Berkeley loves its libraries, to be sure! Over 250 people turned out for the 20th Authors Dinner at the Central Library. To our 22 brilliant authors, generous sponsors, and fabulous library supporters — you made this year’s event one of the best! Thanks to you, the Berkeley Public Library Foundation helps your library extend its remarkable impact on our community every day. Proceeds from the dinner and auction will upgrade library spaces for children, provide more access to technology, ensure that preschoolers through adults learn to read and love it — and so much more. Our libraries give us free, unfettered access to information, a focal point for our community, and a launchpad for discovery and imagination. Thank you for being with us and making so much good work possible!
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The Foundation, Library staff, and the BPL's Tuesday Book Club have been reading Heather McGhee's brilliant analysis of racism in The Sum of Us. The author will appear in person for a public reading this month. Click here to pre-register (required) for this free event on May 23, 6:00 PM, hosted by the BPL and sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.
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Bill Schechner and Linda Schacht. Photograph by Kelly Sullivan. |
William "Bill" Schechner passed away on March 22, 2023 —a beloved community member who served as an emcee for our Annual Authors Dinner for 15 years. Many of us remember Bill for his exceptional professional career as an award-winning journalist. When he teamed up with friend Linda Schacht Gage to support the Library, we knew him as "brilliant, funny, and insightful." He was an enthusiastic supporter of the BPLF. At our events, he would recite his library card by heart to the delight of all. After his retirement, Bill moved to Montclair, New Jersey, to live near family. He died at age 81 after a long illness. We thank and miss him dearly.
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We were saddened when David Lance Goines died on February 19, 2023, at 77. Most well-known as a printmaker credited for the designs of Chez Panisse, Acme Bread Company, UC Berkeley, Berkeley Public Library, and more. His distinctive images and lettering gave businesses identities and came to symbolize Berkeley itself. He learned his craft as an apprentice at the Berkeley Free Press and used a "paper revolution" to spread awareness on social issues such as Freedom of Speech, AIDS prevention, and anti-war causes. David's passion for justice, unique talent, and print work for the Berkeley Public Library will always be precious to us.
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Come on over to Central for the BIGGEST BOOK SALE of the season. Books, CDs, and DVDs for 50 cents!
Learn more about the Friends here...
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Reading makes a better future possible. Extend the reach of the Berkeley Public Library with Berkeley READS, and Berkeley Builds Readers -- your Library's literacy projects for all ages. | |
Help us reach our spring fundraising goal of $50,000 by July 1! | |
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The Berkeley Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit tax ID# 94-3280180. We
fund innovations, literacy projects, and building improvements not covered by bond measures and taxes. Donations of every size are needed.
Join our Fan Club to become a monthly sustainer.
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