Download - 2015 April BPL Events

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Our monthly e-newsletters are full of information about the great programs, events and services that are provided at all our Library locations. The e-newsletter archive contains all our past e-newsletters.

To sign up for newsletters or read past issues, look for the STAY IN TOUCH box on our homepage at: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org

South & West Branch Libraries honored for outstanding design by Berkeley Design Advocates

South and West Branch libraries were honored for outstanding design, along with ten other building projects completed between January 2013 and December 2014, in the 11th Biennial BDA Design Awards ceremony on March 18, 2015.

Berkeley Design Advocates (BDA) is a membership organization of architects, landscape architects, planners, builders and design professionals established in 1973 to promote excellence in the built environment of Berkeley.

South Branch

Photo: D. Wakely, 2013

West Branch

Photo: D. Wakely, 2014

Central Library

ClaremontBranch

NorthBranch

South Branch

Tool Lending Library

WestBranch

MON 12-8 10-6 10-6 10-6 Closed 10-6

TUE 10-8 10-8 10-8 10-8 10-6:00 10-8

WED 10-6 10-8 10-8 10-8 12-8:00 10-8

THU 10-6 12-8 12-8 12-8 12-8:00 12-8

FRI 10-6 10-6 10-6 10-6 1-6:00 10-6

SAT 10-6 10-6 10-6 10-6 10-6:00 10-6

SUN 1-5 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed

Library Hours

Spend the day gliding through an art museum, learning more about science, observing animals or playing pinball on a vintage pinball machine!

Discover & Go provides Berkeley Public Library card holders (adult and senior cards only) access to free or discounted passes to amazing venues throughout the Bay Area. To reserve & print your passes today, visit: http://discover.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/

Tool Lending Library Hours

Monday ClosedTuesday 10am – 6pm

Wednesday 12noon – 8pmThursday 12noon – 8pm

Friday 1pm – 6pmSaturday 10am – 6pmSunday Closed

Tool Lending Library – 1901 Russell Street

Art, Music & Writing Club

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Teens! Share your art, music and writing projects with

your friends over popcorn.

Mondays, 4:30-5:30 pm – 1125 University Avenue

Beginner Computer Class @Central Electronic Classroom

• Free, Drop-In Classes - Relaxed Atmosphere - Self-Paced.

• Learn how to use the mouse, use the keyboard, set up email and search the Internet.

• For more information call 510-981-6148.

Mondays, 6pm – 7pm – 2090 Kittredge StreetThursdays, 10am – 11am – 2090 Kittredge Street

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Tiny Tots Storytime & Playtime

Books, songs, finger plays, friendly puppets & movement activities for ages 6-36 months. Followed by open play time.

For babies, toddlers and walkers,

accompanied by a parent/ caregiver.

** Not suitable for most daycare groups.

Tuesday mornings, 10:15-11:10 am – 1901 Russell Street

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Tax Help

West Branch will offer tax help on Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons from 12-3 pm.

Reservations are required. Call 510-981-6270 to schedule your appointment 2 weeks in advance.

Tuesday & Wednesday appointments, Feb. 3-Apr. 15 1125 University Avenue - Call 510-981-6270 for appointment.

Read & Share Book Club

A book club for anyone who likes to read and wants to share the books they have read with others. Everyone is welcome.

4th Tuesday of the month, 3-4 pm – 1901 Russell Street

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Paws to ReadSpring Session 2015

Children in grades K - 5 may come to read aloud to a friendly dog. Bring a book or choose one here.

Parents may call ahead and sign up or drop in for a session at either 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. Dogs provided by TherapyPets.

Tuesdays, March 31-May 5 @3:30-4:30PM – 1170 The Alameda

Teen Crafternoon

Tuesday afternoons, 4-5 pm – 1901 Russell Street

Teens! Express yourself through crafting at this laidback, self-paced workshop. The specific craft will change from week to week, but you can bet it will be awesome. All materials provided, just bring your imagination! All middle and high school-age teens welcome.

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THING

MAKESOME

Tuesdays, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

West Branch1125 University Avenue

A different project every week!This event is open to all teens!

Supplies and refreshments provided!

Join Berkeley Public Library’s

Playreaders

We meet weekly to read aloud from great plays, changing parts frequently. On hiatus during the last two weeks of December, and the month of August. Please call 510-981-6236 for more information.

