Alameda Free Library Event Alert July 2024

Published on June 24, 2024

Event Descriptions – Ongoing Adult and Teen Events: 

Dungeons & Dragons: Want to try Dungeons & Dragons but can’t find a group? Looking for a new party? Come to our Dungeons & Dragons Teen Meetup! No previous experience required. Character sheets will be provided as well as rules explanations and dice. Registration is encouraged; please see the online calendar for the registration link.

Make It: Calling all knitters, crochetiers, embroidery enthusiasts, and fiber ateliers! Please join us in the Family Study Room at Main for a fiber arts craft circle. Please bring your own project, materials, and expertise. Limited instruction available!

Teen Book Club: Teen book club members choose what we read from a variety of titles and genres each month. Additionally, while supplies last, book club members receive a free copy of the book to keep. The title we will discuss in July  is Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter.All teens, ages 13 to 18, are invited to join the book group. Registration link is on the calendar. We will be meeting in person in the Stafford Room at the Main Library.

Alameda Library Writers’ Group: This group is open to all adult writers looking for an opportunity to connect and share with other writers. At the meeting you are welcome to share your writing and everyone will be given a writing prompt. Whatever your genre, you are welcome to join the group! Join in person or via Zoom.

Cup of Coffee and a Good Book Book Club: Wondering what to read next? Instead of a monthly book everyone reads, A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book Club will discuss what everyone is currently reading or has recently read that they enjoyed.  The July theme is Sense of Place (fiction and/or nonfiction).  Please email the facilitator, Lynda, at llyndaw@gmail.com for more information.

Mystery Book Club: Join the Alameda Free Library’s Mystery Book Clubfor a fun and engaging literary discussion!  We are offering this popular book club in two different locations, the Main Library and the Bay Farm Island Library. The July mystery is Portrait of a Thief by Grace Li.

A Novel Idea: A Novel Idea is a book club for adults featuring novels from diverse genres and authors. Join us for a lively discussion and deepen your engagement with your reading!  The July selection is The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson.

Event Descriptions – Special Adult/Teen Events: 

Alameda Free Library Blood Drive: Please give blood if you can! To sign up please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code ALAMEDALIBRARY. To save time while saving a life please fill out a Rapidpass. Learn more at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass

Mobile Bike Repair: The BikeMobile can fix flat tires, adjust brakes and gears, and even replace broken or worn out parts like chains, seats, and tires. The only thing it can’t do is replace missing wheels or gears. While the mechanics work on your bike they’ll explain how to keep it running smooth. Bike or no bike, everyone is welcome to attend to learn about maintenance, safety, and more! This is a first come, first serve event. Space is limited to 20 people.

Color Me Mine: Teens, get ready for an awesome afternoon of artistic expression with Color Me Mine! Unleash your creativity as you paint and personalize your own pottery. Registration is required due to limited space availability (16 spots). This program is for teens in 7th to 12th grade only.

Swiftie Friendship Bracelets: Are you ready for it? Tween and Teen Swifities, grab your favorite cardigan and meet us at the Main Library as we make friendship bracelets, and have the best day chatting all things Taylor. THIS EVENT IS FOR TWEENS AND TEENS (AGES 8-18) ONLY. Please call 510-747-7710 or email refdesk@alamedaca.gov for more information.

Plant Swap: Bring your cuttings or plants that need a new home to swap with other gardeners. All types of plants are welcome, please label them if possible! Plant donations are only accepted at the event.

Birds of the Bay Area: Join naturalists from East Bay Regional Parks to learn about and discuss the various birds of the Bay Area and beyond!

Event Descriptions – Ongoing Children’s/Family Events: 

Bay Farm Island Branch:

Preschool Storytime: A 30-45 minute program geared toward children ages 3-5 years old. Creating a language-rich environment through books, music, and movement, this program also offers children an avenue toward Kindergarten readiness by asking them to take turns, share, and follow simple directions. Mondays at 10:30am, ages 3-5.

Family Storytime: Put on your pajamas and join us at the Bay Farm Island Library for family storytime! Geared for a mix of ages, we invite families to participate as we read stories, sing songs, do fingerplays and more. Every Tuesday at 7pm, all ages.

Toddler Storytime: A 20-30 minute program that uses stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement to help young children ages 1-3 years old develop word and sound recognition, gain background knowledge of how the world works, and encourages families to build social connections with other parents and children. Thursdays at 10:30 AM.

Build with LEGO: We will provide the LEGO building blocks.  Use your imagination and creativity to create with them! Every Thursday at 3:30 pm.

Main Library, Children's Programming Room:

Preschool Storytime: A 30-45 minute program geared toward children ages 3-5 years old. Creating a language-rich environment through books, music, and movement, this program also offers children an avenue toward Kindergarten readiness by asking them to take turns, share, and follow simple directions. Every Tuesday at 10:30am, ages 3-5.

School-Age Storytime: A 45 minute program for children in Kindergarten through third grade. Through the use of books and conversation, children are encouraged to engage with the stories, learning context from pictures and memory, and building comprehension by asking questions about the book just read. Every Wednesday at 3:30pm, grades K-3rd.

Toddler Storytime: A 20-30 minute program that uses stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement to help young children ages 1-3 years old develop word and sound recognition, gain background knowledge of how the world works, and encourages families to build social connections with other parents and children. Every Friday & Saturday at 10:30am, ages 1-3.

