Berkeley Public Library stopped charging late fees for teen and adult books in 2018. Now, residents can check out tools, from ice cream makers to weed whackers, without worrying about overdue fees.
Board of Library Trustees
Posted inCity
As she takes the helm at the Berkeley Library during a pandemic, Tess Mayer says she’s up to the challenge
The new director joins from the King County Library System in Washington, the busiest library system in the U.S.
Posted inCity
Berkeley hires a new library director from Washington state
Tess Mayer has been at the King County Library System since 2015. It was named “Library of the Year” in 2015 and is one of the busiest libraries in the U.S.
Posted inCity
Berkeley Public Library to end late fees for teen and adult books
The decision came after the library realized that the 11,000 people blocked from checking out books because of late fees came from Berkeley’s lower-income neighborhoods.
Posted inCommunity
After long wait, Tarea Hall Pittman Library gets sign to match new name
The South Berkeley branch’s name was changed in 2015, but the signage was only just installed this month.
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: Policies, not political meddling, are causing problems at the library
A corporate push to de-emphasize books and stress digital learning and community spaces is at the heart of the problems roiling Berkeley’s public library.
Posted inCity
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.
Posted inCity
Berkeley library director unexpectedly resigns after months of political turmoil
Neither Heidi Dolamore nor the library board would talk about why she is leaving.
Posted inCity
Council appoints John Selawsky, despite library board objections
Council decided Selawsky’s experience is what is needed now for the board, even though it meant rejecting the lawyer nominated by the BOLT.
Posted inCity
Berkeley mayor proposes to sidestep appointment process for library board
Jesse Arreguín is suggesting appointing a political colleague to the Board of Library Trustees rather than the lawyer whom the board has nominated.
Posted inCity
The Lowdown: Council on police grants, budget, infrastructure, more
Don’t miss our guide to May 16 council highlights: federal funding and an armored van for police that’s been disputed by activists, infrastructure updates, the Library Board, more.
Posted inCity
Berkeley City Council ousts two library board members
The City Council on Tuesday removed the president and vice president of the Board of Library Trustees.