Adult programming brought to you by the Art & Music Department

Wednesdays, 12-1 pm – 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck, 4th Floor Story Room

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Teen Homework Café

Need a quiet place to study and do homework? Join us for a Homework Café for all teens, middle-school through college. Snacks will be served and group projects and study are welcome!

Wednesdays, 2-4pm – 2940 Benvenue Avenue

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THING

MAKESOME

Wednesdays, 3pm - 4pm

North Branch1170 The Alameda at Hopkins

A different project every week!This event is open to all teens!

Supplies and refreshments provided!

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Teen Reading Club

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Has it been a while since you read the Harry Potter series? Maybe you missed the train to Hogwarts the first time around and have never read any of the books! Join our new book club and revisit modern classics of Young Adult literature (beginning with the complete Harry Potter series) to see how our old favorites stand the test of time.

March 4 Harry Potter and

the Sorcerer's Stone

March 11Harry Potter and the Chamber of

Secrets

March 18Harry Potter

and the Prisoner of Azkaban

(Chapters TBA)

March 25Harry Potter

and the Prisoner of Azkaban

(Chapters TBA)

April 1Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Chapters TBA)

Wednesdays @3:30pm – 2940 Benvenue @Ashby

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Free SAT prep class

We'll meet for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning February 4.

Space is limited to 20. Juniors get priority.

Registration is required. For more information call: 510-981-6135.

Wednesdays, February 4 to March 11 @ 4-5:30pm2090 Kittredge Street, 3rd Floor Electronic Classroom

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The Claremont Book Club

Every other month, the Claremont Book Club hosts a special “Read and Share” session.

Bring a book you read to share, hear a few great reading ideas from other readers and get to know other members of the Claremont Book Club.

Sponsored by Friends of the Berkeley Public Library www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org

Wednesdays, Feb. 18, Apr. 15 & Jun. 17 @ 6:30-7:30 PM – 2940 Benvenue @ Ashby

Board Games, Wii U, Magic: The Gathering, Card Games and so much more!

Refreshments provided, all teens welcome!

Thursdays @ 4-5 pm – North Branch, 1170 The Alameda

T EE N

A EG M S

Teen Homework Café

Need a quiet place to study and do homework? Join us for a Homework Café for all teens, middle-school through college. Snacks will be served and group projects and study are welcome!

Thursdays, 4-5:30pm – 1901 Russell Street

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Second Thursday of the month @ 6:30pm – Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue

Our poetry programat Claremont features YOU

and what YOU like. We’ll take turns in a reading circle.

Bring a poem or find one here.

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Lawyers in the Library

Sign-ups start at 5:00 for a spot with our visiting Lawyer.

Names will be pulled at random at 6:00 for appointment times.

Third Thursday of the month, 6-7:45 PM – 1170 The Alameda

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• Sign-ups start at 5 PM for a spot with our visiting lawyer.

• Names will be pulled at random at 6 PM for appointment times.

Fourth Thursday of the month, 6-7:45 PM – 1901 Russell St.

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AARP Tax Help

Free tax preparation and e-filing is available to all individuals and families with low to moderate income with special attention to those 60 and older.

Tax Aide tax preparers are AARP volunteers that are IRS tested and certified each year.

Available by appointment with any walk-ins served on the basis of available vacancies and no shows. Please call 510-981-6260 or ask at the desk to book your appointment.

Fridays, Feb. 6 – Apr. 10 @10:30am-1:30pm – 1901 Russell St.

LEGO in the Library!

LEGO in the Library is now the first Friday of every month, so put it on your calendar and come build with us.

Ages 5-10. *Limited to 25 participants. First come, first to build.

First Friday of the month, @3:30-5 pm – 2090 Kittredge Street, 4th Flr. Children’s Story Room

Image licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share

Alike 2.0 Generic license

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Sign-ups start the prior evening. For a spot with our visiting lawyer, call Thursday evening (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm) to sign-up or drop-in on Friday morning, while the lawyer is present.

Call 510-981-6270 for more information.

Second Friday of the month, @10-11:30 am – 1125 University Ave.

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Maker Space

First Saturday of the month @2-5 pm – 1170 The Alameda

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!

Check out Berkeley Public Library on Pinterest to see what we've been up to...

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Baby Bounce & Toddler Tales

Songs, lap-bounces, tickles and stories for babies and toddlers 6 mos – 35 mos and their parent(s) or caregiver. Three-year-olds are welcome with a younger sibling.

