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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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All Library Locations will be closed for Employee Appreciation & Staff Development Day on
Thursday, October 1st
The Main Library will open at 9AM
Friday, October 2nd
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October NEWSLETTER
Join Us In Celebrating
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 Text on off-white background image: Filipino American History Month - October -
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 Text on black background image: National Hispanic Heritage Month
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AFL FRESH
@Main Library, Stafford Room
Friday, October 2, 7:00PM
Join us AFTER HOURS for a special immersive audiovisual experience. We will transform the Stafford Room into a concert venue with the help of three local bands and one experimental visual artist.
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@Main Library, Stafford Room
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month - Author Visit: Aida Salazar
Monday, October 5, 4:00PM
Meet award-winning author Aida Salazar present her latest book Stream. This event is free to attend! Receive a free copy of Stream, while supplies last!
Registration is appreciated: Alameda Free Library (Eventbrite)
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@Main Library, Stafford Room
Sunday, October 11, 2:00PM
Celebremos el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana con Mariachi San Francisco en la Biblioteca. Acompáñanos en la Biblioteca Principal para una tarde llena de música, cultura y tradición. Disfruta de hermosas voces, ritmos alegres y la energía inolvidable de la música mariachi. Habra copias gratis de Los Mariachis de Adela en ingles y español, hasta agotas existencias.
Let's celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Mariachi San Francisco in the Library. Visit the Main Library for a lively afternoon of music, culture, and tradition. Enjoy beautiful vocals, lively rhythms, and the unforgettable energy of mariachi music. We'll have free copies of Adela's Mariachi Band, while supplies last.
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@Bay Farm Island Library
Tuesday, October 13, 4:30 - 5:30PM
Announcing a new program at Bay Farm Island Library: Adult Spanish Conversation Circle! Join us at Bay Farm Island Library on the second Tuesday of each month from 4:30-5:30PM. All levels are welcome to practice the Spanish language in a low-stress environment and gain confidence speaking Spanish in your communities. We will play games and participate in exercises, read stories in Spanish, and more!
Anunciando un nuevo programa en la sucursal Bay Farm Island: ¡Grupo de conversación en español para adultos! Únase a nosotros en Bay Farm Island Library el segundo martes de cada mes de las 4:30 a 5:30PM. Todos los niveles son bienvenidos a practicar el idioma español en un ambiente de bajo estrés y ganar confianza hablando español en sus comunidades. Vamos a jugar juegos y participar en ejercicios, leer noticias en español, y mucho más!
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@Main Library, Teen Center (2nd Floor)
Wednesday, October 14, 3:30PM
Celebrate Teentober with @JennyandCabbage! Join Jenny for a spooky season craft and create your own Halloween-themed magnet. Registration is required (30 spots available). Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
*This program is for teens in the 7th-12th grade*
Questions? Contact us at refdesk@alamedaca.gov or call 510-747-7713.
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@Main Library, Stafford Room
Sunday, October 18, 1:00PM
Join us for a fun-filled celebration for Filipino American Heritage Month!
1:00 PM: Meet children’s author Justine Eva Villanueva for a reading of Mungan and Lola, followed by a book signing and free picture books for families while supplies last.
2:00 PM: Enjoy a bilingual musical performance celebrating Filipino culture through music and storytelling in Tagalog and English.
2:30–4:30 PM: Continue the celebration with free Halo Halo from The Sarap Shop, while supplies last.
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@Bay Farm Island Library
Author's Visit for Teens: Myranda Wren
Saturday, October 17, 3:00PM
Celebrate Teentober with local author Myranda Wren. Join us to discuss Wren's debut novel, a Young Adult Historical Fiction and Gothic Fantasy set in San Francisco titled The Nighttimes.
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@West End Library
In celebration of Filipino American History Month: Art Workshop
Saturday, October 24, 1:00PM
Join us as we welcome Miss Stephanie from Petit Picasso in celebrating Filipino American History Month. This exciting art workshop will feature the artwork of Filipino American artist Nikita Ares, whose work reflects the movement and energy of the Filipino people. Participants of this workshop will create an art piece inspired by the artist's vivid colors and style.
Registration is required. This is a multigenerational workshop, minimum age required is 8 years old.
Questions? webref@alamedaca.gov or 510-747-7767
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STORYTIME SCHEDULE AT ALL LOCATIONS |
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MAIN LIBRARY, CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING ROOM
BAY FARM ISLAND LIBRARY
WEST END LIBRARY
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Friends of the Alameda Free Library
Used Book Sale | October 2026
Oct 14 2026 – Oct 17 2026
For Event Description click here
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The Friends of the Alameda Free Library
Needs Volunteers!
It’s almost time for the Alameda Used Book Sale and we are excited to get the community together at the Main Library this October. These Sales are the heartbeat of how we support our Library and community programs and we truly cannot pull it off without a great team of volunteers that includes you. Whether you’re a long-time helper or looking to join us for the first time, we would love to have you.
The Sale is Wednesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 17 at the Alameda Free Library, Main Library located at 1550 Oak Street, with setup starting Wednesday, October 14 in the morning. We invite you as a returning or new volunteer to an orientation session on Tuesday, September 29 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the Director’s Conference Room at the Main Library. Please register in advance for the orientation session here.
Interested in cashiering? This role is password protected. Just shoot a quick note to our co-manager, Janelle Harper, at volunteer@alamedafriends.org to get the access code and training details.
