Alameda Free Library Event Alert - May 2025

Published on April 24, 2025

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: Please join us for a fiber arts craft circle. All kinds of fiber artists are welcome. Please bring your own materials and expertise. Limited instruction available. It will be an afternoon of community building and crafting.

• Teen Advisory Board (TAB): Do you wish the library would do more events and programs that you’re interested in? Have you been anxiously awaiting a new book and you want the library to buy it? Do you need an impressive membership to put on your applications and resumes? Join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) to let the library know what you’re interested in. The Teen Advisory Board is your chance to make a difference in the library for yourself and other teens in Alameda. Members of the Teen Advisory Board will help plan teen programs and choose teen events. Teen Advisory Board members will earn community service hours for every meeting and event that they participate in.

• 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 May book is The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith. All teens, ages 13 to 18, are invited to join the book group. The 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.
• Alameda Great Books Discussion Group: Join us to discuss The Daodejing by Laozi.
• Snacks and Support: Connect with your community while enjoying some complimentary snacks, mellow music, and a facilitated drop-in art activity. Those interested can also be matched up with social service resources in Alameda. Come as you are, and we will welcome you! A representative from the Alameda Department of Housing and Human Services will be on-site to answer your questions.
• No Feeling Is Final – Poetry Book Club and Community of Practice: Taken from Austrian poet Rainier Maria Rilke's The Book of Hours, "No feeling is final" is the name given to our poetry reading group and community of practice where participants are encouraged to move through life's variable rhythms with the help of a regular poetry practice. We encourage adults 18 and up to come build community through poetry in this monthly part-book club, part-workshop gathering. Read poetry, write to prompts, and welcome local poets to share their works-in-progress. Bound poetry zines featuring each month's poems will be available to pick at the West End Branch Library the week prior to the program, with additional copies available when we meet. All levels of experience reading and writing poetry are welcomed! “Go to limits of your longing: let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” - RMR
• A Cup of Coffee and a Good 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 May theme is House/Home. Please email the facilitator, Lynda, at llyndaw@gmail.com for more information.
• Mystery Book Clubs: 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 May mystery is Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayer.
• A Novel Idea: A Novel Idea is a book club for adults featuring novels from diverse genres and authors.  The May selection is Real Americans by Rachel Khong. Join us for a lively discussion and deepen your engagement with your reading!

Event Descriptions – Special Adult/Teen Events:

• Online Author Talks: Register and add questions for the author, then tune in live or watch the event recording.
  • A Conversation with Dr. David H. Rosmarin: Let’s face it: Everyone has anxiety. Furthermore, our incessant quest to rid ourselves of this ubiquitous human emotion worsens it. What if, instead of fighting our anxiety, we could turn it into a strength? In this enlightening online webinar, you will learn how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting, connected to others, and resilient. Author of Thriving with Anxiety, Dr. Rosmarin’s constructive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach will not make you less anxious. Instead, it will empower you to use anxiety to thrive.
  • A Conversation with Liann Zhang: Grab your popcorn, grab your friend, and join us for a propulsive online conversation with author Liann Zhang as she chats with us about her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead. Julie Chan has nothing. Her twin sister has everything. Except a pulse. Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier with nothing to lose, finds herself thrust into the glamorous yet perilous world of her late twin sister, Chloe VanHuusen, a popular influencer.
  • A Conversation with Rachelle Bergstein: You’re invited to an online intimate conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. This book takes an expansive look at Judy Blume’s life, work, and cultural impact, focusing on her most iconic—and controversial—young adult novels, from Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret to Blubber. Everyone knows Judy Blume. Her books have garnered her fans of all ages for decades and sold tens of millions of copies. But why were people so drawn to them? And why are we still talking about them now in the 21st century?
• Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month:
  • Digitizing and Documenting Your Family History: Dive into a realm where physical artifacts meet virtual storytelling. This session immerses you in the art of utilizing artificial intelligence for oral history creation, scanning, photo restoration, photo management, movie making and storytelling. Explore real-life case studies illustrating how to intricately weave your family’s saga using multimedia methodologies. Discover invaluable free resources and best practices to preserve your family’s legacy. By session end, you’ll learn about tools and techniques to create a digital family heritage library, that will be a timeless treasure for generations to come. Our speaker, Ron Chan, is a seasoned lecturer on family history documentation principles.
  • Mother Earth, The Magnificent: Mei Sze Phung will deliver a film talk about her upcoming film "Mother Earth, the Magnificent" which shows her family's Chinese and Vietnamese history and how it intertwines with the overarching themes of peace and harmony. Magical and mystical elements related to Chinese and Vietnamese culture including dragons and Goddesses adorn her journey as she reflects upon the past, time travels, and learns to find her true voice. She will also perform a complementary song and dance to accompany the film clips. This presentation will be delivered in spoken English, with portions captioned in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
• Jewish American Heritage Month:
  • Perspectives on Immigration: Two Alameda residents and members of Kehilla Community Synagogue will lead us in contemplation of the ways in which the stories of Holocaust survivors compare and contrast with immigration narratives of the day. The program will open with one presenter sharing about her family’s immigration journey to the United States after the Holocaust. Then we will hear about the work the Kehilla Community Synagogue Immigration Committee has been doing over the last 10 years, focusing on providing accompaniment, sanctuary, and organizing with other community groups about immigration policy issues.
  • Presenting Anam Chaya: Through their diasporic folk and storytelling project Anam Chaya, local folk musician and music scholar Rowan Katz will lead us in a workshop + performance on Jewish folk music including Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino music and more. Come join us to share in the joy of Jewish cultural diaspora! All ages and experiences are welcome.
  • Jewish Contributions to Pop Culture: Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by learning more about this compelling topic. Jewish contributions to American pop music, film, and culture extend beyond the surface level of entertainment. Join Rabbi Minster for a fascinating presentation, including film and music clips, to learn more. No registration necessary.
• Urban Cycling 101: Learn about the most common bike crashes in traffic, bike laws, riding comfort, theft prevention and locking information. No bikes needed. Our presenter, Bonnie Wehmann, Easy Street Cycling Owner and Head Coach, started Easy Street Cycling bike programs in 2014 for Alameda Middle and High School Kids to learn to ride safely and independently to school. She added bike skills programs as well for 3rd-5th grade kids and coached hundreds of kids and adults for over ten years.
• 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
• Medical Directives - A Thoughtful Approach: Do you need to complete your Advance Directives? Or perhaps revisit and revise them? Then this workshop is for you. Utilizing the Five Wishes format, join Alameda-based death doula, Sarah Hill, for a deeper dive into this key medical document. Learn how best to prepare your Medical Power of Attorney, and other solid tips and best practices for this important aspect of advance care planning. Please register in advance for this workshop (before 5/13).
  Sign up at the Main library reference desk or call (510) 747 - 7713.
• Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: The Alzheimer's Association of Northern California will report on the development of Alzheimer's Disease. Learn about the role diet, exercise and social engagement play in the aging process and in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. Join us for this important discussion.
• Upcycled “Plarn” Workshop: Learn to upcycle plastic bags to create versatile plastic yarn - ‘plarn’ - for weather-resistant projects! All materials provided. Activities are designed for ages 17 and up. Participants will be introduced to 'plarn' and its unique capabilities, guided through the process of creating a 'plarn' ball, then instructed on some basic starter projects to get familiar with using 'plarn' for larger and larger-scale projects. Following the workshop, there will be an opportunity for participants to contribute to a library-wide project of creating water-resistant sleeping mats using 'plarn' as a base material.
• AMS Mobile Health Clinic: Alameda Health System will be bringing their Mobile Health Van for basic screenings as well as more specialized referrals every third Wednesday of the month in the back parking lot of the Main Library. Sign up for appointments with Alameda Health System staff who will be on-site; max of 10 appointments per van visit.

