December 2014

 

Ready, Set, Go!
Berkeley has always held a special reverence for me. Upon relaying the news that I was to be the new Director of Library Services, I only had to tell people, "Berkeley." The name itself holds a sense of magic and pride. This is also how I feel about the Berkeley Public Library.

Four years ago, I came to Berkeley and the library for the first time, as a visitor and patron. (That's me, above.)

 As a longtime book-lover, I spend a great deal of time in bookstores and libraries. As is the case with many book-lovers, these visits are not even solely to obtain a book, but also to inhabit the same space as something held so dear. It is this special magic that I want to convey to all of you in the Berkeley community.

Over the next few months, I will meet with library staff, community leaders and patrons to discover Berkeley's most important issues. The library's strategic planning process will not begin with a conversation about the library, but about the issues that are of the utmost importance to Berkeley citizens. I want to hear your stories and hopes for Berkeley.

You will be surprised in how much your library can do for our community. It goes way beyond books. I look forward to meeting with you over issues important to both Berkeley and your library and am excited to involve the library in these key areas. I hope to make you as excited as I am about everything your library can do for you!

Jeff Scott,
Director of Library Services
Berkeley Public Library

Lucky Day offers library users the chance to find in-demand books, movies and music when they visit. The collection includes materials for the youngest child to adult and everyone in-between.

Visit your local library & try your luck!

 Playreaders @Central
Wednesdays, December 3, 10 and 17
12 noon-1:00 pm
Read aloud from great plays, changing parts frequently. December's play is G. B. Shaw's Heartbreak House. For adults.
Third floor community meeting room.

India's Organic Farming Revolution @Central
Tuesday, December 2
6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Should you buy organic food? Is it really better for us? Is it better for the environment? What about organic produce grown in India? Sapna Thottathil shares her new book, India's Organic Farming Revolution: What it means for Our Global Food System.
Third floor community meeting room.

Musae's Pastime in Good Company @Central
Saturday, December 6
12 noon - 1:00 pm
Ring in the season with music ranging from works probably heard in Henry VIII's court to jazzy arrangements of favorite carols. In between enjoy forays into Armenian, Estonian, Latvian, and Swedish holiday culture.
Fifth floor.
Money, What's You Story? @Central
Saturday, December 6
2:00 -4:00 pm
Explore money issues from your own experience. Sign up for this free two -hour writing workshop for new & experienced writers. Advance registration required. Limited to 25.
Third floor community meeting room.

Zenith New Orleans Jazz Band @Claremont
Saturday, December 11
4:00-5:00 pm
Enjoy traditional New Orleans jazz. Earl Scheelar and the Zenith Jazz Band play levee-stomping music. All ages!

 The Knitting Hour @Central
Saturday, December 13
3:15 to 4:45 pm
Learn to knit, knit with others and be inspired.     All skill levels & crocheters welcome. Multi-generational program, ages 8 up.
Fourth floor.

In This Issue

Library on Wheels @South Berkeley Farmers' Market
Tuesday, December 2
3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Books, crafts & download  support @Adeline & 63rd.


Library on Wheels @North Berkeley Farmers' Market
Books, crafts & download  support @Shattuck & Vine.