Questions? Call 510-981-6270 or visit: berkeleypubliclibrary.org

First 3 Saturdays of the month, @10:15-10:45 am – 1125 University Avenue

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Family Story Time

Join our children's librarians for stories, songs and other activities!

A great way to rediscover favorite titles and meet some of the best new books for early listeners, ages 3-7.

Call 510-981-6223 for more information.

Saturdays, 10:30-11am – 2090 Kittredge St., Children’s Room

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lIslamic Art Exhibit “Women in Islam”

Islamic Art Exhibit presents a group art exhibition "Women in Islam" highlighting the rights, status and accomplishments of Muslim women through original artwork by local artists from the Bay Area Muslim community.

Artist Reception: February 14 @2 PM – 2090 Kittredge St., Community Meeting RoomExhibition: Feb. 9 to Apr. 19 – 2090 Kittredge St., 1st Floor Catalog Lobby during open hours

Taskeen Fatehdin (Mother/child)

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North Kenn Adams Adventure Theater:The Myth-Adventures of Melanie Moe

Crazy about mythology? Don't miss this absolutely hilarious interactive theater performance where you get to star in the show.

In The Myth-Adventures of Melanie Moe, our heroine, Melanie Moe, travels through time to ancient Greece and accidentally offends Hera, Queen of the Gods. This sets Melanie off on a perilous adventure where she must battle the Cyclops, escape the Furies, and outwit the Sphinx, all with your help! Ages 8-12.

Wednesday, April 8 @3:30-4:15PM – 1170 The Alameda

Photo: Joy Bianchi

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Thursday, April 9 @4-6 PM – 1901 Russell Street

Explore the positive side of Hip-Hop! Local nonprofit Hip-Hop for Change will be rollin’ through the library with a presentation on the history of hip-hop culture and the power of hip-hop as a tool for self-expression and social change! It begins with a history of hip-hop culture and concludes with a lesson and demo on the art of rapping.

If you've had it with gats and bling, come check out the positive side of the art form that has changed American culture.

Film Series @CentralEach month we explore a different theme or genre.

April’s theme is Now Showing at the Atomic Cafe: Films of the Cold War

4/10 The Front(1976 / 95 min. / Rated PG)

The time is the early 1950s. Several TV writers who are being blacklisted for their allegedly leftist political views arrange to have a nonpolitical cashier (Woody Allen) “front” their scripts. The film’s director (Martin Ritt) and most members of the cast, including Zero Mostel and Herschel Bernardi, actually WERE blacklisted during the McCarthy era.

Fridays 3-5pm – 2090 Kittredge Street, Community Meeting Room

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North For this special Words and Jazz Month

edition of MAKE SOME THING,

we'll be creating blackout poetry

using discarded books, sharpies & our creative spirits.

MAKE

THINGSOME

Blackout PoetryFriday, April 10 @4 PM

Claremont Branch – 2940 Benvenue

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Rosy the Tree Faerie Magic Show

In Listen to the Environment, magician Erica Sodos becomes Rosy the Tree Faerie and entertains and informs about the importance and magic of nature.

Incorporating magic, storytelling, and audience participation, Listen to the Environment inspires the audience to understand and respect the earth and all of its creatures. Ages 4-12.

Saturday, April 11 @10:30-11AM – 2090 Kittredge St, Comm. Mtg. Rm.

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This event made possible by a generous gift from the Pace Trust, in support of the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library.

Enjoy the musical stylings of the Eric Van James Trio in celebration of Berkeley Public Library’s “Words and Jazz Month”.

Featuring: Ken Stout, Alto Saxophone; Rod Verette, Upright Bass; and Eric Van James, Piano/Keyboard/Vocals.

Saturdays, April 11 & 25 @11:30AM-1PM – 1170 the Alameda

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Sponsored

byTickets for this event are limited. For more information about tickets, please visit: www.BPLF.org

An Afternoon with Mark CohenApril 12, 3:00-5:00pm

A Presentation on the story of Allan Sherman, his impact on the image of Jews in the media, as well as his rapid fall from grace will be presented by author Mark Cohen in a historic Berkeley home.

Enjoy catering provided by Saul’s Delicatessen's.

4th & 5th GradeBook Club

Read and talk about great books. Make new friends. Meets once a month at the Central Library, 4th Floor Story Room.

Contact 510-981-6223 / [email protected] for more information.

Tuesday, April 14 @4-5 pm.Please note that this meeting is on the second Tuesday of the month.