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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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@Main Library
October STEAM Wednesdays
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Each week we will be leading a different S.T.E.A.M event/activity for ages 8+ focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Find out more on activities planned by clicking a date below:
Activities do 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
Saturday October 3, 10:30AM
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us for a Family Storytime in Spanish followed by a special dance performance by local Aztec dance group Calpulli Huey Papalotl. Storytime and performance will take place at the amphitheater space, just steps away from the Bay Farm Island Library. Storytime will take place from 10:30-11:00 AM, and Calpulli Huey Papalotl will perform from 11:15 to 11:40 AM. All ages are welcome. See you there!
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@West End Library
Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:30 PM: October 7; 14; 21.
Join us at the West End Library during the month of October when Miss Virginia will be hosting some Slightly Spooky Storytimes, followed up by a slightly spooky craft. Come to one or come to all! No registration required. These storytimes are recommended for children aged 5 years and up.
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Saturday, October 10, 1:00 - 3:00PM
Big Truck Bonanza, the library’s biennial touch-a-truck event, will be held on Saturday, October 10 from 1-3pm in the City Hall parking lot! Meet trucks from various City departments, like Alameda Police, Alameda Fire, and Alameda Municipal Power. It’s going to be big! The City Hall parking lot is located directly across the street from the Main Library at 1550 Oak St. Please contact Children's at the Main Library for more information: (510) 747-7705 | ChildRef@alamedaca.gov
@Bay Farm Island Library
In celebration of Filipino American History Month: Art Workshop
Saturday, October 10, 12:00PM
Join us as we welcome Miss Stephanie from Petit Picassos in celebrating Filipino American History Month. In this workshop, participants will create fabric and paper collages inspired by the work of Filipino artists Nikita Ares and Pacita Abad! This workshop is open to students in grades K-3.
Registration is required, give us a call at 510-747-7787 to sign up!
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MONTHLY EVENTS :: CHILDREN
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@Bay Farm Island Library
2nd Thursday of the month, 3:30 - 5:00PM
Youth Art Club Presents: Perler Beads!
Spaces are limited with a new sign-up required each month. No prior experience is needed and all materials are provided.
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
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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LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR TEENS & ADULTS |
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@Main Library, Conference Room 224
Wednesday, October 21, 3:00PM
Celebrate TeenTober by watching 10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13), and adding 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. Note: This is a self-guided activity. Bedazzling takes time; you may not finish your project during the program.
Registration is required (8 spots available). Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
*This program is for teens in the 7th-12th grade*
Questions? Contact us at refdesk@alamedaca.gov or call 510-747-7713.
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@Main Library, Stafford Room
Thursday, October 8, 4:00PM
Learn the basics of riding, storing, commuting, and more with an e-bike at this free lecture course presented by Bike East Bay. No bikes needed!
Registration is required! Please register with Bike East Bay here: E-Bike Safety Registration - Eventbrite
You can also register with Bike East Bay on the day of the program.
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@Bay Farm Island Library
Tuesday, October 13, 10:30AM - 12:00PM
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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@West End Library
Thursday, October 15, 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. 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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@West End Library
Thursday, October 22, 4:00PM
We know how stressful life can be for today's teens! Why not take a break and add some Zen to your life! Celebrate TeenTober at the West End Library! Teens (students in 8th - 12th grade) are welcome to join us and create a Mini-Zen Garden to use when life gets to be too much. This event will be held on October 22 at 4 pm. No registration is required. Snacks and supplies provided. Just bring yourself and a friend or two.
*This program is for teens in the 7th-12th grade*
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@Main Library, Stafford Room
Saturday, October 24, 10:00AM - 1:00PM
Get ready for Halloween with our annual Costume Exchange! Bring any costume pieces you no longer use (washed, please!) and exchange with your community.
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@Bay Farm Island Library
Wednesday, October 28, 3:30PM
Celebrate TeenTober by customizing a paper lantern at the Bay Farm Island Library!
Participants will be able to decorate their lanterns using paint, tissue paper, and Mod Podge. All materials are provided, and each participant will be able to take home a lantern and a light to go inside!
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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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 @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 Café
Saturday, August 22,11AM-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, 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, Large Group Study Room
First & Third Tuesday of the month, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Tuesday October 6 - Tuesday October 20
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
October 3, 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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@West End Library
Drop-in chess For Adults
First Saturday of the month, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Love Chess? Join us at the West End Library for Drop-In Chess. Boards will be provided; however, you'll need to bring in your own Chess Clock. There will be no instruction. Pre-registration not required.
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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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@Main Library, Large Group Study Room
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, Stafford Room
Saturday, October 24, 2:00PM
Try your hand at drawing from life at this monthly, drop-in event. Each month's event will feature individual poses, paired poses, or a mixture of both. All poses will be clothed.
Please bring your own materials (sketchpad, charcoal, easel, paints) if you can; we will have a limited number to donate during the program.
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Teen Book Club. Main Library, Conf. Room 224
Wednesday, October 7, 4:00PM
October Title: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
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 October theme is Spies/Spying. 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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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: Golden Gate by Amy Chua. 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: Moderation by Elaine Castillo. 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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Enjoy over 5,000 popular eMagazine titles for all ages.
Comprehensive resource for consumer-oriented health content.
An investment resource specializing in fund investing.
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Public records and genealogy tools for the family historian.
The go-to site for learning more about any subject—for all grades and all reading abilities.
Gateway to a powerful digital investment resource.
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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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