All Things Library
Foundation News & Library Happenings
Summer 2019
A Few Words from Foundation Executive Director Kathy Huff
Dear Readers,

Do you have your summer reading list ready? Mine seems to grow longer by the day! The summer theme at Berkeley Public Library A Universe of Stories has plenty to delight every age and interest. I'm already reading a wonderful collection of stories in How A Mountain Was Made by the Foundation's 2019 Honored Author Greg Sarris . Indeed, all of our past honorees make splendid resources to expand a must-read-list.

We have a lot to share with you this month so be sure to read to the end. Learn how the the Foundation's been busy putting your donations to work , and you won't want to miss the short video which features Berkeley READS and shares a true story of how the library changes lives. We said a fond farewell to staffer Emily Algire who's moved to a new home and life across the Bay. And then managed to hire someone with the same first name! You'll enjoy getting to know Emily Brown anytime you call in or stop by. And please do, we love to hear from you.

As we approach the end of our fiscal year, we hope you will consider making a gift. Donations to memorialize a loved one, or honor a graduation, birthday, or special day are especially encouraged this time of year. Thanks for being an important part of the community of supporters that make the Library so great.

Have a wonderful summer, keep cool!

Kathy
Coventry & Kaluza Celebrate the Big Blue Blocks!

Get ready for some fun with the Library's new Big Blue Blocks set! Tomorrow on June 11, the 3rd Floor Community Meeting at Central turns into a giant-sized playroom for all ages featuring circus artists  Coventry and Kaluza  and the Foundation's latest gift to the library. Check out event details   here.
Summer Reading: A Universe of Stories

There's a universe of stories just waiting for you at Berkeley Public Library! Check out the recommended reads here and join our community of readers. Kids, teens and adults can sign up and select a free book to take home and keep. Stop in to any Library location after June 14.

Come to one of the dozens of free programs the Library is offering throughout the summer! They've got music , fairies , science , cartooning , puppets , and theater , and that's just June! Find out more here .
Randy's Story
Have you seen our short film featuring Berkeley Public Library patron, Randy ? His story reflects the life changing impact the library makes for many Berkeley residents.
Gifts to the Generation Fund make sure that Berkeleyans can access the same kind of services that have made a difference for people like Randy. Your support keeps the great library you already know and love keep going for future generations.
Welcome Emily Brown!

Meet BPLF's new Development Assistant! Emily has done administrative work in many fields-- food, education, theater, and even classical radio! She's currently finishing an MFA in Poetry at Mills College. Outside work she enjoys walking her dog Joan, cooking, writing, and playing music with friends.
Laptop Lending @ THP South and Launchpads to Launch!

Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch will soon be home to a new Laptop Kiosk courtesy of the Foundation. The Library is building on the successes of the laptop lending at Central and making a new kiosk available at THP South. We will let you know when it's ready for action. Also getting prepped for launch, with Foundation funding, are cart loads of new Launchpads. This suite of literacy learning tablets for kids are designed especially for public libraries. There are now 4 ProWise interactive screens for program and librarian use at Central, North and THP South. Next time you see one, touch it and see what happens.
Thank you!
The Berkeley Public Library is a reflection of our city: open, accessible, vibrant, and endlessly interesting. The Library Foundation provides funding for library innovation, capital improvements, and literacy projects to serve the needs of our diverse and growing community.
Great libraries make great communities!