
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 @Main Library, Stafford Room
Teen Advisory Group (TAG) | First Tuesday of the month 4:30 to 5:30PM
Are you a teen in 7th–12th grade looking to share your ideas, help with library projects, and earn volunteer hours? Join our Teen Advisory Group (TAG)! Registration is required.
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MONTHLY EVENTS :: TEENS & ADULTS |
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@Main Library, Children's Programming RM
Every Wednesday, 12:15 - 12:45 PM
Try a different pace of life with our new weekly storytime for adults! Bring your lunch to the Children's Programming Room of the Main Library on Wednesday afternoons for a half-hour of short stories, picture books, and other tales curated by our expert librarians.
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@Main Library Café
First Saturday of the month, 11AM-12PM
Please join us in the Main Library Cafe for a discussion of articles and short fiction from The New Yorker magazine. No need to book through the Library website - registration is handled at this link: New Yorker Short Stories by Alameda Readers Group | Eventbrite
The stories for each meeting are from recent past issues and are listed at the registration link. Haven't had a chance to read before the gathering? Come early and read them - we will have copies available!
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@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
First & Third Tuesday of the month, 4:00 - 5:30 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. No registration is required for this program, though space is limited to 12 participants in-person.
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@Main Library, Conference Room 224
First Tuesday of the month, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Please join us for presentations, discussions, and valuation of rare coins. No registration is required for this program, though space is limited to 12 participants in-person. There is also the option to participate virtually via Zoom.
Zoom info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83607021976
Meeting ID: 836 0702 1976 ; Passcode: 028681
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@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
Second Saturday of the month, 10:30 AM -12:30 PM
Come learn the basics of sewing from local makers Gaby and Cynthia. Work progressively on the same project month to month, or make a new sewing project every session! We will provide materials, instruction sheets as appropriate, and know-how to get you started.
No previous experience is required - please come ready to learn! This program is designed for adults ages 18 and up.
Registration is required! Please contact the Adult/Teen Services Department at the Main Library via phone or email to register: (510) 747-7713 | RefDesk@alamedaca.gov
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@Main Library, Conference Room 224
First Saturday of the month 2:00 PM - 3:00PM
Learn the basics of 3D printing in this monthly, hands-on workshop. We welcome people attending multiple workshops and sharing what they have learned with other participants.
Registration is required! Please book online (by clicking on the Book Now Button on the Calendar Event page) or contact the Adult/Teen Services Department at the Main Library via phone or email to register: (510) 747-7713 | RefDesk@alamedaca.gov
This program takes place on the second floor also accessible by elevator
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@Main Library, Conference Room 224
Third Saturday of the month 2:00 to 3:00PM
As a companion to our Tech Petting Zoo series, we invite you to share and advance your learning of 3D modeling techniques in community. Facilitated by local maker Evan. Please bring your own device (laptop or recent generation iPad) if possible. There will be a limited number of devices to use during the program.
Registration is required! Please contact Adult/Teen Services at the Main Library to register: (510) 747-7713 | RefDesk@alamedaca.gov
This program takes place on the second floor also accessible by elevator.
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@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
Second Friday of the month, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Join us on the second Friday of every month at 12pm to practice your French conversation skills. This is a monthly series designed to increase your confidence in speaking French conversationally in your communities. All dialects welcome. À bientôt!
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Second Saturday of the month, 1:00 - 4:00 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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@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
Fourth Saturday of the month, 11AM - 1PM
Join us in the Large Group Study Room at the Main Library for personalized career advice - from resumes to interviews, networking to job boards, we’ve got what you need to get hired. Please bring any materials you'd like reviewed as well as an Internet-enabled device if you have one. Registration is required.
To register click on Book Now at the top of the Event calendar entry or go to the page bottom section titled Book Online (Registration) follow the prompt.
For more information about this program, please email us at RefDesk@alamedaca.gov.
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@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
Wednesday, June 17, @ 4:30 PM
Practice genuine connection through playful exercises. No performance pressure—just building the confidence and skills to show up and spark connection in our everyday unscripted lives. Learn to navigate awkward moments, meet new people with ease, and trust yourself when there's no script. Free and open to ages 13+.
Facilitated by Claire Slattery, founder + creator of Alameda's Improv Central. Registration required.
To register click on Book Now at the top of the Event calendar entry or go to the page bottom section titled Book Online (Registration) follow the prompt.
For more information about this program, please email us at RefDesk@alamedaca.gov.
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 How the Teen Book Club Works:
Each month, we read and discuss the monthly title. Members get to pick the book we read from our Young Adult (YA) collection, read it by our meeting date, and then join us to talk about it. After the discussion, we’ll vote on the book for the following month.
To join, please register.
Note: Some of our book selections may explore heavier topics and themes. We encourage teens and their grown-ups to decide together if a book feels like the right fit.
Questions? Email Aireana at amcdade@alamedaca.gov
@Main Library,Conference Room 224
Wednesday, June 4th, 4:00 - 4:40 PM
June Read: Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu
While supplies last, free copies are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. To join, please register.
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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: Getting around on your own two feet: Hiking, Walking, Trekking, Mountain Climbing. This program takes place at the Islandia Clubhouse, 1138 Island Drive, Alameda. Questions? Please contact the moderator, Lynda, at llyndaw@gmail.com, or the Bay Farm Island Library at: (510) 747-7787 | BFIref@alamedaca.gov.
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Main Library Mystery Book Club. Fourth Monday of the month 4:30 to 5:30PM. Copies are available in the Alameda Free Library collection and through LINK+. This month's pick: Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke. Registration is NOT required! Questions? Please contact the Adult/Teen Services Department at the Main Library via phone or email (510) 747-7713 | RefDesk@alamedaca.gov
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Bay Farm Mystery Book Club. Fourth Tuesday of the month 4:30 to 5:30PM. Copies are available in the Alameda Free Library collection and through LINK+. This month's pick: Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke. Space is limited and registration IS REQUIRED! Please contact the Bay Farm Island Library via phone or email to register: (510) 747-7787 | BFIref@alamedaca.gov
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A Novel Idea. Main Library, Large Group Study Room. Fourth Sunday of the month, 3:00 - 4:30PM. A Novel Idea is a book club for adults featuring novels from diverse genres and authors. Join us for a lively discussion and deepen your engagement with your reading! This month's pick: The Lilac People by Milo Todd. A few complimentary copies of each book are available at the Main Library Reference Desk the day after each meeting and through LINK+. To browse past selections, check out this list on our online catalog!
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If you need accessibility accommodations to participate, or information translated or in other formats, please contact ada@alamedaca.gov or fill out our ADA Request Form at least seven (7) working days before any event listed. |
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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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