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 Logo of the Alameda Free Library. Image Text: Alameda Free LIbrary - Between the lines -
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I am four weeks into my role as the Director of the Alameda Free Library, and I’m happy to report that the city has lived up to its reputation across the Bay Area as being welcoming, inclusive, and full of life. I’ve felt it in every conversation I’ve had with staff, patrons, fellow city employees, and community partners. It’s the kind of place people are proud to talk about, and I’m so glad to be playing a small part in keeping those vibes going.
A little about me: I’m a second-generation librarian. My career has taken me through a range of libraries, but it started in the Bay Area, and I couldn’t be happier to be here now, ready to make an impact in Alameda. I believe deeply in the power of public libraries to transform lives and build an informed, connected community, and I’ve already seen that belief reflected back to me in the Alameda Free Library’s excellent reputation, which is entirely thanks to a team of staff who are warm, creative, and hard-working.
What’s ahead: We have a new, community-driven strategic plan that will guide our work over the next five years, and I’m digging in. Our Main Library turns 20 in November, and the whole library turns 150 in 2027. I’m looking forward to meeting more of you and working alongside our incredible staff to create programs and services that reflect the community.
Thank you for the warm welcome. We’re going to accomplish great things together, Alameda.
Sincerely,
Mary Abler, Library Director
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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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All Alameda Free Library locations will be closed on
Monday, September 7th
in observance of the Labor Day Holiday
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SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
Join Us In Celebrating
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 Text on black background image: National Hispanic Heritage Month
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AFL FRESH
@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Saturday September 19, 2:00 - 4:00PM
Acompáñanos en la Biblioteca Principal para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con un divertido juego de Lotería! No se requiere experiencia. Tendremos premios, dulces mexicanos y conchitas gratis. Trae a tu familia y amigos, elige tus cartas y escucha atentamente: ¡El Gallo! ¡La Luna! ¡La Estrella! ¡Podrías ser el próximo ganador!
Join the Main Library in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month for a fun-filled game of Lotería! No experience required. We'll have prizes, Mexican candy, and free conchitas to enjoy. Bring your family and friends, pick your cards, and listen closely—¡El Gallo! ¡La Luna! ¡La Estrella! You might just be the next winner!
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@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Sunday, September 20,1:30PM
Mystery Book Club Special Event
Join us for this special screening! Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Time will be allotted after the screening for a short discussion. Hosted in advance of the September 28th Main Library Mystery Book Club meeting to discuss the book of the same name by Agatha Christie. All are welcome (ages 18 and up).
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@West End Library
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Thursday September 24, 4:00 - 5:00PM
Papel Picado workshop will be led by local artist Rachel Palacios. Papel Picado is a traditional Mexican Folk Art technique of cutting intricate patterns into colorful tissue paper. No experience is necessary and all materials will be provided.
The workshop is appropriate for children ages 8 and up as well as Teens and Adults.
Registration is required! Please contact the West End Library via phone: (510) 747-7767 or send an email to: WEBref@alamedaca.gov
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@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Tuesday September 29, 4:30PM
Auntie Kristina's Guide to Asian American Activism shows young readers how to love their bodies, fight for social justice, and be proud of the history that's made them who they are. Author Kristina Wong will read from her book with support from youth organizers engaged in Asian American activism across the Bay Area.
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STORYTIME SCHEDULE AT ALL LOCATIONS |
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Children Programming will resume on Tuesday, September 8th.
La programación infantil se reanudará el martes 8 de septiembre.
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MAIN LIBRARY, CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING ROOM
BAY FARM ISLAND LIBRARY
WEST END LIBRARY
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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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 To celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month, we’re inviting the community to play Library BINGO from September 8–30, 2026. Library BINGO is a fun way to explore everything the Alameda Free Library has to offer. Browse our collections, discover something new to read, and maybe even participate in a library program! Once you complete a BINGO, return your card to receive a Library BINGO button.
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@Main Library
Each week we will be leading a different S.T.E.A.M focused program for ages 8+ focusing on topics like Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Find out more about the activities planned-- scroll down and click on the date.
Activities start at 4pm and registration is required! Please contact Children's at the Main Library via phone or email to register: (510) 747-7705 | ChildRef@alamedaca.gov
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@Bay Farm Island Library, Leydecker Event Ctr.
Saturday, September 12, 11:30AM
Meet Alameda police officers! Enjoy stories with officers and a craft provided by the Bay Farm Island Library. Drop in anytime!
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@West End Library
Saturday, September 12, 3:00PM
During this event, participants will build a LEGO project and then use Scratch Programming to make their build do things such as move, light up, make sounds, etc. This Family (or caregivers with child(ren) event requires at least one adult to come and participate with their child(ren). This is a beginners session geared for children ages 5-11. Register by clicking here.
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@West End Library
Wednesday, September 23, 4:00 - 5:00PM
The West End Library is pleased to welcome back Janjin Calligraphy who will be celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with a calligraphy lesson and lantern creation workshop entitled: Glow With Joy. This workshop lasts approximately 1 hour and is appropriate for ages 8 and up. Registration is required and Space is Limited! Please contact us to register at: (510) 747-7767 | WEBref@alamedaca.gov
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MONTHLY EVENTS :: CHILDREN
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@Bay Farm Island Library
2nd Thursday of the month, 3:30 - 5:00PM
The Club Presents: Canvas Bag Decorating!
