Calendar of Events
[ pdf version ] June 2007
(See also our News and July Calendar)
Click one of the links below for more information.
Events for Adults Events for Teens Events for Kids Preschool Storytimes Toddler Storytimes Family Storytimes
Click Here for Library Addresses and Phone Numbers

ON EXHIBIT @ THE LIBRARY THIS MONTH:

The 100 Families Oakland: Art & Social Change
The 100 Families project enlivens the creative spirit and celebrates the power of families and neighborhoods in Oakland through the transformative process of creating art that promotes hope, action, and beauty. All are welcome at a family reception on Saturday, June 16, 1 to 4 pm.
Families art will be on display at Eastmont Branch June 16 through August 11, 2007.

Demolition or "Civic Pride through Civic Improvement," 50 Years of Urban Renewal in Oakland, 1957-2007
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Clinton Park Project, the nation's first federally-funded urban redevelopment project that took place in the East Bay's oldest neighborhood in 1957. Oakland History Room, Through August 31, 2007

Lakeview Branch Exhibits : Berkeley Camera Club members display their photographs in the meeting room. In the main room, Karen Schneider Photography features black and white portraits of Oakland residents presented with their own written statements. Through June 30, 2007

Rockridge Branch Exhibits : Berkeley City College Photography Student Show , instruct or Dana Davis, in the gallery, and Puppets and Children’s Book Illustrations by Katherine Tillotson in the display case. Through June 30, 2007

Para información en Español sobre nuestros eventos, por favor llame al (510) 535-5620. 有關我們的活動項目﹐ 中文詳情 ﹐ 請致電 (510) 238-3400.

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For Adults

One-on-One Small Business Start-Up Counseling
Interested in starting a small business? The Oakland Public Library and SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, offers counseling sessions where successful, retired executives and small business owners share their knowledge and experience.   Call East Bay SCORE at (510) 273-6611 to schedule a free one hour session.

Adult Events

Saturday, June 2
Welcome Friends of the King Branch Jazz Brunch
Celebrate the start of a new support group, the Friends of the King Branch Library! Enjoy brunch and the cool sounds of the Tangria Jazz Trio.
M. L. King, Jr. Branch, 11:30 am

Saturday, June 2
Renay Jackson's Book Publishing Workshop
The author of the wildly popular novel Oaktown Devil will share his knowledge on how to get your book published. Teens and adults welcome.
Brookfield Branch, 2 to 4 pm

Monday, June 4
Poetry Writing Workshop for Peace and Healing
This workshop is led by Wisdom Women poets Mary Rudge ( Alameda Poet Laureate ) and Nina Serrano (KPFA programmer). Come write a poem today, with or without prior experience.
Lakeview Branch, 6 to 7:45 pm

Monday, June 4
Oakland Teens Need Tutors!
Learn how to become a volunteer Homework Assistance tutor in science, math, or English. Individuals, ages 18 and over, are invited. Refreshments served. For more info, call Jessi Snow at 510-238-7233
Eastmont Branch, 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Saturday, June 9
Songs of Love and Peace with Susan Kay Gilbert
Popular, folk, and international songs focus on the strengths of the human heart.
Lakeview Branch, 12 noon to 1 pm

Saturday, June 9
Spanish Bilingual Home Buyers Seminar
Realty World Neighbors will help you avoid the pitfalls of home buying. Learn about financing, assistance programs, and more.
César Chávez Branch, 1 to 4 pm

Tuesday, June 12
Food Bank Workshop for Chinese Community Members
Free food is within your reach! An Alameda County Community Food Bank representative will help needy community members apply for food stamps. Meets the second Tuesday of every month.
Asian Branch, for times please call (510) 238-3400

華人社區糧食卷工作坊
每逢每月第二個星期二, 阿拉米達縣食品劵辨事處職員
將會在亞洲圖書館內, 協助有需要人士申請糧食券
查詢詳情及時間, 請電 238-3400

Wednesday, June 13
Count Down Your Age Author Talk
Writer Dave Bunnell shares tips for staying fit as you get older. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Main Library, 6:30 pm

Saturday, June 16 
The 100 Families Oakland Art & Social Change Reception
The 100 Families project promotes the transformative process of creating art.  Join us for this family reception to open their new exhibit.
Eastmont Branch, 1 to 4 pm.

