Day of the Dead Quilted Postcard Workshop
Saturday, October 7, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Come join us for our most fall-themed adult craft workshop so far, where you'll learn how to make a 4x6" quilted fabric postcard you can actually send in the mail! This is a fun and easy beginner project, which you can make with supplies you probably already have. (But we'll provide you with all the supplies you need at the workshop.)

This FREE program is for adults and for kids age 8 and up--no exceptions! Due to limited space, advance registration is required.

This program is generously sponsored by the Hayward Arts Council.

Register Here

Art Exhibit: Día de los Muertos—Celebración de la vida
October 5-November 3, 2nd floor art gallery, Downtown Library

A collaboration between the Hayward Arts Council and the Hayward Public Library, presenting original artworks celebrating the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.  Curated by Winda Shimizu and Karla Lopez.

Artwork information:  "Bonito Atardecer", Karla Lopez, Acrylic on canvas.

Hayward Arts Council

The Literary Corner: Exit West
Wednesday, October 4, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The Literary Corner is Hayward Library's literary fiction book club! In October we'll talk about Exit West by Mohsin Hamid.

Get a copy at the library, or email [email protected]!

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Hayward is Home: Country Press and Barrio Expressions
Friday, October 6, 2:30 p.m., Downtown Library

We're so pleased to host this second installment of the local history series created by CSUEB History Chair Bridget Ford. 1970s Hayward saw a flourishing of youth movements to end injustices and create caring communities. The Country Press Collective and Barrio Expressions revealed the lives and interests of these two diverse groups, on their own terms and in their own spaces.

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European Travel Tips and Tools with Author Rick Steves: Live Online!
Tuesday, October 10, 1:00 p.m., Online

Join guidebook author and TV host Rick Steves as he shares the latest in smart European travel. In this entertaining, information-packed slideshow lecture, Rick will teach you the secrets of safe, smart, inexpensive travel--low on stress and high on fun. Learn how to travel smoothly and affordably by planning an efficient itinerary and more.

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What To Plant in the Fall: A Master Gardener Workshop
Saturday, October 14, 11:00 a.m., Downtown Library

With Bay Area mild winters, there's plenty of gardening left this year! Alameda County Master Gardeners share what seeds you should be planting right now.

Register Here

Mobile Health Clinic
Wednesday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The mobile health clinic offers free, friendly medical services for people without housing. First come, first served. No appointment required; just come to the van parked in front of the library.

Services provided by Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless in partnership with Alameda Health System.

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Master of Suspense: Online Author Talk with Ruth Ware
Wednesday, October 18, 11:00 a.m., Online

You’re invited to tune in as we chat with New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in Cabin 10 and The It Girl as she talks about her newest book, Zero Days. Stop the suspense and register for the thrill now!

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Double Thick Crochet Workshop Part 2: The Tote Bag
Saturday, October 21, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Here's the second installment in our double thick crochet series, where we learn how to use the double thick crochet stitch to make a sturdy tote bag. (If you missed the first session, you can still learn the stitch itself and make a trivet or potholder, if you prefer.)

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Mystery Book Club: Arsenic and Adobo
Tuesday, October 24, 5:45 p.m.

We're finally back! Mystery Book Club has been on a very long hiatus but we're ready to discuss murder! Our first selection is Arsenic and Adobo: A Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, by Mia P. Manansala. This first book in a new culinary cozy series is full of sharp humor and delectable dishes--including one that might just be killer....

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A Lifetime of Writing: An Online Conversation with John Irving
Thursday, October 26, 4:00 p.m., Online

You are in for a treat when you join us for an intimate conversation with John Irving as he chats about not only his most recent novel, The Last Chairlift, but also about his prolific body of work and a lifetime spent writing. Irving’s first novel was published when he was just twenty-six years old. He has gone on to be nominated for a National Book Award three times and won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

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Recommended Reading

Cozy Fantasy and Science Fiction

Ever heard of cozy mysteries? Cozy SFF is like that, but in speculative universes. Forget about grimdark dystopias; expect stories about found family, close-knit communities, and quirky, lovable characters. The stakes are usually low, or at least deemphasized in favor of the relationships the characters build and the societies they live in. Curl up next to the fire with a cup of tea and your pet dragon and enjoy!

Reading List

Regularly Scheduled Programs

Uke Can Do It! Strum-Alongs
Saturday, October 14, 2:00 p.m.
Downtown Library

Whether you're an old hand at Ukulele or have just started, you're welcome to join in on our group strum-along! BYOU (Bring Your Own Uke). If you don't own a uke, check one out from the Library!

Schedule

Lawyer in the Library Phone Appointments
October 3, 21, and 26

Need legal help? The Lawyer in the Library program is a free legal information and referral program hosted by the Hayward Public Library and staffed by a volunteer lawyer.

Schedule

Hayward Library Commission Meeting
Monday, October 16, 6:00 p.m.

Members of the public are invited to attend our monthly Library Commission Meeting. The Library Commission advises the Hayward City Council on library policies including hours of service, fines and fees, library programs, capital improvements, and more.

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Palo Alto VA Mobile Medical Clinic
Thursday, October 19, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.,  Downtown Library

The outreach team will provide examinations, consultations, and referrals to veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. They will also assist veterans and their spouses, caregivers, family members, and survivors with information about enrollment for VA healthcare.

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Yoga at the Library
Saturday, October 14, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Unlock energy, strength, and joy through yoga. All abilities are welcome in this wellness-focused class led by certified instructor Iva Chu from Hayward's Yoga Sociale.

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English Conversation Circles
Monday-Friday, Online and in Person at the Downtown Library

English Conversation Circles are designed for adults who are looking for a supportive and fun environment to practice their English-speaking skills. The goal is to strengthen conversational skills, while building confidence and community with other adults whose native language is not English.

Schedule

Citizenship Resources

We offer FREE 10-week Citizenship Preparation Classes, Citizenship Mock Interview Sessions, a Citizenship Corner at the Downtown Library and one online, and much more.

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Tech Support Tutor Sessions
Drop-in or by appointment

Do you need some basic tech support? Tech Support Sessions are here to help. Meet one-on-one with a tutor to get assistance with basic tech issues, such as setting up your email, emailing photos, downloading an app, & more!

Schedule

Save the Date: November's selection for the Literary Corner will be The Nickel Boys
Wednesday, November 1, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Time to get ahead on your reading! The Literary Corner will be talking about Colson Whitehead's The Nickel Boys in November. Get a copy at the library, or email [email protected]!

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Announcements

The library will be closed on Monday, October 9 in observance of Indigenous People's Day

But you can use our online resources 24/7/365! Download an ebook or audiobook; stream a movie; learn a new language or how to repair your car; get help with homework or do some research. All you need is a Hayward library card!

Learn More & Get Started

Brainfuse VetNow Writing Lab

Are you looking to improve your writing skills? Look no further than Brainfuse VetNow's Writing Lab! Whether you're crafting an email, working on essays, or simply honing your communication skills, the Brainfuse Writing Lab is here to support you every step of the way. It's never too late to sharpen your writing abilities and reach your academic and professional goals.

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We've got Zip Books!

Can't find the book you need at the library? No problem! Use our new Zip Books service to have the book mailed directly to you for free, and return it to us when you're done.

This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Learn More & Get Started

What else is going on at the library?

Don't just sit there wondering; visit our online event calendar! Special events, weekly and monthly programs, holiday closures, bookmobile stops... it's all in there. Check it out:

Library Calendar