Happy September!
Celebrating new leadership, creative community programs, upcoming events, and thanking supporters for investing in our Library's future
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New Library Director
The Foundation and Friends of the Library held an informal meet-and-greet to welcome Rebecca Alcalá-Veraflor, the Library's new director. Rebecca is known as a collaborative library leader with more than 20 years of experience serving Bay Area communities. A strong advocate for equity, access, and lifelong learning, she joined Berkeley Public Library after serving as Chief of Branches for the San Francisco Public Library and holding prior positions with San Mateo County Library and Alameda County Library.
| | As the first Latinx person to lead the Berkeley Public Library in nearly 65 years, Rebecca brings a deep commitment to community partnership and a belief in the transformative power of public libraries. A Bay Area native, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Library and Information Science from San José State University. We look forward to the leadership, vision, and community connections she will bring to Berkeley Public Library. | | | |
Sewing Connections: Creativity, Sustainability, and Community
Thanks to the sewing machines purchased by the Library Foundation in 2023, Library staff continue to expand opportunities for community members of all ages to learn, create, and connect through sewing and fiber arts. One of the newest outreach efforts takes place at Berkeley High School, where Teen Librarians bring sewing machines to the school library during lunchtime.
Students learn practical skills while working on projects such as mending and altering clothing, making curtains and tote bags, repairing sheets and pillowcases, creating potholders, table runners, placemats, and tablecloths, and even sewing clothing and accessories for their pets. Many students have embraced upcycling projects, transforming old jeans into unique backpacks.
These hands-on experiences build confidence, encourage creativity, and promote sustainability through repair and reuse.
Demand for sewing machines is high among teens and in the library's adult programming. Many programs regularly form waiting lists, demonstrating strong community interest in learning these practical and creative skills.
The overwhelming response from teens and adults alike highlights the value of providing opportunities for creativity, lifelong learning, sustainability, and community connection through the timeless art of making and mending.
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Introducing Trina McManus
Our new Administrative Coordinator is Trina McManus. Trina brings more than a decade of nonprofit experience in operations, administration, fundraising, event management, and executive support to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation. Most recently, she served as Operations & Administration Manager for the National Kidney Foundation in San Francisco. A lifelong library advocate and dedicated community volunteer, Trina is passionate about connecting people with resources and advancing missions that strengthen local communities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from California State University, East Bay. Trina enjoys taking BART to the office and lives nearby with her husband, Justin, their daughter Olivia, their son Justin Jr., and their two cats, Dash and Jinu. We are delighted to welcome Trina to the Foundation and look forward to the expertise, enthusiasm, and community spirit she brings to our work.
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Outreach at the Farmers Market
Foundation Board members Tienne Lee and Jenn Tang were at the Berkeley Farmers' Market in August, connecting with community members and sharing information about the Foundation's work supporting the Berkeley Public Library. It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the programs, resources, and innovations made possible through donor support, while engaging with library supporters and neighbors.
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Authors Dinner 2027
On Sunday, February 7, 2027, the Berkeley Public Library Foundation will host the 24th Annual Authors Dinner, an after-hours event at the Library celebrating Bay Area authors and supporting the Berkeley Public Library. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with 24 distinguished authors and celebrity hosts while enjoying fine dining, lively conversation, and inspiring readings from the authors' latest works. Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Learn more here.
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Make-a-Will Month: Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who committed to supporting the Berkeley Public Library Foundation during Make-a-Will Month. Your generosity and foresight will help sustain the Library's services and community spaces for generations to come.
If you haven't already made a will, it's not too late. You can still create your will online with our partner FreeWill at any time.
Be sure to let us know if you have already included the Foundation in your estate plans. Every planned gift, no matter the size, helps ensure that the Berkeley Public Library remains a vibrant resource for our community well into the future.
Learn More
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Annual Rosa Shattuck Circle Reception - Save the Date!
Our annual reception celebrating the generosity of our Rosa Shattuck Circle will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026. We look forward to gathering with you to celebrate your impact and to share updates on how your generosity strengthens our Library. Look for a mailing with details soon.
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At the Library
Books, birdwatching, Rainbow Rox Music, live author events, arts & crafts, ukuleles, mural making, chess, sewing, puppet shows, science projects, lectures, films, story time, dance, cartooning, resume writing, death cafe, and much more. Check out the calendar of events below.
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Meet the winners of the Library's Fiber Art Mascot Contest
Booknado, Shakesbear, Libro Saltwater
Look for us online and around the library!
| | Thanks to supporters like you, the Library Foundation helps expand literacy initiatives, enhance technology, improve library spaces, and bring new ideas to life—helping ensure all our library locations and services remain vibrant, accessible, and welcoming where everyone can learn, connect, and explore. | | A 501(c)(3) nonprofit Tax ID #94-3280180 | | | | |
