The new director joins from the King County Library System in Washington, the busiest library system in the U.S.
Berkeley Public Library Foundation
Remodeled space in the Berkeley Public Library attracts people for its informal, comfortable feel
Want to relax on a comfortable chair or couch and browse the internet? Need a laptop to use? A new space in the library’s Central Branch provides that, and more.
Berkeley Public Library expands STEM programming; now you can check out telescopes too
Patrons can watch the night sky in a portable planetarium show, learn about urban farming, or take virtual-reality tours through the International Space Station or the human body.
Library elevates deputy director; delays selection of permanent head
Library directors want to bring in an independent consultant to examine why the institution has been so troubled recently, including having three directors in just a few years.
Berkeley library director Jeff Scott was not a ‘good fit’
Berkeley’s Central Library on Kittredge Street: the weeding of its collection proved controversial and eventually contributed to the resignation of library director Jeff Scott on Aug. 31, 2015 . Photo: Kaia Diringer Berkeley’s Central Library on Kittredge Street: the weeding of its collection proved controversial and eventually contributed to the resignation of library director Jeff Scott on Aug. 31, 2015 . […]
New South Branch library to open in Berkeley on Saturday
The entrance to the new South Branch library on MLK Jr. Way at Russell St. Photo: Frances Dinkelspiel It was four days to D-Day and the place was hopping. Painters rolled on a last coat of paint. IT guys fiddled with computer wire while architects strolled around looking for last minute glitches. Carpenters nailed sheets […]
Berkeley artist Vita Wells makes books fly at main library
‘Flights of Mind,’ by Berkeley artist Vita Wells, will be on display to the public through Feb 24 at the central library. Photo: Kaia Diringer ‘Flights of Mind,’ by Berkeley artist Vita Wells, will be on display to the public through Feb 24 at the central library. Photo: Kaia Diringer Berkeley artist Vita Wells‘s newly installed work, […]
Local stars come out for the Berkeley Public Library
Mickey Hart and Joel Selvin at the Berkeley Public Library Foundation Authors’ Dinner on Saturday Feb. 9. Photo: Richard Friedman Mickey Hart and Joel Selvin at the Berkeley Public Library Foundation Authors’ Dinner on Saturday Feb. 9. Photo: Richard Friedman By Mal Warwick Who knew? Former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart isn’t just a musician. It turns […]
Renovated Claremont library branch opens Saturday
The refurbished Claremont Library will reopen to the public on Saturday May 5. Photo: Frances Dinkelspiel After a year of construction, the refurbished Claremont Branch of the Berkeley Public Library will reopen Saturday May 5 at 1 pm with music, food, and greetings by a host of dignitaries. “We’re so proud of it,” said Donna […]
Gleaming new North Branch Library to open Saturday
The exterior of the newly renovated North Branch Library with new seating. Photo: Nancy Rubin Workers were busy putting the finishing touches on the renovated North Branch Library last week in anticipation of its grand reopening on Saturday, April 7 at 1:00 pm. The library has been closed for nearly a year and, when it […]
Dates set for reopening of North and Claremont branches
Claremont Branch Library from the Ashby side: renovations are nearing completion. Photo: Tracey Taylor The renovated North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library will reopen on April 7, and the remodeled Claremont Branch will open shortly thereafter, on May 5, library officials announced Saturday night. The re-opening of the two branches comes less than a […]
Berkeley settles contentious library lawsuit
The city of Berkeley has reached an agreement with Concerned Library Users over a lawsuit the group filed to stop the demolition and rebuilding of the South and West branches of the Berkeley Public Library. In a closed session on Tuesday evening, the city council voted to settle the lawsuit by creating a $100,000 fund […]