Mother Goose on the Loose: This fast paced lap-sit program for little ones and their caregivers includes songs, nursery rhymes, knee-bounces, and movement to help develop important pre-literacy skills. This class is appropriate for infants through 2 years old. This program starts promptly at 10:30am. Latecomers may not be admitted. Every Thursday at 10:30am, ages 0-2.

Main Library, Family Study Room:  NEW monthly program for Tweens!

Tween Crafternoon: Kids ages 9 to 11, get crafty at the Main Library on the fourth Thursday of every month!Tween Crafternoon is a free, drop-in program where kids in 4th through 6th grades can unwind, unplug, create, craft and socialize. Join us as we demonstrate and provide supplies for a different STREAM centered activity each time we meet, or bring your own project to work on in a shared space. Like to journal? Find inspiration from our community craft cart. No registration required.

West End Branch:

Family Storytime: Put on your pajamas and join us at the Bay Farm Island Library for family storytime! Geared for a mix of ages, we invite families to participate as we read stories, sing songs, do fingerplays and more.

Toddler Storytime: A 20-30 minute program that uses stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement to help young children ages 1-3 years old develop word and sound recognition, gain background knowledge of how the world works, and encourages families to build social connections with other parents and children. Every Tuesday at 10:30am, ages 1-3.

Play-Doh Playtime: Join us at the West End Library for Play-Doh Playtime, where kids can squish, sculpt, and be as creative as they like! Recommended for children ages 2+ and their caregivers.

Event Descriptions - Special Children’s/Family Events:

Coding with LEGO Summer Series: Introducing for the first time ever... the Coding with LEGO Summer Series! LEGO Education SPIKE™ combines the well known playful blocks with easy-to-use hardware and an intuitive coding software to create hands-on purposeful play. Participants will collaborate with a partner in using their creativity, critical-thinking, and problem solving skills in this 90 minute activity. There will be two separate LEGO groups aimed at different age groups. All Coding with LEGO Summer Series programs will take place at the Main Library from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Sign up is required. Call 510-747-7705 or email childref@alamedaca.gov for more information or to register for the program.

Coding with LEGO - Family Edition: LEGO Education SPIKE™ combines the well known playful blocks with easy-to-use hardware and an intuitive coding software to create hands-on purposeful play. Participants will collaborate with others in using their creativity, critical-thinking, and problem solving skills in this 45-60 minute activity led by library staff. For the first time, we offer this family edition of LEGO coding!  This activity is designed to offer a single family an occasion for sharing with their children an educational and bonding experience. Children ages 6+ and their favorite adult(s) are welcome. The West End Library has space for seven tables. Each table can accommodate one family of up to two adults and up to two children. Pre-registration is required.

Music and Movement: Join us in Leydecker Park (right next to the Bay Farm Island Branch Library) for this 30 minute interactive family program! Early literacy skills are enhanced through songs, movement to music, and stories. This program is intended for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers.

Teddy Bear Picnics: Let’s meet at the park for a picnic storytime! Bring your lunch and a blanket, come early to play, then join Dawn under the trees and listen to stories while you eat. Storytime begins at 10:30 a.m. and takes place at the following locations: Leydecker Park (July 3); Longfellow Park (July 10); Lincoln Park (July 17); Jean Sweeney Open Space (July 24); Krusi Park (July 31).

Junior Librarian July @BFI: Do you love the library and want to learn even more? During this four week series, we will focus on a different aspect of libraries each session. Please see the online calendar listing on the library website for details of each theme. Sign up for just one topic that interests you or sign up for them all!  Open to kids who will be in fourth, fifth or sixth grade when school resumes. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call the Bay Farm Library at (510) 747-7787 to sign up.

MOCHA - Museum of Children’s Art at the Library: Teaching artists from Oakland's Museum of Children's Art will be conducting sessions at the West End Branch Library (July 18th only) and the Main Library through July. All events are from 3:00pm-4:30pm. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call 510-747-7705 or email childref@alamedaca.gov for more information or to register for the program.

Flashlight Friday: Love reading and relaxing in the outdoors, but don't get to go camping this year? Camp out and read with us! We have tents, pillows, a "campfire" and, of course, flashlights! This program is open to independent readers ages 5-12 who want to hang out on their own and read, read, read. Each session is 30 minutes long and registration is required. Call 510-747-7705 or email childref@alamedaca.gov for more information or to register for the program.

Tracy the Animal Guy: Back by popular demand, it's Tracy the Animal Show Guy! Get up close and personal with rabbits, chickens, and even a huge boa constrictor! Perfect for ages 3 and up with a caregiver.

Crab Cove Storytime: Meet naturalists from Crab Cove Visitor's Center as they lead a special storytime and craft. Perfect for kids ages 5 and up and their caregivers.

Family Movie Matinee - Disney’s WISH (PG): What to expect during the Family Movie Matinee program? During movie showings we aim to create a sensory-friendly environment by keeping half the room lights on, lowering the volume, turning on movie captions, offering fidget toys to use during the movie, and leaving open seating with wobble cushions so kids have room to move around. Audience participants are welcome to bring in food, blankets, and pillows! We provide light refreshments and snacks during the movie screening.

Fratello Marionettes: The Friends of the Alameda Free Library present the Fratello Marionettes performing Aladdin! Friendship and kindness triumph over evil as Aladdin discovers the magical lamp, frees and befriends the powerful genie, thwarts the evil sorcerer, and saves the kingdom. Perfect for all ages.