Join us for our last meeting of the year! We will be discussing this month's book The Mapmaker and the Ghost by Sarvenaz Tash, saying good-bye for another

school year, and (of course!) eating great snacks!

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Tuesday, April 14 @4-6 PM – 2090 Kittredge Street

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FREE Bicycle Safety Class1-Hour Commuter WorkshopLearn Smart Cycling Skills. Bike with confidence. Bike for the future. Bike for fun

West Branch, 1125 University Ave

Thursday, April 166-7PM

More information available at:

BikeEastBay.org/OneHour 510-845-7433 ext. 2

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Author Robin SloanMr. Penumbra’s 24-Hr Bookstore

Already a modern classic, this book is a comic fantasy about literary obsession and the 21st Century tension between paper and pixels. It’s a book to savor and a conversation that you won’t want to miss!

Copies available to borrow at North Branch.

Thursday, April 16 @ 6:30 PM – 1170 The Alameda



4/17 Kiss Me Deadly(1955 / 106 min. / NR)

In this classic film noir detective Mike Hammer gets involved in the dangerous pursuit of a “great whatsit” — a box that is hot to the touch and reportedly extremely valuable — after two people connected to it turn up dead. Based on a Mickey Spillane novel of the same name.


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North Celebrate the spirit of jazz with an improvisational synth jam at Claremont!

We'll be using a variety of electronic instruments, from iPads to banana pianos built

with MaKey MaKey invention kits and hand constructed KORG synthesizers created using

Littlebits circuitry kits! Our creations will be uploaded to Soundcloud for sharing with friends and family. Participants are encouraged to bring

instruments from home as well.

MAKE

THINGSOME

Teen Synth JamFriday, April 17 @4 PM

Claremont Branch – 2940 Benvenue Imag

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l Unbroken Web:The Art of Ellen & Lucy Begay

Gary Beaudoin will 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.

The freshly redesigned work features nineteen exquisite wool textiles crafted by the Begay women, complete with notes

about the inspirations and traditions behind the creation of each. Color photographs show the textiles, the weavers at work, and the timeless landscapes that have inspired their ancestors for centuries.

Mr. Beaudoin will bring authentic Begay weavings to exhibit and discuss.

Saturday, April 18 @11 AM – 2090 Kittredge Street

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Poetry & Jazz - A mash-up concert

Four sets of notable poets and musicians present the words and music of poetry.

• Al Young (former California Laureate poet) with John Wiitala (bass)

• Avotcja (poet/percussionist) with Val Serrant (steel drum, djembe, and talking drum)

• Phavia Kujichagulia (spoken word, trumpet, percussion) with Ron Williams (electric guitar, percussion) and Val Serrant (steel pans, percussion)

• The Word-Music Continuum (Kirk Lumpkin, poet, percussionist; Paul Mills, guitar; Mark Wieder, bass) with special guest, Q.R. Hand, poet

Saturday, April 18 @ 2-4 PM – 2090 Kittredge Street

Sponsored


Book Club with Bestselling Author Ellen Sussman

April 19, 2:00-4:00pm

Pick up a copy of Ellen Sussman’s most recent novel, A Wedding in Provence, and come ready to discuss it with the author herself!

Ellen Sussman has written three previous best selling novels, The Paradise Guest House, French Lessons, and On a Night Like This, and two anthologies.

Sponsored


Pelican DreamsApril 19, 3:00-5:00pm

Meet filmmaker Judy Irving at Meyer Sound’s Pearson Theater for a screening of her documentary, Pelican Dreams.

Pelican Dreams features a young brown pelican who mistakenly lands—tired, hungry, and confused—on the roadway of the Golden Gate Bridge, creating a spectacular traffic jam and re-igniting Judy’s enduring fascination with these ancient, endangered birds.

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Make a Quilted Bookmark

Learn the principles of quilting as you create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bookmark with the Textile Mavens (Catherine Durand & Fern Royce). Supplies are provided, and participants are invited to submit their work for inclusion in the Library’s upcoming 34th Annual Quilt Show.

Space is limited. Call 510-981-6236 to register for a spot in one of the four half-hour sessions, ending with a 6:30 pm session. This free workshop is open to all, ages 6 and up.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library – www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org

Monday, April 20 @5-7PM – 2090 Kittredge St., 4th Flr. Story Room

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Celebrate the spirit of jazz with an improvisational synth jam!

We’ll be using a variety of electronic instruments, from iPads to banana

pianos built with MaKey MaKey invention kits and hand constructed KORG synthesizers created using

Littlebits circuitry kits!

