News & Events

UPDATE ON EXECUTIVE ORDERS

Nearly 21 million Californians have library cards, and libraries logged 86 million visits in the past fiscal year. An Executive order attempts to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which will cut funding for libraries and museums throughout California. Our State Library, which distributes the funds to local libraries, is the largest benefactor of the “grants to states” IMLS program, which distributes roughly $16 million annually. California's 1,100 libraries will all be affected as IMLS funds provide for early learning and literacy programs, workforce skill-building for at-risk youth, and ensure all California students receive a public library card by third grade. Tool libraries, specialty libraries, telehealth services, and internet access are all at risk of severe cuts or being eliminated. On May 1st, a US District Court issued a temporary restraining order to block the dismantling of the IMLS. To learn more and discover the five things you can do to make a difference, check out the highlighted links and visit the American Library Association website here.

And the Award Goes to...

Earlier this year, the Cody Award was given to the editors of News from Native California magazine and the Berkeley Roundhouse for their exceptional dedication to amplifying the voices and experiences of California’s Indigenous peoples. Terria Smith, director of the Berkeley Roundhouse, accepted the award from Foundation Board President Mary O'Neill at this year's Authors Dinner. Learn more here.

Photo by Christopher Williams,

ON BRAND IMAGES

Authors Dinner Gallery

Thanks again to our fabulous emcee Alexis Madrigal, honorary chair Carol Christ, all the honored authors, celebrity hosts, generous sponsors, and guests for making the 22nd Annual Dinner to benefit the Berkeley Public Library a glamorous success! Check out the gallery of pictures from the Authors Dinner here. Save the date for our 2026 Authors Dinner -- Sunday, February 22!

Library & Community Events

The Berkeley Public Library received a special Proclamation from the Berkeley City Council in honor of National Library Week in April.

Representatives from the Foundation and Friends of the BPL were on hand to enjoy Mayor Ishii's presentation to Library Director Tess Mayer.

The 2025 Berkeley Youth Poet Laureate is Anita Marie Júlca, and the Vice Laureate is Adalilly Chu! Júlca and Chu were chosen by a panel of judges that included former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass, local authors, professors, and creative leaders. This Library program is part of a partnership with Urban Word and the National Youth Poet Laureate Program, which identifies, celebrates, and honors teen poets who exhibit a commitment to artistic excellence and civic engagement, youth leadership, and social justice.

Get ready for the Bay Area Book Festival - May 31 & June 1

A world-class literary extravaganza occurs each year over two days in Downtown Berkeley. Programming with some 300 authors on 15 stages happens downtown, all accessible and mostly free! Learn all about it here.

Berkeley Reads are sporting new T-shirts! One of these fine folks, making plans for another season of literacy learning, was featured in a movie by the Library Foundation. Can you identify which one? Need a hint? Check out our YouTube channel here.

Books, birdwatching, author events, chess, sewing, mental wellness workshop, a puppet show, a science lecture series, film screenings, dance classes, cartooning, writers workshops, and so much more—your library has something for everyone in May and every day!

The Berkeley Public Library Foundation helps our Library do more for everyone. With support from donors to the Foundation, our Library can advance new ideas, expand literacy projects, update technologies, and make necessary building improvements that exceed the scope of tax funding. As library advocates, we are proud champions of intellectual freedom and passionate advocates for our Library’s mission to ensure free, open, and safe access to information, resources, ideas, and lifelong learning spaces for all.

A 501 c 3 nonprofit Tax ID #94-3280180