Saturday, June 16
Bay Edges Card Demo & Workshop
Local artist Alan Leon shares mock-ups and photographs from the Bay Edges 52-card deck. Come learn about this environmental project and be part of a test group. Design your own card from photos of the bay.
Temescal Branch, 2 to 4 pm

Monday, June 25
Lakeview Writers Group
All are welcome to attend our monthly writer’s workshop, led by Jeanne Lupton. Get that story started with tips and inspiration.
Lakeview Branch, 6 to 8 pm

Monday, June 25
Knitting and Crocheting Gala Party with Sonya and Song
Bring your finished projects, ideas for new projects, your stuck places or questions, and your yarn and needles. Refreshments served.
Dimond Branch, 6:30 to 8 pm

Wednesday, June 27
Meet Novelist Elaine Beale
This Oakland-based winner of Poets & Writer’s 2007 California Writers Exchange Contest will read from her latest novel-in-progress as well as discuss her writing process and the MFA degree.
Main Library, 6 to 7:30 pm

Wednesday, June 27
Through Deaf Eyes Screening & Discussion
This two-hour PBS documentary explores nearly 200 years of American family life, education, work, and community connections from the perspective of deaf citizens. Jim Brune of the Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency will lead a discussion after the film. Refreshments. Call 238-4974 (V) for more information.
Rockridge Branch, 6 to 9 pm

Thursday, June 28
Oakland Out Loud Literary Series
Join PEN Oakland for the latest poetry readings and book signing in celebration of the brand new Oakland Out Loud Literary Anthology. Writers include Stephen Kessler, Amy MacLennan, and Al Young. An open mic will follow.
Main Library, 6 to 7:30 pm

 

Ongoing Adult Activities

Knitting at the Library
Rockridge Branch, Tuesdays, 12:30 to 2 pm
Golden Gate Branch, Wednesdays, 4 to 5 pm
Piedmont Ave. Branch, Saturdays, 3 to 4 pm

Tuesdays
Lakeview Chess Club
All ages and experience levels welcome.
Lakeview Branch, Tuesdays, 3:30 to 5 pm

Third Saturday (June 16)
California Writers Club Workshop
A workshop open to all writers. Contact Anne Fox at 420-8775 for more information.
Rockridge Branch, 1 to 5 pm

Last Saturday
(June 30)
African American Quilters Meeting
All are welcome to join the quilters for help and inspiration completing your quilting projects.
West Oakland Branch, noon to 3 pm

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Book Clubs

Dimond, 2nd Monday, 6:30 pm, C all 482-7844 for title.
Lakeview, 3rd Monday, 6:45 pm, The Essential Rumi, by Maulana Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī.
Melrose, 4th Monday, 6 pm, C all 535-5623 for title.
Golden Gate, 4th Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Call 597-5023 for title.  

Check Out Our Online Book Clubs
Start reading the latest books in your email, no fee and no library card required. Nonfiction, fiction, prepublication, horror, mystery, business, teens, romance, sci fi, audio books, and more. New books begin each week. Available online under “Other Online Resources."

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COMPUTER CLASSES

Internet Skills and Computer Basics Class
Call 238-3176 to register.
Main Library Computer Lab, First Wednesday, 6:30 to 7:45 pm

Internet 101: Computer Basics Class
No sign-up required.
Dimond Branch, First Three Saturdays, 10 to 11 am

Computer Tutor at Main
Reserve a time slot at 238-3176 or at the Magazine & Newspaper Desk.
Main Library Computer Lab, Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm, Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 pm

Computer Basics Classes in Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean
For Asian elderly & new Americans. Registration in-person required. Call 238-3400 for schedule and other information.
Asian Branch, Monday-Thursdays & Saturdays.

亞裔長者及新移民電腦班
學程包括 : 滑鼠技巧, 鍵盤使用, 互聯綱基本法, 電腦中文輸入, 電子郵件使用
報名者需本人親自前往亞洲圖書館登記, 課程均以中文 / 韓文教學, 名額有限, 請從速報名,
查詢詳情, 請電 (510)238-3400

Bilingual Computer Basics Class in Spanish & English
Call 535-5620 to register.
César Chávez Branch, Saturdays, 10 to 11:30 am

Clase de Computadoras para Principiantes en Español y Inglés
Registración requerida, llame al 535-5620.
Biblioteca César Chávez, Sábados, 10 a 11:30 am

Spanish-Speaking Computer Tutor
Reserve a time slot at 238-3176 or at the Magazine & Newspaper Desk.
Main Library Computer Lab, Saturdays, 10 am to 12 noon

Tutor de Computadoras en Español
Para reservar una clase llame al 238-3176 o visite el Departamento de Periódicos y Revistas.
Taller de Computadoras – Biblioteca Principal, Lunes y Sábados, 10 a 12 am