Our creations will be uploaded to Soundcloud for sharing with

friends & family.

Participants are encouraged to bring instruments from home as well.

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North

THING

MAKESOME

SYNTH JAM! Wednesday, April 22 3-4:30PM

North Branch - 1170 The Alameda

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Lawrence Hall of Science Inventor's Workshop

Make a Wobble Bot!

Kids and families, try your hand at electrical engineering and build a motorized contraption that can draw, buzz, light up or dance across a table!

Ages 6 -13.

Wednesday, April 22 @3:30-5PM – 2090 Kittredge Street

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l Inventing Your LibraryNew Teen Room at the Central Library

Attend a special workshop of the Board of the Library Trustees to hear updates on the Central Library’s Teen Room Project. The design team of Noll & Tam will present an update on schematic design and layouts affecting the first two floors of the Central Library. All community members are invited to attend this special workshop.

See more information at:www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/planning/central-library-space-improvements

Wednesday, April 22– 1901 Russell Streetspecial workshop @5:30PM followed by a regular Board Meeting @6:30PM

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Storytime for Grown-Ups: Poetry

Sit back and experience the

world of poetry as your

friendly North Branch staff

and special guests share

some of their favorite poems.

Thursday, April 23 @ 6:30-7:30PM

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Willard Middle School Jazz Band Performance

We're honored to have the Willard Middle School Jazz Band perform in celebration of Words and Jazz Month at Berkeley Public Library. Please join us!

Friday, April 24, 2015 - 4:30PM – 2940 Benvenue Avenue

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4/24 One, Two, Three(1961 / 115 min. / NR)

C.R. MacNamara (James Cagney) is Coca-Cola’s head man in West Berlin. He is promoting a deal to sell Coke in the Soviet Union to its drunken representatives — AND hosting his stateside boss’s rebellious daughter, who wants to marry a young, adamantly anti-capitalist East German Communist. Written and directed by Billy Wilder.


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Berkeley Verses

In celebration of National Poetry Month, local poets Susan Cohen and Meryl Natchez present a look at Berkeley’s poetic legacy by celebrating some of its most iconic voices!

Come hear readings of poems by Chana Bloch, Bob Hass, Louise Glück, Allen Ginsberg, and other luminaries who have called Berkeley home!

See why our city could truly be called the Paris of America.

Saturday, April 25 @1-2PM – 1170 The Alameda

Sponsored


Paris TransformingApril 26, 2:00-4:00pm North Branch Library

The Beauty and the Horror of Urban Reconstruction by Leonard Pitt

Leonard Pitt has excelled in acting, teaching, and writing, has written numerous books, and been a graphic artist and a mime. And now, with this latest show he brings old Paris to life right before our eyes.

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Wednesday, April 29 @4-6 PM – 1170 The Alameda

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Focus on the Cello

An evening with Berkeley’s own Jewish Music and Poetry Project. The concert includes 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,” recently rediscovered in the BBC archives.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library - www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org

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Wednesday, April 29 @ 6 PM – 2940 Benvenue

Sponsored


Conversation with Scott SaulMay 3, 4:00-6:00pm

Join author of a new Richard Pryor biography at Linden Street Brewery.

Scott Saul will talk about the complex process of writing a biography as well as about his subject: Richard Pryor.

Enjoy Adam Lamoreaux’s famed brews along with wine and snack creations from the new James Syhabout restaurant, The Dock at Linden Street.

Sponsored


Conversation with Zac UngerMay 3, 3:00-5:00pm

Zac Unger moved with his wife and children from Oakland to frigid and 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.

A copy of Never Look a Polar Bear in the Eye is included with each ticket.

Conversation with author of Never Look a Polar Bear in the Eye at Private Berkeley Home

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Piano Chat for Seniors

Join us for a special hands-on program for seniors! Pianist and teacher Brenda Becker will offer a piano instruction event built around mastering chords and having fun together. No previous piano experience is necessary. Space is limited. Call 510-981-6280 to sign up.

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20 & 27 @1-2PM – 2940 Benvenue Avenue

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Visit us at: www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org

Friends of the LibraryQuestion of the Month:

Q: Are you having a Big Book Sale this summer?

A: Funny you should ask--we just set the dates.Yes, dates! A 2-day sale is scheduled for

June 13-14We'll have LOTS of kids books, books in other languages, and the ever popular “miscellaneous.”

More info next month.

Download - 2015 April BPL Events

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