All Things Library
Foundation News, Events and Happenings
Introducing: Library  Director 
Heidi Dolamore

After a national search, the Board of Library Trustees selected  Heidi Dolamore as the Director of the Berkeley Public Library! With more than a decade of experience in Bay Area libraries, Heidi brings a wealth of experience with her to Berkeley.  Here are a few words from Heidi to help us get to know her as she begins an exciting new chapter of library leadership. 

Professional background and interests:
My first job in a public library was as a circulation clerk with Multnomah County Library in Portland, OR. After being promoted to a paraprofessional reference position, I departed to pursue a Ph.D. in German at Washington University in St. Louis. While in St. Louis, I worked at the St. Louis Art Museum and was drawn back to the world of books while working on an exhibition of illustrated manuscripts. I returned to the Pacific Northwest to attend library school at the University of British Columbia. While there, I worked in the agriculture and forestry library, and in the science and engineering library. Since moving to the Bay Area, I've worked as a children's librarian for San Mateo County; a branch manager in San Pablo, Pinole, and Pleasant Hill for Contra Costa County Library; as Deputy Director for Solano County; and Assistant Director for San José.

Thoughts on the library:
Outside the Central Library, there is a plaque that reads, "Contribution Of The Citizens Of Berkeley To The Cause Of Education." I find these words inspiring, because they serve as a reminder that the Library is not only a gift to the people of Berkeley, it is a gift from the people of Berkeley. Moreover, by highlighting the cause of education, it affirms that we are part of a larger conversation, something bigger than any one person, a conversation that has a life beyond library walls, beyond the neighborhoods of Berkeley.

Book currently reading:
Since I'm a librarian, I can't name just one. I just finished Uprooted by Naomi Novik, am in the middle of Plain Sailing by Dallas Murphy, and am about to start the sequel to The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman.

Personal passions:
I'm more than a little obsessed with the City Arts and Lecture series that airs on KQED. I recently attended conversations with Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen, and most weeks I can be found attending a lecture or performance. I love riding my bike, it's my preferred mode of getting from A to B. I once rode 50 miles per week as part of my regular commute. I'm riding in the Oakland Gran Fondo later this month with some other librarians to support Bike East Bay - our team name is Radfahrenheit 451 (Radfahren means cycling in German).
You're Invited! Meet and Greet Reception with Heidi

The Berkeley Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Berkeley Public Library invite you to an informal  noontime reception welcoming new Library Director Heidi Dolamore.  Come meet Heidi and enjoy light refreshments as we welcome her to Berkeley.

Thursday, October 20, 2016
12:00-1:00pm
Central Library
3rd Floor Community Room

Questions? Want us to know you are coming? 
Contact Beatrice at info@bplf.org  or 510/981-6115. 
Save the Date:  15th Annual  Authors Dinner

The 15th Annual Authors Dinner, hosted by Linda Schacht Gage and Bill Schechner, with honorary chair T.J. Stiles, is set for February 11, 2017 and tickets go on sale on Wednesday, November 9. Join us at the historic downtown Central Library as we honor some of the Bay Area's brightest literary voices.

Keep your eye on BPLF.org in early November for the big reveal of our 2017 honored authors. Until then, check the link below to learn more about the Authors Dinner and past authors.
Support the Authors Dinner: 
Become a Sponsor

Show your commitment to literacy, and support the role of authors and literature in making our public library system exceptional by becoming a 15th Annual Authors Dinner sponsor.  Sponsorship is available at five different levels and every sponsor makes a difference. Learn more about how you can make a tax-deductible contribution to this beloved community event. 
Rosa Shattuck Circle

Join the Rosa Shattuck Circle and support the library year round with your sustaining gifts! 

Named in honor of Rosa Shattuck, the woman who donated the land and secured funding for Berkeley's first permanent library in 1903, membership with special benefits begins with gifts of $1,000 or more. Our Rosa Shattuck Circle donors will enjoy a special reception on November 4 at the award winning West Branch Library. Make a donation today and join us!

Learn more here>>
Berkeley Public Library Foundation | 510-981-6115 | info@bplf.org | BPLF.org


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