Youth Art Club meets every second Thursday at Bay Farm Island Library from 3:30-5 pm. It's open to 4th through 8th graders. Spaces are limited with a new sign-up required each month.
Open to 4th-8th graders (Ages 9-13)
Please register online or call the Bay Farm Island Library at (510) 747-7787.
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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
Playdough Playtime
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!
September selection: Hoppers (PG)
Rated PG: for action/peril, some scary images and mild language.
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LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR TEENS & ADULTS |
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 Thank you to everyone who made Alameda Book Con 2026 such a memorable celebration of books, creativity, and community! From meeting local authors, illustrators, and creators to discovering new stories and connecting with fellow readers, the day was filled with inspiring conversations and a shared love of literature. A heartfelt thank you to all of our exhibitors, volunteers, staff, the Friends of the Alameda Free Library, and everyone who attended and helped make this inaugural event such a success. We can’t wait to do it again! Until next time—keep reading, keep creating, and keep supporting local creators.
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@Main Library, Stafford Room A
Sunday, September 6, 2:30 - 4:00PM
Looking for a free and eco-friendly way to refresh your puzzle and tabletop game collection? Join us for a community tabletop and puzzle swap in the Stafford Room A at the Main Library! Click to see How it works. No early drop offs, please bring your puzzles and games on the day of the event!
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@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
Thursday, September 10, 4:30PM
Create Your Vigil Plan with Death Doula, Sarah Hill
Most of us prepare for our death through legal documents and financial planning—but few of us consider what we want our final days to actually feel like. This interactive workshop explores “vigil planning”: intentionally preparing for the active dying period, when comfort, presence, and connection often matter most.
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@West End Library
Thursday, September 17, 5:00PM
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.
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@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
Embark on a journey through the history of tea, the many different varieties, how they are made, and how to brew the perfect cup or pot of tea for yourself. Participants will also taste through examples of the five different categories of tea, paired with Dandelion brand chocolate.
Registration is required! Please contact us to register: (510) 747-7713 | RefDesk@alamedaca.gov
There will be a limited number of walk-up spots available day-of the program.
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@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Saturday, September 26, 2:00 - 4:00PM
LA MEZCLA SF is a polyrhythmic, San Francisco-based dance and music ensemble rooted in Chicana, Latina and Indigenous traditions and social justice. We will be hosting a screening of their acclaimed dance films followed by a discussion with the Director.
Founded in 2015 by Dance/USA artist fellow Vanessa Sanchez, their work brings together Tap dance, Son Jarocho and Afro-Caribbean rhythms to bring the often unseen histories and experiences of communities of color to stages, streets and fields.
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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: Alivia
Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti
Picking Daisies on Sundays is a romance book written by Liana Cincotti. It is about Daniella, who is in love with her best friend. Heartbroken from being rejected, she meets Levi again in a bar. I couldn’t put the book down from the very first page. Every chapter kept me engaged. The book has a smooth storyline with a nice flow. I would recommend this book to anybody, especially if you love romance novels. Five out of five stars!
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Reviewed by: Ava
Reckless by Lauren Roberts
The book, Reckless by Lauren Roberts, part of the Powerless series, is about the Prince/newly Enforcer Kai Azer hunting down the ordinary, Paedyn Gray, for murdering their father, the late King Edric. I LOVED this book! The figurative language helped me imagine the scenes as if I was watching a movie. I also enjoyed the plot twist at the end. I would definitely recommend this book and series because it’s very interesting and full of action.
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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, 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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@Bay Farm Island Library
Second Tuesday of the Month, 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.
Basic crocheting skills are required. Limited instruction will be provided and limited supplies of yarn and hooks are also available. You are welcome to bring your own supplies and/or other crochet projects in progress.
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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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@West End Library
Drop-in Chess for Adults
First Saturday of the month, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Love Chess? Join us, beginning January 3rd. Boards will be provided, however, there will be no instruction. Pre-registration not required.
(Lookout for the Kids Chess club on the 3rd Saturday of each month.)
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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, 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 & Third Saturday of the month 2:00 to 3:30PM
Learn the process of designing and executing a 3D print from start to finish! For patrons ages 7 and up. We will cover: using TinkerCAD for 3D design; preparing 3D files in OrcaSlicer for export; and printing using a Prusa Mini 3D printer.
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, 1:00 - 2:00 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 - 4:00PM
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, April 15, @ 4:30PM
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, Large Group Study Room
Adult/Teen Literacy
Third Friday, of every month, 12:00 - 1:00PM
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!
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@Main Library, Stafford Meeting Room
Second Tuesday, every other month, 12:00 - 05:00PM
September-November-January
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 @ redcrossblood.org/rapidpass
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Teen Book Club. Main Library, Conf. Room 224
Wednesday, September 2nd, 4:00 - 4:40 PM
September Read: Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean
While supplies last, free copies are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. 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
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 ADULT BOOK CLUBS
A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book. Bay Farm Branch. Third Wednesday of the month at 1:00PM. This month's theme: The September theme is Books About Books: Reading, Writing, Collecting, Stealing, etc. 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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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: You Dreamed of Empires by Alvaro Enrigue 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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 The Alameda Free Library through the California State Library (CSL), has access to a new state funded program called HomeworkCA. This resource is powered by Tutor.com and focuses on a K-12 curriculum.
It is now live on our website in the A-Z list of online resources under HomeworkCA.
Let us know if you need help to access it!
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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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