Hi Friends! April finds us on the cusp of our big move! Construction of the new Newark Library is wrapping up and we’re excited to start furnishing real soon.  Thank you so much to all our supporters for helping us reach almost 70% of our fundraising goal. All donations, from individual book shelves and library chairs to large furniture and whole rooms, lead us closer towards safely opening our doors for the Newark community this summer. Check out the latest photos of the building below - they’re incredible! I’m excited just envisioning how it will all come together.

The exterior of the Newark Library is spectacular at night!

Curious to know more about the Curiosity Shop? This 21st Century space will help members of all ages cultivate innovation, curiosity, resilience, and more!

These reading rooms are sure to bring comfort to anyone diving headfirst into a book. The Adult Reading Area will maximize comfort with lounge seating, adult reading tables, and acoustical absorptive finishes to create a peaceful reading sanctuary.

The Adult Reading Area overlooks the Children’s Area, which will cater to our young members and caretakers with a special collection of picture books and technology tables and chairs for our Preschool and School-age members.

The Story Time Room will include children’s area manipulatives and a rolling flannel board where pictures and colorful push pins will be posted to bring storybooks to life!

Help us complete the library with the furniture, equipment, and collections that will make it a space for innovation and discoveries. Supporters will be recognized through naming plaques and/or on our donor wall and have the chance to associate their names with rooms, collections, and more, while creating legacy acknowledgment. Check out our website or call us at 510.745.1551 for more details on how to support. We’re also sharing updates on the campaign on our Facebook page. Any follows, likes, and shares will be very helpful in reaching more people and getting our state-of-the-art library up and running.  Though our old building is now permanently closed as of April 1st and regular programming is on pause due to the preparations for the move, our amazing Newark library staff continue to support our community. A partnership with the City of Newark and First 5 hosts English conversation groups and job interview practice sessions for adults in our Spanish speaking community. Those eager to pick up new computer skills can join the beginners’ computer classes. For children, an after-school reading group welcomes 2nd-3rd graders who need a little extra help. Staff are also cooking up new projects, including programs to address youth mental health. Once moved, we’ll usher in a lineup of more activities and support for our community. In the meantime, you can continue reaching Newark library staff through email or Microsoft Teams. Thank you so much for your partnership and ongoing support in bringing the Newark Library to life! We’re looking forward to serving you soon!

Sincerest appreciation, Executive Director Alameda County Library Foundation tsmith@aclibrary.org / 510.505.7077