Event Descriptions – Ongoing Children's/Family Events:

• Bay Farm Island Branch:
  • 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!
• Main Library, Children's Program 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 they just read. Every Wednesday at 3:30pm, grades K-3rd.
  • 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.
  • 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.

• 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.

Event Descriptions – Special Children's/Family Events:

• Star Wars Day: Join us for a day of intergalactic fun! 12:00-2:30pm: Star Wars crafts, activities, giveaways, bingo, scavenger hunt. 1:00pm: Costume contest (for ages 0-12). Don't miss a special visit by the 501st Legion!
• Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Trickster Tales from Across Asia: Join the Main Library on Wednesday, April 21st at 3:30pm for a special storytime with Roopa Mohan. Roopa will be sharing clever and charming stories from different parts of Asia. This is a family friendly program for all age groups. Come and join us for a lively and engaging afternoon in the Children's Program Room.
  • Bilingual Japanese Family Storytime: Poponta Children’s Cultural Society will be presenting an interactive Family Storytime. There will be stories, puppets, songs and kamishibai.
  • From Folktales to Fairytales: Ms. Stephanie presents an enriching day of stories and art from the east to the west. Attendees will be introduced to folktales from Vietnam to Hawai’i followed by art projects inspired by each story. Kindergarten - 3rd grade are welcome. Please visit or call the reference desk at Bay Farm Island Library to reserve your child’s spot: (510) 747-7787
  • Family Storytime with Author Edna Cabcabin Moran: Alameda author and artist Edna Cabcabin Moran will read her book Honu & Moa! A fabulous re-telling of the Hare and the Tortoise, Hawaiian Style! She will also throw in a little Hula and share her knowledge of the art of Hawaiian storytelling.
  • Mandarin Bilingual Storytime: Join us for a special Toddler Storytime presented by Kids Go Mandarin! This will be a musical Mandarin/English storytime filled with stories and songs for all to enjoy. 
• Jewish American Heritage Month – Family Friendly Activities
  • Join us at the West End Library on Saturday, May 3rd at 10:30am for family friendly activities inspired by baseball legend, Sandy Koufax, and modern abstract painter, Mark Rothko.
  • Join us the following Saturday, May 10th at 1pm at the Main Library for a family friendly hands-on experiment inspired by Gerty Cori. Registration Required. Please contact the children's department (510) 747-7705.
• Ballet Stories with Tutu School: Miss Avala and the Tutu School are excited to share a special program. Listen to ballet stories and then practice some spectacular twirling. Wands will be provided!
• Family Movie Matinee – Sonic the Hedgehog 3: 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.
• Qigong: Register for this four-part Qigong series for children aged 7-12. This series will be presented by Robert Dorsett who is a certified Qigong instructor who has been teaching privately as well as with the Alameda Parks and Recreation Department. Qigong is a practice designed to calm the mind and focus the body. Kids will learn meditation and movement skills to help them navigate our busy world. Space is limited and registration is required.