 

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Lawyers in the Library
Free legal information and referral presented in conjunction with the Alameda County Bar Association. Sessions are popular and sometimes subject to change.Please call in advance to confirm on the day of the program.
Main Library: First through Fourth Thursdays, 6 to 8 pm Sign-up for lottery by 5:45 pm
Dimond Branch: First Tuesday, 6 to 8 pm Sign-up lottery at 5:45 pm
Rockridge Branch: First Tuesday, 6 to 8 pm Sign-up lottery at 5 pm
Temescal Branch: First Monday, 6 to 8 pm Sign-up lottery at 5:45 pm
NEW! Eastmont Branch: Fourth Tuesday, 4 to 6 pm. First come, first served.

Bankruptcy Lawyer in the Library
Main Library: First Wednesday, 6 to 8 pm Sign-up for lottery by 5:45 pm

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For Teens

Teen Events

Saturday, June 2
Henna Hand Painting
Join Subhashini, Rahul, and Rajiv Coburn and other teens and tweens for traditional Indian tattoos. These are temporary tattoos.
Lakeview Branch, 3 to 5 pm

Saturday, June 16
Youth Leadership Council
Middle to high school aged youth are welcome. Meets third Saturday of the month.
Main Library, Room 219 (near Magazines and Newspapers), 11 am to 1 pm

Saturday June 16
Basket Weaving Workshop
Learn how to weave baskets with Subhashini, Rahul, and Rajiv Coburn. For anyone ages ten to 18 years.
Lakeview Branch, 3 to 5 pm

Ongoing Teen Activities

 

Teen Chess Workshops & Drop-In Play
Eastmont Branch (K-12), Mondays, 3 to 7 pm, and Saturdays, 1 to 3 pm.
Lakeview Branch (all ages), Tuesdays, 3:30 to 5 pm

Teen Anime Clubs @ the Library
Eastmont Branch, Every Wednesday, 11:30 am to 1 pm
Rockridge Branch, Second Tuesday (June 12), 5 to 6:30 pm
Main Library TeenZone, Third Thursdays (June 21), 4 to 5:30 pm
M. L. King, Jr. Branch, Second Wednesday (June 13), 3 to 4:30 pm

Mondays & Saturdays through June 9
Homework in the House! Teen Homework Assistance Program
High school and middle school students can drop-in for free help in math, history, science, English, and Spanish. Call 615-5726.
Eastmont Branch, Mondays, 3 to 7 pm, Saturdays, 1 to 5 pm

Tuesdays
Comic Club
Join comic book fans as they venture into the world of superhero entertainment. Middle school-aged students and older welcome.
M. L. King, Jr. Branch, meets every Tuesday, 10:30 to 11:30 am, AND second Tuesday (June 12), 3:30 to 5 pm

Wednesdays
Wild Wednesdays!
Teens are welcome to enjoy games, music and munchies.
M. L. King, Jr. Branch, 2 to 4 pm

Wednesdays
Hooks & Needles
All ages welcome to learn knitting and crochet.
Golden Gate Branch, 4 to 5 pm

Thursdays
Teen Time Thursdays
Music, snacks, board games. Come hang out with your friends at the library.
Dimond Branch, 3:30 to 5 pm

Second Wednesday (June 13)
TeenZone Gay Straight Alliance, for Ages 13 to 17
Join our group where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth and their straight allies hang out, watch films, talk about books, and plan other fun activities. Refreshments provided.
Main Library, Room 219 (near Magazines and Newspapers),5 to 6 pm

Second Thursday (June 14)
Teen Advisory Board for the TeenZone
Teens come together to take a leadership role at the TeenZone. For more info call 238-7332.
Main Library, TeenZone, 4:15 to 5:15 pm

Third Wednesday (June 20)
East Side Readers Book Club
Our book club for teens and middle school students meets every third Wednesday of the month. Call Michael for the book title at 615-5728.
M. L. King, Jr. Branch, 2 to 3 pm

Third Thursday (June 21)
Teen Advisory Board for Asian Branch
Middle and high school aged youth are welcome.
Call 238-3400 for place, Meets at 5:15 pm

Online Teen Book Club
Featuring free mysteries, comedies, true-life adventures, science fiction and other popular titles. Get a three-minute story to read in your email. New titles appear each week. To learn more, visit our Web site at www.oaklandlibrary.org and click on “Other Online Resources."

