In March, many of our free events and services represent community partnerships, from Income Tax Preparation to the Lawyers in the Library, as well as free classes on gardening, computers and business. Take a look. We even offer a Shakespeare play! See Events below.
 
As we focus further on our strategic plan and continue exploring our community partnerships, we find the conversations veer to solving the biggest problems our community faces. In trying to identify them, we are starting a groundswell of change. A key item we are focusing on is aligning ourselves with the 2020 Vision for Berkeley's Children & Youth. The partnerships we form in the future will create new services to help those in most need.
 
This month we celebrate Youth Art Month and when we offer Read With Me, that is designed to  encourage fun and simple literary activities for families and their kids, 0-5 year old. See our Kids Newsletter for more information. There are also many opportunities for Teens to create something this month.  Find more in Teen News.  Adults may want to subscribe to our general library newsletter. Currently, newsletters are emailed monthly.

Finally, I direct you to our  Community Resources.  We are retooling this service to provide better access to key Berkeley community groups. Use it to search for a local organization or service. You can also download and print a PDF of one of our Community Resources Lists  that are prepared by our librarians.

Sunday, March 1
2:00-3:00pm  
The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival's touring company presents As You Like It. This Shakespeare classic comedy features a hilarious love triangle, mistaken identities, and an exciting wrestling match. All ages.
Third floor Community Meeting Room.

Makerspace @North
Saturday, March 7
2:00pm-5:00pm  
Bring a project and sewing machine, or come for inspiration. We provide two sewing machines, embroidery hoops, floss, and needles, clay, beads, hot glue guns, and much more. All ages! Call 510-981-6250 for more information.

Poetry Circle @Claremont
Thursday, March 12
6:30 pm-7:50 pm
Join us for our poetry reading circle. Bring a favorite poem, find one here or share one of your own. Every second Thursday of each month.

Berkeley & The New Deal @Central
Tuesday, March 17
5:30pm-7:30pm
Harvey Smith gives a talk on his book Berkeley and the New Deal. Book signing to follow.
Third floor Community Meeting Room

Book Club @Claremont
Wednesday, March 18
6:30-7:30 pm
A blind French girl and a German boy's path collide in occupied France as they try to survive the devastation of World War II in All the Light We Cannot See. "A magnificent, deeply moving novel from a writer whose sentences never fail to thrill" --LA Times.

Flash Fiction Funshop @Central
Saturday, March 21
2:00pm-4:00 pm
Frances Lefkowitz teaches a playful and inviting way to get into, or back into writing. Class limited to 25. Advance registration required starting March 2. Email or call 510-981-6196 to register.

The Knitting Hour@Central
Saturday March 21
3:15-4:45pm
Fourth floor Children's Story Room
Finger Knitting @Central
3:30-4:30pm
As part of March is Youth Art Month we offer an art event for kids every Saturday. Finger Knitting is today's activity. For traditional knitting, please bring knitting needles. For finger knitting, just bring your fingers! All ages.
Fourth floor Children's Story Room.

For more about Youth Art Month see our Kids Newsletter.

Artist Honoree @North
Thursday, March 26
6:30pm
Poetry, songs, photo exhibit and slideshow by artist Patricia Bulitt. Bring your favorite teacup and a story celebrating an influential woman in your life Light refreshments will be served.