May 2023

All Alameda Free Libraries will be closed on Monday, May 29th in observance of Labor Day.

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Join Alameda Free Library in honoring the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through the exploration of local history, the celebration of local writers, and the appreciation of art and film. 

Upcoming Events

Meet Bay Area Author, Joanna Ho

Thursday, May 11th, 3:30 PM. Main Branch.

Dynamic local author and educator Joanna Ho will speak about her books for children and young adults, her writing journey, and the importance of diverse representation in books.

This free presentation is best suited for children in grades K thru 12 and their families.

Overflowing with Hope: The Hidden History of the Japanese in Alameda 

Inaugural Event and Reception, Wednesday, May 17th, 3:00 PM. Main Branch | Stafford Room. 

A new exhibit that documents the wartime removal of one marginalized community through images, testimonies, artifacts, and long hidden stories.

On display in the Stafford Room through July 15, 2023.

Chinese Brush Painting with Pauline Tsui

Saturday, May 20th, 2:00 PM. Main Branch | Stafford Room

Learn to paint the four noble flowers. Special guest Pauline Tsui will teach the basic techniques of Chinese brush painting. All materials and supplies included. 

Best for ages 8 to 90+

Adults

Make It, a fiber arts craft circle. Tuesday, May 2nd & 16th, 4:30 PM. MAIN | Family Study Room. 

Urban Cycling with Bonnie Wehmann. Sunday, May 7th, 3:30 PM & Tuesday, May 23rd, 6:30 PM. MAIN | Stafford Room. 

Alameda Library Writers' Group. Saturday, May 13th, 12:30 PM. MAIN | Stafford Room. 

Speaker Series with Golden Gate Audubon Society (Zoom link on website). Thursday, May 18th, 7 PM. VIRTUAL.

Brush Paining with Pauline Tsui (all ages, registration required: see website for details). Saturday, May 20th, 2 PM. MAIN | Stafford Room. 

Local Alameda Mystery Writers in Conversation (registration encouraged: see website for details). Sunday, May 21st, 2 PM. MAIN | Stafford Room. 

May Movie Night Saving Face. Wednesday, May 24th, 6 PM. MAIN | Stafford Room. 

Children

Joanna Ho Author Event, Dynamic local author and educator Joanna Ho will speak about her books for children and young adults, her writing journey, and the importance of diverse representation in books. Thursday, May 11, 3:30 PM. MAIN. 

Storytimes:

Bay Farm Island Branch:

Family Storytime: Every Tuesday at 7pm, all ages

Preschool Storytime: Every Thursday at 10:30am, ages 3-5

Main Library, Children's Programming Room:

Preschool Storytime: Every Tuesday at 10:30am, ages 3-5

School-Age Storytime: Every Wednesday at 3:30pm, grades K-3rd

Mother Goose on the Loose: Every Thursday at 10:30am, ages 0-2

Toddler Storytime: Every Friday at 10:30am, ages 1-3

Toddler Storytime: Every Saturday at 10:30am, ages 1-3

West End Branch:

Mil y un Cuentos: Every Monday at 7pm, all ages

Toddler Storytime: Every Tuesday at 10:30am, ages 1-3

Teens

TAB: Teen Advisory Board: Plan community events, get experience, and earn volunteer hours! Ages 13-18 only. Tuesday, May 2nd, 4:30 PM. MAIN |Stafford Room. 

Teen Book Club: Teen book club members choose what we read each month. Ages 13-18 years old.  Free copies on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register to join. April Title: A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft. Wednesday, May 3rd, 4:00 PM. MAIN | Stafford Room. 

Dungeons & Dragons: Looking to get into Dungeons & Dragons? No experience needed. Character sheets, dice, and rules explanations provided. Teens only! Monday, May 8th, 6:00 PM. MAIN |Stafford Room.

Game Break: Don't forget to take a break...A GAME BREAK! Try out our new games and/or watch others play! Teens only! Wednesday, May 10th, 3:30 PM, MAIN | Stafford Room.

Study Hall @ AFL:Looking for a place to study? Need to catch up on assignments? Join us at the library! Tuesday, May 30th, 4 PM. MAIN |Stafford Room.