Berkeley Public Library

a woman sitting on a bed with the words look what you have done below her Alt: Moira Rose is sitting on a bed wearing a sparkly peach dress with the words look what you have done!

oh now look where we ended up...

On a rich purple background a cartoon image of diverse women wearing colorful clothes and waving and smiling. Above the image are the words If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation. - Abigail Adams. Curving around these words are lavender colored leaves.

If you haven't learned about Abigail Adams this might be the time to read about a prominent woman in United States history. A famous abolitionist and feminist, she had a strong influence on John Adams' presidency and politics.
On March 31, 1776, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband, John Adams:

a woman is reading a book in a room with striped walls Alt: a woman is reading a book in a room with striped walls. She pauses, looks up, thinks, and then returns to reading.

Whether you read by listening to an audiobook while you do dishes or sit down and focus on a book in print, it's all reading.

If 2020 impacted your reading and changed what you read or how you read, it's all good.

We want you to know: reading is here for you however you need it.

❤️

With a pale peach background and a beautiful cartoon drawing style with a modern style are 4 women: one with reddish hair and warm skin tone, one with light tan skin and black straight layered long hair, one woman with rich brown skin and a head turban, and one woman wearing a blue hijab with warm tan skin. All gaze out at the viewer with small confident smiles. Drawings of plants are behind them. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women are created equal. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Activist.

Celebrating Women's History Month

a man in a suit drinking from a cup with the words awkward silence behind him Alt: 2 men awkwardly each drinking from a cup to avoid speaking with the words awkward silence on the screen

who...who did that to this poor plant?

We are back up and running, thanks to our IT team! 🎉

A cartoon style drawing of 5 women, one wearing a blue hijab and lighter blue striped clothes, one with reddish medium length hair a gold sweater and white collar, one wearing a purple burqa, one with black wavy hair in a high large bun and orange clothes, and one with long yellow hair and lavender clothes. Women's History Month. "I think realizing that you're not alone, that you are standing with millions of your sisters around the world is vital." Malala Yousafzai, Activist

Strong together.

🍕

a person 's hand is reaching for a book on a shelf Alt: a video of a person's hand lightly touching vintage books in jewel toned colors on a shelf.

Well, folks, we're just a place with books right now.
Our internet is down, then up, then down.
So if you're planning to stop by the library, be sure to bring your library card (and patience) if you want to check out items - we can't look you up right now because our programs are all down.

doh, I was totally hoping these were pizzas! And then I read the post. 😕

a man is sitting on a couch eating a hamburger while a woman talks to him Alt: Chandler is sitting on a velvet couch in Central Perk and he licks a muffin then hands it to Monica who turns her hand away from the offer.

Are you sure?

On a cream background cartoon style drawing with pink flowers floating are the words Reading Buddies at THPS and a large owl reading with a small owl perched on a branch.

Have you heard of Reading Buddies? 😍 Teen volunteers from the Youth Literacy Project partner with kids to practice reading aloud. We'll be hosting Reading Buddies at THPS branch the first four Tuesdays of March. Stay tuned for our next location!
berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/15532532

a man and a woman are sitting on a couch and talking about blueberry muffin and chamomile tea . Alt: Ross and Rachel are sitting on a velvet couch at Central Perk Cafe and Rachel says, "Oh yeah, I'd actually love a blueberry muffin and a chamomile tea."

I'd love a muffin!

A book cover with a black man staring out at the reader thoughtfully and newspaper print layered around, behind, and over his image. Penguin Classics. Frederick Douglass Narriative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.
- Frederick Douglass

A sunlight filled photo of wood carrel computer desks for the public with black cushioned chairs, on the wall nearby are magazine displays, and a large window with plants outside.

Many thanks to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation bplf.org for our new public computer carrel desks at Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library!
We get happy compliments every day since they were installed.
Thank you for all that you do to support our library. 😍

A picture of a book cover with an image of an old fashioned return slip in a paper pocket that is on fire: How Can I Help You "A dark and spellbinding descent into jolly madness." - Mona Awad, Author of Bunny. By Laura Sims, author of Looker.

not to be on brand, but:

a woman is pointing at the camera and says " this is super last minute , i know " Alt: a woman is pointing at the camera and says "this is super last minute, I know"

me to the return slot:

What should I watch on @kanopy.com ?
here's the most popular films of the week to give you ideas 😍

a black and white photo of a person reading a book called aventura Alt: a black and white video of a person reading a book, turning to look at a second book in their other hand, then leaning back to look at a third book held up by their foot!

New library card holders be like:

a man and a woman standing in a kitchen with the words " no sharing no switching and don t come crying to me " Alt: Rachel says to Chandler, "no sharing, no switching and don t come crying to me if you eat your piece too fast." at this, Rachel trips and the cheesecake slides off the platter and onto the hallway floor.

Oh no...

How Money Works @THP South Join financial education and literacy advocate Xiomara Batin to learn how money works and how to make it work for you.. Event starts at March 3, 2026 6:00 PM PST

How is your Financial Literacy? Most of us don't quite understand the math.😬Here's help: learn how to make money work for you and meet your goals on Tuesday, March 3 at THPS Branch 6pm for How Money Works with Xiomara Batin.
Find out more here: berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/15873699

a man with a mullet and the words " the neverending story " on the bottom Alt: a man with a mullet singing the words "the neverending story"

huh. Going there, are we?
Stranger Things has brought this song back: The Neverending Story.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WN0...

a man is walking through a grassy field with the words i 'm going on an adventure Alt: a hobbit is walking through a grassy field with the words "I'm going on an adventure!"

There are so many young adults and adults of all ages coming in to get a library card!

"A library card is the start of a journey." - Barbara Kingsolver