Working on the Library's Strategic Plan really emphasizes all the things the library does and can do. We have various projects and initiatives that we want to bring together in harmony.

That's one thing I love about Jazz. There is harmony in the music, but also flexibility to be separate from the melody and then come back to it. It allows emphasis on individual parts. One can appreciate the parts and the whole at the same time.

This month our theme is Words+Jazz. We have many ongoing programs that focus on Jazz, poetry and performance. Hip Hop for Change @North, Sing a Story: Hansel & Gretel @Claremont and  Poetry & Jazz @Central, a mash-up concert of four sets of notable poets and musicians. We even have a Bicycle Skills Class @West.

We are also celebrating National Library Week, April 12-18th. This year's theme is "Unlimited possibilities @ your library®.

Whether taking self-paced computer classes, stretching in  Tiny Tots Story & Play @South, or picking a reference librarian's brain about online research resources--we are here for you. Create something with tools from our Tool Lending Library. Find your opportunities @Berkeley Public Library.

In a way, we create our own music and harmony with the various services we offer. Take time this month and listen in.

Thanks,

Jeff Scott
Director, Library Services

Cypress String Quartet @Central
Thursday, April 2nd
12:15pm-1:00pm
5th floor Art & Music
Hear some of the Quartet's upcoming Call and Response program, Into the Night. Hear sections of Beethoven's Razumovsky String Quartet, op. 59, no. 2, Bartok's 4th String Quartet, and the world premiere of contemporary composer Philippe Hersant's 5th String Quartet.

Read & Share @Claremont
Wednesday, April 15th
6:30pm-7:30pm
Bring a book you have read, loved, and would like to share. This program meets every other month.

Author Robin Sloan @North
April 16th
6:30pm-8:00pm
Robin talks about his first novel Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, already a modern classic. The book is a comic fantasy about literary obsession and the 21st Century tension between paper and pixels. Come for a conversation you won't want to miss! Copies available to borrow at North Branch.

Poetry & Jazz @Central
Saturday April 18th
2:00pm-4:00pm
3rd floor Community Meeting Room
A mash-up concert: four sets of notable poets and musicians present the words and music of poetry with percussion and spoken word: Al Young, Avotcja, Phavia Kujichagulia, The Word-Music Continuum

Unbroken Web: The Art of Ellen & Lucy Begay @Central
Saturday, April 18th
11:00am
3rd floor Community Meeting Room
Author Gary Beaudoin will visit the library to discuss his book, The Unbroken Web. Beaudoin and the three generations of Begay weavers--Grandmother Mary, mother Lucy and daughter Ellen--celebrate the spirit of the Southwest in a profoundly personal way. Beaudoin will bring authentic Begay weavings to exhibit and discuss.

Poetry Circle @Claremont
Thursday, April 9th
6:30pm-7:30pm
Join us for our poetry-reading circle, held on the second Thursday of each month. Come with a favorite poem, find one here or share one of your own.

Make a Quilted Bookmark @Central
April 20th
5:00pm-7:00pm
4th floor Story Room
In anticipation of the 34th Annual Quilt Show (May 1 - June 7), join the Textile Mavens Catherine Durand and Fern Royce who will guide participants in creating a beautiful quilted bookmark. All participants are invited to submit their work for display in the upcoming Quilt Show. Supplies provided. Space is limited Call 510-981-6236 to reserve one of four half-hour slots. Ages 6 and up.


Focus on the Cello @Claremont Library
Wednesday, April 29th
 6:00pm-7:30pm
Join us for an evening with Berkeley's own Jewish Music and Poetry Project. Concert highlights will include the world premiere of Berkeley composer William Ludtke's Op.155, Three Songs for Soprano and Cello with poems by Berkeley poet Marcia Falk and the U.S. premiere of Hungarian Lajos Delej's Scherzo. The poet, Marcia Falk, will read her poems.