|
 Logo of the Alameda Free Library. Image Text: Alameda Free LIbrary - Between the lines -
|
|
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. |
|
All Alameda Free Library locations will be closed on
Friday, July 4th
in observance of the Independence Day Holiday
All Alameda Free Library locations will be open
Thursday, July 16, 1:00-5:00PM
|
|
 Text on multicolor background image: Happy Fourt of July from the staff of the Alameda Free Library
|
|
 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.
|
|
|
Text on image showing vegetable caracters against sky: Plant a seed, read.
Kids Craftopia
Saturday, July 25, 2:00 - 4:00PM
We'll be offering a variety of different projects, some you may have seen and some that will be new to you. Once the supplies are gone, we'll switch to the next craft. Drop in whenever you like or stay for the whole two hours.
Don't forget that July 31st is the
LAST DAY to pick up Summer Reading prizes!
|
|
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.
|
|
|
AFL FRESH
@Main Library, Children's Programs Room
Summer Reading 2026
Sundays, July (05, 12, 19, 26) @ 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!
|
 |
@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Thursday, July 9, 2:30PM
Come hang out, watch The Princess Diaries, and add some sparkle to your favorite book. Bring a book you want to bedazzle or choose from a limited selection of YA (Young Adult) books you can decorate and take home.
Supplies provided: B-7000 glue, wax pencils, 3 mm rhinestones, trays, and tweezers. This is a self-guided activity. Bedazzling takes time; you may not finish your project during the program.
Registration is required (10 spots available). Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
*This program is for teens in the 7th-12th grade*
|
@West End Library
Summer Reading 2026
Saturday, July 11, 3:00PM
Need a good laugh? Join us as we welcome Steve Chaney and his sidekick, Cornelius Crow to the West End Library. Steve is an Amazing Ventriloquist, appeals to all ages and is guaranteed to make you laugh. Bring the family and enjoy the show! Registration is NOT required!
|
|
@West End Library
Thursday, July 23, 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 (every 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, only 24 spots available. Registration is highly encouraged by emailing to WEBREF@alamedaca.gov. 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.
Hope to see you there! Herbal Tea will be available.
|
|
@Bay Farm Island Library, Leydecker Center
Summer Reading 2026
Saturday, July 25, 2:00PM
Space expert Josh Roberts will lead a presentation on solar system exploration in the Leydecker Room next to Bay Farm Island Library followed by solar observation through telescope.
Journey through space and time with us at this dynamic, all-ages celebration of the magic of outer space. We'll be celebrating Space Week all week at Bay Farm Island Library with crafts available from Monday, July 20th to Thursday, July 23rd in preparation for this special event!
|
|
|
STORYTIME SCHEDULE AT ALL LOCATIONS |
|
|
Children's programs are on hiatus at all locations from Saturday, August 1st to Monday, September 7th Children's programming will resume on Tuesday, September 8th
Los programas infantiles estarán en pausa en todas las ubicaciones desde el sabado 1 de agosto hasta el lunes 7 de septiembre. La programación infantil se reanudará el martes 8 de septiembre.
|
|
MAIN LIBRARY, CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING ROOM
BAY FARM ISLAND LIBRARY
WEST END LIBRARY
|
|
@Bay Farm Island Library, Leydecker Park
Summer Reading 2026
Tuesdays in July @ 10:30 AM
Join us outside, steps away from the Bay Farm Island Library, for a special Music and Movement series that's fun for the whole family! We will start with a movement-themed story then spend the rest of our time together moving and singing. A combination of different props will be used each time, including sticks, shakers, bean bags and even a ball and parachute. This takes place every Tuesday morning in July.
|
|
@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 workshops will cover the basics of hand sewing and provide plenty of practice while making fun projects for participants to take home.
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
|
|
@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:
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.
|
|
@Main Library, Children's Programs Room
Summer Reading 2026
Fridays 2:00 - 4:00PM.
Dates: 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
|
|
@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:
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
|
|
@West End Library
Summer Reading 2026
Thursday, July 16, 3:00PM
Do you love Reptiles? How about Amphibians? If you do, then you don't want to miss East Bay Regional Parks: Reptiles and Amphibians Event at the West End Library. Meet a real reptile and learn more about these amazing creatures. What are the differences between a reptile and an amphibian anyway? Come to this event and find out!
Registration is NOT required!
For more info: WEBref@alamedaca.gov or call (510) 747-7767.
|
@West End Library
Summer Reading 2026
Tuesday, July 28, 10:30AM
Here we are with Summer half over. A great time to be reminded of our very own Crab Cove Visitors' Center! A naturalist from Crab Cove will be a guest storyteller at West End Library.
