It's almost time for our Summer Reading Program and this year we are doing something different--We are offering it to everyone--Yes, readers of all ages. Stay tuned for more about it soon. #BPLSummer!

Lynette Cook is an award-winning scientific illustrator recognized by the scientific community for her artwork of extrasolar planets and other space subjects.  Lynette shares her work and describes how she creates images.

Image by NASA

May 1-June 7

The 34th Annual Quilt Show presents over 50 quilts loaned by community members, from traditional to outrageous and from very large to tiny Postcard sizes! Take the self-guided tour and learn about the quilts on display.

Look for the large quilts on the second floor of the Central Library in the Historic Lobby and above the Reference Desk Area. A special traveling exhibit of mini quilts will visit our four branch libraries.There will be a link to the online Quilt Show on the library's website, too. Stay tuned.

Lentil Underground @Central
Saturday,
May 23
2:00pm-3:00pm
3rd floor Community Meeting Room
 
The Berkeley Public Library and The Ecology Center present a talk by Liz Carlisle, Berkeley resident and author of the new book Lentil Underground, an "inspiring story of a handful of colorful pioneers who have successfully bucked the chemically-based food chain by banding together."

Following Liz's talk, Neil Thapar of the Sustainable Economies Law Center talks about the legality of seed sharing. Learn about the Bay Area Seed Interchange Library (BASIL) from Ecology Center staff. Bring seeds to share and swap with your neighbors and BASIL.

Makerspace @North
Saturday,  May 2
2:00pm-5:00pm
Come one, come all for an afternoon of crafting! Bring a project and sewing machine, or come for inspiration. The library provides two sewing machines, embroidery hoops, floss, and needles, clay, beads, hot glue guns, and much more...including inspiration!
All are welcome, come and craft!

Piano Chat for Seniors @Claremont
Wednesdays,May 6, 13, 20 & 27
1:00pm-2:00pm
Join us for a special hands-on program for seniors! Panist and teacher Brenda Becker will offer a one-hour piano instruction event built around mastering chords and having fun together.

No previous piano experience is necessary. Please call to sign up as space for the series is limited to six per Wednesday. 510-981-6280.

Read & Share Book Club @South
Tuesday April 28
3:00pm-4:00pm  
Want to talk about a book you have read?  Each month we meet and voice our opinions and impressions on a wide range of literary tomes. Come talk about any book you are reading be it factual, fiction, graphical, fantasy or prose. We are all ears. All are welcome.

Autris Paige as Paul Robeson, Renaissance Man @ Central
Sunday, May 31
2:00-3:00pm
3rd floor Community Meeting Room
Back by popular demand, Paul Robeson, Renaissance Man features local baritone Autris Paige as he performs the words and music of the iconic political activist, singer, actor and athlete. Mr. Paige's February 21 performance at South Branch was so popular we had to turn people away; we are delighted to bring him back for a repeat performance.

A Conversation With Zac Unger, Author Of Never Look A Polar Bear In The Eye
Sunday, May 3
3:00pm-5:00pm
 $70
In 2008 local author Zac Unger moved with his wife and three children from comfortable Oakland to frigid and remote Churchill, Manitoba, population 943 - the "polar bear capital of the world." His book Never Look a Polar Bear in the Eye is a spirited and often humorous account of his family's time in this unique place. Your ticket includes Zac's book, which he will sign at the event, and afternoon treats at the reception.

Pop-Up Book Club With Novelist And Playwright Jesse Kellerman
Sunday, May 17
3:00pm-5:00pm
$50
Always wondered how the complexities of a mystery novel are achieved? Jesse Kellerman will discuss his book The Golem of Hollywood, his first collaboration with his father, famed author Jonathan Kellerman. Of the book Stephen King says, "An extraordinary work of detection, suspense, and supernatural mystery. I spent three days totally lost in the world Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman have created."