News from the Library Foundation        March 2015

AfterWords Up-Close and Personal

AfterWords is the next stage of the successful event series, originally created as part of the annual Authors Dinner. These intimate gatherings with Bay Area authors, artists and thinkers have grown into a profusion of ticketed events with a dynamic array of local authors, artists, musicians, and filmmakers. To add to the enjoyment (and fun), AfterWords take place in some of the Bay Area's best restaurants and venues.The events stay true to their 'up-close' roots. Most are for just 6-20 participants and ticket prices range from $25-$250.  Learn more.
Upcoming AfterWords Events 


Join Katie Hafner (Mother Daughter Me), Elizabeth Scarboro (My Foreign Cities) and Frances Lefkowitz (To Have Not) for a stimulating afternoon at Berkeley's grand and historic McDuffie House, designed by architect Willis Polk with landscape design by the Olmsted Brothers of Central Park fame, all lovingly restored by the current owners. The afternoon begins with delicious treats provided by one of the Bay Area's top caterers,  Jane Hammond Events


An Afternoon with Mark Cohen, Author of ALLEN SHERMAN - OVERWEIGHT SENSATION
April 12 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

The story of Sherman's surprising rise, heartfelt comic art form, impact on the image of Jews in the media, and his rapid fall from grace, are presented by author Mark Cohen in intimate detail and with an affectionate touch of humanity. Attendees are treated to audio clips of famous and previously unreleased Sherman recordings. A uthentic Jewish and Eastern European food provided by Saul's, one of the Bay Area's top deli's, punctuates the afternoon.

 

Learn more...

 

Teen Voices Inventing Central Library 
Berkeley teens have begun meeting with Library staff and the architects from Noll & Tam to help shape the design of the new Teen Room at Central. The Foundation is proud to be providing the supplemental funds for this project. Watch for updates from the BPL and BPLF about "Inventing Your Library."  Berkeley Public Library
Trish Hawthorne 
Meet the Foundation President 
Trish Hawthorne

A UC graduate, local historian, former teacher and college counselor, Trish is a long-time Berkeley resident with a remarkable record of volunteer leadership. Recognized with an award for Outstanding Community Service from the UC Alumni Association. She's also a founding board member of the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association and former chair of the Landmarks Commission. Trish was instrumental in the Neighborhood Libraries Campaign and helped create a new vision and direction for the Foundation after the campaign. 

 

On the library ...  My lifelong love of the library was inspired and nurtured by a wonderful great-aunt who was a children's librarian in Oakland. Her love of books and reading and the  library was contagious. For as long as I can remember, I've thought of the library as a special and welcoming place where wonderful things happen. Hallowed ground, for sure.

Favorite part of the library...  Although I am a dedicated patron of North Branch,  I must mention the History Room at Central. The collection of original materials it contains is a treasure trove; I've made some wonderful discoveries there.

 

Why the Library Foundation? I like serving on the Board because it's a great group of people to work with and I believe strongly in the importance of the library to this community. The library is available to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. It is a place where we all belong -- our most democratic institution. In a diverse community like Berkeley, this has special resonance. Working with the Foundation to help the library thrive is deeply satisfying, as is the sense of making a difference.

 

What are you reading? I'm enjoying Why I Read: The Serious Pleasure of Reading by Wendy Lesser, Being Mortal by Atul Gawander, Lila by Marilynne Robinson, and the The Quiet American by Graham Greene.

 

Trish lives in North Berkeley with husband Tony, a retired lawyer who has just published his first novel -- a legal mystery called Silent Suspect. 

Book Gardens 

These spectacular one-of-kind works of art made from recycled books and paper were made for the Authors Dinner by Bay Area artists Karima Cammell, Lynn Dolan, and their team at Castle in the Air on Fourth Street.  We still have a few available. For a small donation you can take one home. Call the office for details. 

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In This Issue
Quick Links
Foundation Website
Library Events Calendar
Friends of the Berkeley Public Library
THANK YOU SPONSORS 
for supporting our 13th Annual Authors Dinner. We could not do it without you! 

For a complete listing of our sponsors watch the sponsor video.

Our Corporate Sponsors

I think the Foundation's role as a "cultural connector" is a significant one -- both the annual Authors Dinner and the AfterWords events offer a chance to sample the cultural richness of the community in a unique way. - - Trish Hawthorne, BPLF President 
See what's happening  with  our friends! 
Check out Mollie Katzen's cookbook library treasures on sale at the Channing Way bookstore. 
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