Winter News

In November, we celebrated our Rosa Shattuck Circle (RSC) and Fan Club donors at the Central Library’s Mystery Room. The California Blue Runners performed a lively set of Zydeco and Cajun music. Guests danced, enjoyed delicious food from Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen, and learned about the rich history of Creole and Cajun music. Acting Director of Library Services Henry Bankhead was on hand to share stories and information about the library’s wide-ranging art and music offerings.

Tickets for the Annual Authors Dinner held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, are on sale now! Details about our honored authors and celebrity hosts, and how to reserve seats at this much-anticipated celebration of literature and community, are on our website here. The first round of tickets will sell out fast, so please be sure to fill out the ticket form so we can get in touch with you as more tickets become available.

What's Happening Here? 

Construction for the Story Room at the Central is well underway! We can't wait for you to see the transformation. Foundation donors contributed significantly to this renovation to benefit children and families. We hope to celebrate the grand opening with you in March. Watch for details!

Our 2025 Biennial Report, Libraries Light the Way, was recently mailed to homes. If you missed it, let us know, and we'll get one out to you, or you can view the online version with donor recognitions here!

History Room Open Weekly

Discover the Berkeley History Room at the Central Library—a treasure trove of maps, books, documents, microfiche, art, and more, all lovingly curated and cared for by librarian Jef Findley. The room is open on Wednesdays, 10 am –1 pm, and by appointment on other days. Stop by and explore Berkeley’s rich history!

Our Library has it going on! Books, science talks, author events, robotics, chess, knitting, sewing, mental wellness workshops, music, theatre, movies, line dancing, drawing, writers workshops, cartooning, playreading, and more happen every month of the year. Check out the Calendar of Events here!

Your Library's Future: Let's Keep it Shining for Generations

Creating a Will or Trust is easier than ever with FreeWill, a secure and free online tool that takes about 20 minutes. By including the Berkeley Public Library Foundation in your estate plans, you’ll enjoy tax benefits and be recognized in our Legacy Society. Every gift now or later helps strengthen our libraries for generations to come. Already made plans? Let us know!

The Berkeley Public Library Foundation helps our Library do more—for everyone. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we help launch innovations, expand literacy initiatives, upgrade technology, and make necessary building improvements beyond what tax funding can do. We champion the Library’s mission to protect intellectual freedom and provide free, open, and safe access to information, resources, ideas, and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

There are many ways to make a gift

One-time, monthly, through a donor-advised fund, with stocks, or as an estate-planned gift. Visit our website to learn more.

If you already donated, we thank you!

Wishing you and all those near and dear a jolly holiday season!

The Library Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit tax ID #94-3280180.

All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.