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In Memoriam
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our long-time board member and recent president, Mary O’Neill, who died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, September 2. A funeral service will be held at Newman Hall - Holy Spirit Parish at 10:00 a.m. on October 10, followed immediately by a reception at the Berkeley Town and Gown Club.
Mary was a tireless advocate for the Berkeley Public Library and a steadfast believer in the essential role libraries play in strengthening communities and serving the common good. Through her vision, generosity, and leadership, the Foundation raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of the Library’s mission.
Beyond her many contributions, Mary will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, and bright spirit. Her devotion to our great cause inspired all who had the privilege of working alongside her, and her presence among us will be profoundly missed.
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Story Room Renovations
After several years of delays caused by the pandemic, permitting, and other unforeseen challenges, renovations to the Central Library Story Room and adjacent space are finally underway! Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation has invested more than $230,000 in this long-awaited project. Soon, the 4th floor will be transformed with a “nature’s wonders” theme—creating a magical new space for children and families to enjoy.
| | The Friends of the Library are having their annual book sale this month at the Central Library. There are books for everyone! | | |
Join us for the 23rd Annual Authors Dinner on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Berkeley Public Library’s downtown central location. Details about our honored authors, celebrity hosts, and tickets will be shared soon—but sponsorship opportunities are available now and include reserved seats at this much-anticipated celebration of literature and community.
| | Library Events & Your Dollars At Work | |
HVAC REPLACEMENT
As part of a planned construction project, the City is replacing the rooftop HVAC systems at the Central Library on Kittredge Street and Bancroft Way. This work takes place in two phases and will temporarily affect the building cooling system and nearby street access. Check BPL website here for details.
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With Foundation support, the Library has the tools and resources to launch a series of Pop-Up Creative Labs—mobile, experimental, and hands-on spaces where patrons get to explore everything from creative coding tools to synthesizer-building kits, sewing machines, and Cricut Makers.
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Books, science talks, author events, chess, knitting, sewing, mental wellness workshops, music, theatre, movies, dance classes, cartooning, writers workshops, and much more—your library has so much happening every month at all five locations. Check the Calendar of Events here!
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Write Your Library's Future -- Include Us in Your Final Draft!
The Library Foundation has partnered with FreeWill, a secure, trusted, and free online tool that makes writing a will simple—and takes just 20 minutes. More than 1.2 million people nationwide have already used FreeWill to plan for their loved ones and the communities they care about. By including the Berkeley Public Library Foundation in your plans, you’ll join our Legacy Society, continuing a tradition of library support that began in 1903. Legacy gifts have helped fund storytime rooms, teen spaces, renovations, the Charlie Cart mobile kitchen, STEM resources, job seeker tools, and more. Every gift—large or small—helps make a great public library even greater.
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About Us
The Berkeley Public Library Foundation helps our Library do more—for everyone. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Library can launch innovative programs, expand literacy initiatives, upgrade technology, and make building improvements beyond what tax funding alone can provide. As dedicated library advocates, we are proud champions of intellectual freedom and passionate supporters of the Library’s mission: to ensure free, open, and safe access to information, resources, ideas, and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
There are many ways to give -- one time, as a monthly donor, or through planned giving. Visit our website to learn more.
| | The Library Foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit tax ID #94-3280180 | A direct and compelling headline | | | | |