 

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FOR KIDS

Summer Reading Fun Starts June 9
Get a Clue @ Your Library is the theme of the 2007 Summer Reading Program. Kids are invited to enjoy a summer’s worth of mysteries, magic tricks, music, wildlife, theater and more! Age 13 and under can drop by any of our branches or the Children’s Room to sign-up and start reading your way to valuable prizes, including books and tickets to some of Oakland’s hottest attractions.

Family Literacy Workshops and Summer Reading Parties

Thacher Hurd Mural Celebration and Summer Reading Kickoff
Main Library Children’s Room, Saturday, June 9, 11 am

Treasure Hunt and Ice Cream
Kick-off Summer Reading with a treasure hunt and ice cream social.
César Chávez Branch, Tuesday, June 12, 6 pm
Piedmont Ave. Branch, Monday, June 25, 7 pm

Early Reading Fun
Stories, crafts, or other activities to make learning to read fun. Recommended for pre-readers (toddlers and preschoolers) and their families or caregivers.
Asian Branch, Saturday, June 2, 11 am
Dimond Branch, Wednesday, June 13, 10:15 am
Eastmont Branch, Thursday, June 21, 3:30 pm
West Oakland Branch/Second Start, Thursday, June 28, 5:30 pm
Lakeview Branch, Saturday, June 30, 10:30 am
Rockridge Branch, Saturday, June 30, 10:30 am
Montclair Branch, Saturday, June 30, 10:30 am

Magic & Juggling  

Jean Paul Valjean
Laugh out loud with silly juggling, circus tricks, and magic.
Golden Gate Branch, Tuesday, June 12, 10:15 am
Rockridge Branch, Tuesday, June 19, 7 pm
Dimond Branch, Tuesday, June 26, 7 pm

Magic Dan
Watch a fun-filled show with amazing tricks.
Asian Branch, Saturday, June 9, 11 am
Temescal Branch, Monday, June 18, 7 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, Tuesday, June 19, 2 pm
César Chávez Branch, Tuesday, June 19, 6 pm

Comedy Magic of Timothy James
See astounding tricks and a funny surprise in a garbage can.
West Oakland Branch, Tuesday, June 5, 1 pm
Lakeview Branch, Tuesday, June 19, 2 pm
Montclair Branch, Saturday, June 23, 2 pm

Bitzy the Clown
Enjoy magic and comedy with this gentle clown.
Dimond Branch, Tuesday, June 19, 7 pm

Daffy Dave
This fun-filled variety show will baffle and delight audiences with awesome magic, goofy juggling, plate spinning and more!
Main Library Children's Room, Saturday, June 30, 11 am

Puppets & Bubbles

The Bubble Lady
Marvel at a variety of delightful bubble sculptures and stories.
Temescal Branch, Tuesday, June 12, 10:30 am
Main Library Children's Room, Saturday, June 16, 11 am
Eastmont Branch, Saturday, June 16, 2 pm

The Caterpillar Puppets
Catch one of two different shows:
Froggy to the Rescue : Froggy solves the mystery of who is messing up his creek.
Lakeview Branch, Tuesday, June 5, 1 pm
Dragon Breath: Sir Tel must rescue the rebel leader from Dragon Breath and deliver a chest of diamonds. Montclair Branch, Saturday, June 16, 2 pm

Puppet Art Theater
Don’t miss their two different performances: Tommy's Train Trouble: Join Tommy as he tries to protect the gold from the infamous train robber, Stinky Cheese Velveeta.
Super Tommy : Super Tommy, a great spoof on super hero comics, battles his arch nemeses, Chaos Kitty and Ratso the Rat.
West Oakland Branch, Thursday, May 24, 10 am, Tommy’s Train Trouble
Eastmont Branch, Wednesday, June 6, 10:30 am, Super Tommy
Dimond Branch, Tuesday, June 12, 7 pm, Super Tommy
Golden Gate Branch, Monday, June 25, 7 pm, Tommy’s Train Trouble
Rockridge Branch, Tuesday, June 26, 7 pm, Tommy’s Train Trouble

Ventriloquist Steve Chaney
Meet ventriloquist Steve Chaney with his side-kick puppet, Cornelius Crowe.
Melrose Branch, Thursday, June 21, 3:30 pm

Willy Claflin Presents
Kick-off summer and join in on the fun when this award-winning storyteller entertains outdoors with creative puppetry, music, and laughter.
Piedmont Ave. Branch (outside), Monday, June 11, 7 pm

Wildlife Programs

The Insect Discovery Lab
Learn to like insects and nature by meeting giant millipedes, hissing cockroaches, whip scorpions, and more.
Temescal Branch, Tuesday, June 26, 10:30 am

