Berkeley Public Library

Halloween is coming and we want to meet your dressed-up pets! 🎃

Got a furry, scaly, or feathery companion with a costume this year? Send us a photo for a chance to be featured on Berkeley Public Library's social media on October 31. Extra points for bookish costumes. Think tiny mermaid, mini Elsa, or whatever your imagination has in store.

Email your photo to [email protected] with your pet's name, their costume, and any details you want to share. Submissions close October 15. We'll select photos to feature on Halloween!

* By submitting a photo, you grant Berkeley Public Library permission to share it on our social media channels and other communications materials.

Herbal, nutritional, and lifestyle supports for ADD/ADHD

Join herbalist and nutritionist Hanan Masri for a talk about the various presentations of ADD/ADHD as well as herbal suggestions to support you and your family. Participants will make and take home their own tea blends.

• Thursday, October 8
• 6:00 pm
• North Branch meeting room

Space is limited. To reserve your spot, visit our website, link in bio, or bit.ly/47Be6QA

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About Hanan Masri

Hanan Masri is a certified herbalist, nutritionist, teacher, as well as cofounder of High Road Scholars, a youth engagement business which supports the well-being of young people. Check out bit.ly/4j6No9x and UC Gill Tract farm for more on her bio. Hanan is also currently serving as the 2026-2028 Poet Laureate of Berkeley.

Let The Land Breathe: The History of East Bay Shellmounds

A presentation from the Sogorea Te Land Trust on the history of East Bay shell mounds, with specific focus on the West Berkeley shell mound. Thursday, October 22nd at 6:00pm at West Branch 1125 University Ave.

Please join us for a presentation from the Sogorea Te Land Trust on the history of East Bay shell mounds, with specific focus on the West Berkeley shell mound. There will be a Q&A session after the lecture for inquiring minds who want to know more about shell mounds, supporting local indigenous communities, and the purpose of the Sogorea Te Land Trust.

Come make your own necklace pendant, pair of earrings or whatever creation you'd like to make! All materials provided, for free as always.

• Saturday, October 24
• 1:00 - 3:00 pm
• Central Library, 5th Floor - Art and Music

Registration is required. Visit bit.ly/4xXgxYv or call (510) 981-6100 to reserve your seat!

A few book titles for learning polymer clay techniques and exploring new creative ideas. With your Berkeley Public Library card you can borrow books and get access to our online resources, Creativebug for free!

We also have plenty of crafting events at Berkeley Public Library. For more details check out our event calendar at bit.ly/4hpJA1R

A storytime with a real snake!

Local author Steph Lau will read her new book, Medusa's Pet Rock. Then, the East Bay Vivarium will bring a reptilian friend!

• October 3, 2026
• 3:00 - 4:00 pm
• Central Children's, Fourth Floor

No school? No problem! Come have a playdate at the library!

West Branch is hosting playtime on the days Berkeley Unified Schools are closed in October for students.

• Monday, October 5 and Friday, October 30
• 2:00 - 3:30pm
• West Branch, 1125 University Ave.

Activities include arts/crafts, board/card games, toys, beading and of course, books!

What is the connection between all of these words?

Tada... These costumes and more will be available at the North Branch Costume Swap on Thursday, October 15, from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

You can drop off your clean, gently used costumes to the North Branch desk anytime between now and the event. No donation required to take something home. All ages are welcomed.

Beginning October 15, OverDrive will require two pieces of information when you authenticate your Berkeley Public Library account:
• Your library card number
• Your PIN: your last name

Previously, you only needed your library card number. The new PIN requirement is being added for security.

Already using Libby or Kanopy? No action is needed before October 15. Just remember that you'll need to enter your last name as your PIN the next time you log in after the change.

Learn more at bit.ly/4iT0NSw