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Happy August!

It's a Big Month of News -- Read On!

Neighborhood Libraries


Look at what's new at North! With grants from the Foundation, two of our neighborhood libraries -- Claremont and North have installed comfy new furniture, colorful rugs, tables, shelves, and laptops that are part of the Neighborhood Libraries "refresh" Project. After a decade of heavy use, the children and teen areas are receiving most of these special upgrades. Check it out!

SAVE THE DATE!

Authors Dinner 2025


The Foundation's swanky annual literary gala, celebrating Bay Area writers, will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025. We'll return to the Central Library for a festive evening with 20+ amazing authors and five celebrity hosts. Be on the lookout for more information. Sponsors can secure their tickets and tables now!

Ballot Measure Supports Berkeley's Public Libraries


You may have seen some of us speaking up at the City Council lately. We've joined up with the City and the Friends of the Library to support a ballot measure for passage this November to increase Library funding. This parcel tax adjustment, the first in 40 years, is urgently needed to prevent a structural deficit in everyday operations and services. You'll be able to learn more about this effort soon. Until then, be sure your voter registration is all up to date!

Claremont Turns 100!


This month, the Claremont Library celebrates its centennial year with some exciting August events. Kick-off is August 6. The Center for ArtEsteem will lead hands-on art activities for National Night Out. The Hawaiian dance troop Halau O'Keikiali'i performs on August 17. Janet Byron and Bob Johnson, co-authors of the best-selling Berkeley Walks, host a walk in the Elmwood District. The big party will be held with a concert on Saturday, August 31, from 2- 4 p.m. Come hear and boogie big to the tunes of the Cal Alumni Band. This is your public library, so all are welcome, and all events are free! Learn more about all the other library events here.

Concerned about the future?  


We are, too! That’s why the Library Foundation created the Generation Fund. This special designated Fund (like an endowment) will help build a base to support the Berkeley Public Library for future generations. Gifts to the Foundation's Generation Fund are invested for long-term growth to secure a lasting impact. While donors can designate gifts to this Fund anytime, it is also the ideal place for a gift from your estate (aka "legacy gift"). Legacy gifts are generally larger than a typical annual gift, and they help grow the Generation Fund in more significant steps. August is National "Make-A-Will" Month. We hope you will remember us in yours. Let us know if you do! Learn more here.

Your Monthly Gifts Make A Difference


Fan Club Members are vital to our work. Thank you to all those who joined us during our spring campaign! Your ongoing support makes a big difference. Monthly gifts of every size make great things happen at all five library locations. Not in the Fan Club yet? Join us! Click here to join or renew.


ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The mission of the Berkeley Public Library Foundation is to make a great public library extraordinary. We provide the grant funds our library needs to go beyond everyday operations. We help librarians innovate and try new ideas, expand literacy projects, and make the necessary building improvements not covered by bond measures or taxes.

Donate Today

We are a 501 c3 nonprofit. Our tax ID # is 84-3280180.