No registration required but come early and don't forget to check in and grab your prizes for Summer Reading!
|
|
|
MONTHLY EVENTS :: CHILDREN
|
|
@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.
|
@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.
|
 |
|
@Main Library, Stafford Room
Second Sunday of the month, 2:00 - 4:00PM
Join us for a sensory-friendly, family focused movie matinee!
July selection: Goat
Rated PG: for some rude humor and brief mild language
|
|
|
LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR TEENS & ADULTS |
|
@Main Library, Stafford Room
Saturday, July 18,10:30AM
Come one, come all to an interactive sound bath experience offered by community member Isabella of Breathing Room Alameda.
Leading off with a "hear & tell," participants can come in close as each instrument is demonstrated. Instruments will be passed around to people wanting to participate, one instrument at a time. Some instrument include: small and medium & large metal bowls, ocean drum, rain stick, Koshi Chimes, Buffalo Drum, & others. Certain other instruments such as crystal bowls and gongs will also be played.
|
|
|
@West End Library
Thursday, July 23, 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, only 24 spots available. Registration is highly encouraged by emailing to WEBREF@alamedaca.gov. 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.
Hope to see you there! Herbal Tea will be available.
|
|
@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Thursday, July 23, 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.*
|
|
@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
DROP Day Alameda
Friday, July 24, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Join us to learn more about the California DROP program and decide whether you would like to enroll with the help of volunteers from community member Don and volunteers from Oakland Privacy.
DROP gives you more control over your data. You can tell data brokers to delete and not sell your personal information. Using DROP helps you limit private information data brokers collect and sell about you. Bring an Internet-enabled device to learn more about the process online; feel free to drop in anytime in the duration of the program to get support.
|
|
@Main Library, Stafford Room
Disability Pride Month: Movie Screening
Friday, July 24, 2:30PM
Celebrate Disability Pride Month with a special screening of the seminal documentary "Crip Camp," followed by a Q&A with Director Jim LeBrecht.
"Camp Jened, a ramshackle camp “for the handicapped” (a term no longer used) in the Catskills, exploded those confines. Jened was their freewheeling Utopia, a place with summertime sports, smoking and make-out sessions awaiting everyone, and campers experienced liberation and full inclusion as human beings."
|
@Main Library, Stafford Room
Tuesday, July 28, 2:30PM
Adults! Step out of your comfort zone and show your creativity in this unique workshop facilitated by community members Eve and Logan of Upcycle Alameda. We will be decorating wearable, wire frame fairy wings with upcycled materials. Great for Pride or any occasion!
Registration is required! Please contact Adult/Teen Services' @: (510) 747-7713 | RefDesk@alamedaca.gov
|
@Main Library, Stafford Room
Disability Pride Month
Thursday, July 30, 3:00PM
Celebrate Disability Pride Month with a presentation by community member Vivian. We will delve into Dickinson’s poetry and how writers historically represent chronic illness and pain in their works.
|
|
|
MONTHLY EVENTS :: TEENS ONLY |
|
|
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.
|
|
Reviewed by: David
The Award by Matthew Pearl
The Award, a thriller by Matthew Pearl, transports readers into the hyper-competitive, deeply corrupt world of mid-19th-century European art. Moving between London and Paris, the novel explores ambition, artists pushed to their psychological limits, and the lengths individuals will go to secure a legacy. The story follows young artists competing for the Grand Prize, which guarantees fame and fortune. Pearl’s choice of words is refreshing, though the novel occasionally struggles with pacing and dense debates. This substantial novel contains mature themes and is not a quick, easy read.
|
|
Reviewed by: Atlas
House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias
House of Bone and Rain is a powerful coming-of-age tale that explores brotherhood, revenge, and the supernatural, with heavy Stand By Me vibes and a group of tight-knit friends willing to do anything for one another. Gabino Iglesias gives us vivid characters dealing with friendship, loyalty, and loss. His writing is lyrical yet gritty, bringing Puerto Rico to life with authenticity. He skillfully weaves together crime, horror, and folklore to create a thrilling, thought-provoking tale exploring fate, destiny, and consequences. I would heavily recommend this book to anyone fascinated by horror and crime.
|
|
|
 @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.
|
|
MONTHLY EVENTS :: TEENS & ADULTS |
|
@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.
|
@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.
|
|
@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.
|
@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!
|
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
|
|
@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
Wednesday, July 29, @ 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.
|
|
@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
Adult/Teen Literacy
Friday, July 17, 12:00PM
Join us to practice your English conversation skills. This is a monthly series designed to increase your confidence in speaking English conversationally in your communities. No registration is required for this program. All levels and dialects welcome. See you there!
|
|
|
 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
July Read: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer
While supplies last, free copies are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. To join, please register.
|
|
|
-
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.
-
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: Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower. 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
-
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: Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower. 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
-
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: Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro. 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!
|
|
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. |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