The Zoomobile
Come meet unusual animals when they roll in to a library near you.
Rockridge Branch, Wednesday, June 20, 10:30 am
Brookfield Branch, Thursday, June 21, 1:30 pm

East Bay Vivarium
Snakes, lizards, and creepy crawlies! Meet them all and learn about their habits and habitats at this exciting show.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, Thursday, June 14, 2 pm
Elmhurst Branch, Tuesday, June 26, 11 am
César Chávez Branch, Tuesday, June 26, 6 pm
Piedmont Ave. Branch, Saturday, June 30, 1:30 pm

Music, Theater & Dance  

Crosspulse Rhythm Duo
Keith Terry and Evie Ladin blend jazz, world music, Appalachian banjo and step dancing traditions with humor and skill.
Piedmont Ave. Branch, Monday, June 18, 7 pm

Gary Lapow’s Get a Clue @ Your Library: The Musical
Get your imagination into high gear with Gary’s lively songs of mystery, guessing games, and other fun.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, Tuesday, June 5, 2 pm

Opera Piccola
All are invited to enjoy unforgettable live performances by this innovative multicultural theater company. Plays include music and tales from different cultures.
Asian Branch, Tuesday, June 26, 2 pm, Into the Eye of Magic, a Chinese Folktale

Stories & Books

Read-Aloud, Grades 1-3
Sit and listen to a story, and earn Summer Reading Game time!
Main Library Children’s Room, Tuesdays, June 12 through August 7, 2 pm

Read-Aloud, Grades 4 to 6
Sit and listen to a story, and earn Summer Reading Game time!
Main Library Children’s Room, Thursdays, June 14 through August 9, 2 pm

Newbery Readers, Grades 5 to 7
Librarian Nina Lindsay, chair of this year’s Newbery Award committee, is looking for help in reviewing the newest titles eligible for the award. This seminar-style book club is a unique opportunity for young readers!
Main Library Children’s Room, Fridays, June 29 through August 10, 2 pm

Family Storytime
Bring your whole family to enjoy stories and songs at the library.
Melrose Branch, Monday, July 30, 6 pm

Arts & Crafts, Etc.

Kids Make Quilts
Kids of all ages learn how to quilt while making quilts for the library!
Main Library Children’s Room, Wednesdays, June 13 through August 8, 2 pm

Crafts Workshop with Sharon Wasserman and Library Staff
Golden Gate Branch, Thursdays, June 21 through August 9, 3 pm

Arts & Crafts Workshop, Brookfield Branch, Wednesday, June 27, 4 pm

Police Visit the Library! Come learn what they do for us. M. L. King, Jr. Branch, Tuesday, June 26, 2 pm

 

Kids Events

Wednesday, June 13
Art Class by KidzArt
If you can dream, you can draw. Learn how at this free workshop for grades 4 to 6. All material provided.
Lakeview Branch, 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Saturday, June 23
Bilingual Math & Science Fun with Las Aventuras de Mateo y Cientina
Lawrence Hall of Science staff leads this first in a series of classes especially for young Spanish speakers, featuring their cartoon characters Mateo and Cientina. Other classes are July 7 & 21. Light refreshments provided.
César Chávez Branch, 11:30 am

Ongoing Activities for Kids

Wednesdays
Melrose Tween Time
After-school activities for ages eight to 12 years.
Melrose Branch, 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Thursdays
Kids Knit! Marie Riehle Teaches Ages Eight and Up
Learn knitting basics and finish a project.
Lakeview Branch ( parents and older siblings welcome).
June 7 & 14 meets 3:30 to 5 pm
June 21 & 28 meets 10 am to 12 noon

Kids Chess Workshops & Drop-In Play
Eastmont Branch (K-12), Mondays, 3 to 7 pm, and Saturdays, 1 to 3 pm.
Lakeview Branch (all ages), Tuesdays : 3:30 to 5 pm
César Chávez Branch (all ages), Saturdays, 11 to 1 pm

First Monday
Early Literacy Night
For kids one to five years old and their parents. Storytime, crafts and tips on helping your young children get ready and learn to read. Meets the first working Monday of every month.
M. L. King, Jr. Branch, 5:30 to 6:30 pm

First Friday
Dimond Book Club for Ages Nine to 12
Refreshments provided. We meet October to June.
Dimond Branch, 4 to 5 pm

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Dial-A-Story
Bilingual English/Spanish stories. Cuentos bilingües en inglés/español.
Call 597-5054 to hear a three to four minute story in English or Spanish. Stories change each week.