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Friends Supported Events

 

LIBRARY EVENTS SUPPORTED BY THE FRIENDS

Below are upcoming one time and ongoing library events supported by the Friends of the Albany Library. The one-time events are listed in date order, then the ongoing events follow. Please go to the Albany Library Website Events page for more detailed information, and also to see additional Events that are provided by the Alameda County Library Events | Alameda County Library | BiblioCommons

 

One Time Library Events  

 

October Events 

Below is detailed information about one time October Events supported by the Friends of the Albany Library. 

Freedom to Read 

This fun, family-friendly, all-ages event celebrates Banned Books Week with something for everyone!

Scheduled Events: Community Center Main Hall

  • 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Meet the Authors – Tabling event with guest authors
  • 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Banned Books Drag Bingo w/Ms. Sweet Nothing – A guaranteed fun time!
  • 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM: Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate readings
  • 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Let Kids’ Books Be – Children’s authors panel discussion, moderated by author/librarian Katryn Bury.
  • 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Meet the Authors – Tabling event with guest authors
  • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Protecting Your Freedom to Read –Adults’ authors panel discussion, moderated by author Lauren Davis.

Drop In Activities 12-5 pm

Community Center lobby and patio:

  • Postcard writing
  • Carnival games
  • Henna

Edith Stone Room:

  • Banned Books Decoded w/Lauren Davis (1pm-3pm)
  • Banned books trivia
  • Mini-zine making
  • Button making

Throughout the Library:

  • Scavenger hunt—find the clues to earn raffle tickets
  • Stamp Passport—complete fun activities to earn raffle tickets
  • Banned books bookmark contest
  • Read-a-thon
  • Matching game
  • Banned books sticker voting interactive display
  • Raffles on the hour starting at 2:00 PM: Your chance to win prizes—books, games, totes and more!
  • Free books for participating in activities!

Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Sunday, October 4, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

 

Little Dance Party

Dance, move, and play at our Little Dance Party. Children and their caregivers will listen to music, dance, and enjoy simple activities that build motor skills. It is also a chance to have fun and connect with other families. We provide the music. You bring the energy!  Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Monday, October 5,  3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Join East Bay children’s musician Stephanie Pepitone for some singing, dancing and hands-on play with real instruments! There will be a mix of original children’s music, multilingual nursery rhymes and family-friendly rock ‘n roll favorites. Space is limited. Late attendees might not be admitted. Link to event for more information: Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Wednesday,  October 7,  12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Chess Class

Each session will have a lesson, demonstration, “simul” play against our experienced chess guide, and open informal play. For 2nd grade – teens. Beginners are welcome, but students should know the names of the pieces and how they move.Registration required. Link to event for more information: Chess Class

Wednesday, October 7,  3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

An Interview with Sarita Sarvate, Author of the Memoir Midnight’s Daughter

Join us in an evening of literary stimulation as Sarita Sarvate discusses her memoir Midnight’s Daughter with Elizabeth Stix. The book encapsulates her journey across continents in search of identity. Born after India’s independence from British rule, she was named after a freedom fighter yet fell prey to patriarchy. As a teenager, she became a caregiver when her mother suffered a mental breakdown and after she was pressured into an arranged marriage, escaped by entering graduate school at UC Berkeley. She bravely addresses cultural taboos and shows that she is human, relatable, and deeply empathic. Link to Event for more information: An Interview with Sarita Sarvate, Author of the Memoir Midnight’s Daughter

Wednesday, October 7, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Storytime in Hebrew

Join us for a morning of stories and imagination in Hebrew with Michal. Children listen to stories and take part in simple activities. For young children and their caregivers.  Link to event for more information: Storytime in Hebrew

Saturday, October 10,  10:30 am – 11:30 am – Edith Stone, Albany Library

Upcycled Art Class: Flowers in a Book: Part 2

Join us for part 2 of how to make flower arrangements in a book. In this class, participants are shown how to add ribbon, decorative paper, and special flower arrangements into a recycled book. The entire process takes 40 to 45 minutes. Instruction and supplies provided for free. First-come, first-served. No registration required. Limited to 20 participants. Event Sponsors: The Friends of the Albany Library and Alameda County Library. Link to Event for more information: Upcycled Art Class: Flowers in a Book: Part 2

Saturday, October 10,  3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Getting Started with Your College Essays

Do you need help getting started with your college essays? Are you stuck because you don’t know what to write about? This workshop will go over college essay fundamentals and take participants through a series of exercises to help them figure out their essay theme. The lessons learned in this workshop apply to Personal Statements, PIQs and supplemental essays.  Link to Event for more information: Getting Started with Your College Essays

Sunday, October 11, 12:00pm  – 1:15 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Little Dance Party

Dance, move, and play at our Little Dance Party. Children and their caregivers will listen to music, dance, and enjoy simple activities that build motor skills. It is also a chance to have fun and connect with other families. We provide the music. You bring the energy!  Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Monday, October 12,  3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Join East Bay children’s musician Stephanie Pepitone for some singing, dancing and hands-on play with real instruments! There will be a mix of original children’s music, multilingual nursery rhymes and family-friendly rock ‘n roll favorites. Space is limited. Late attendees might not be admitted. Link to event for more information: Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Wednesday,  October 14,  12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

High School Book Club

A fun, relaxed space to talk about books. This book club is led by high school students and for high school students. This meeting we’ll discuss The Once and Future Witches by Alix E Harrow. Link to Event for more information: High School Book Club

Wednesday, October 14,  3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Pajama Storytime

Wear your pajamas*, put on your bunny slippers*, bring your stuffed animals, and get ready to hear some stories, sing, and do some movement. This event is best for children ages 4-7 and their caregivers. All children are welcome. Link to Event for more information: Pajama Storytime

Wednesday, October 14,  6:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany’s Saturday Afternoon Book Club: South to America

A fun, relaxed space to talk about books. In her new book “South to America, ” author Imani Perry seeks to change how people view the America South and, thus, the country’s history as a whole. Jeffrey Brown, (Senior Journalist, PBS Newshour) spoke with Perry, who traveled through the southern regions of the U.S. and explored the complexities and misperceptions she found along the way (Source: PBS). Link to Event for more information: Albany’s Saturday Afternoon Book Club: South to America

Saturday, October 17, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Little Dance Party

Dance, move, and play at our Little Dance Party. Children and their caregivers will listen to music, dance, and enjoy simple activities that build motor skills. It is also a chance to have fun and connect with other families. We provide the music. You bring the energy!  Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Monday, October 19,  3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Join East Bay children’s musician Stephanie Pepitone for some singing, dancing and hands-on play with real instruments! There will be a mix of original children’s music, multilingual nursery rhymes and family-friendly rock ‘n roll favorites. Space is limited. Late attendees might not be admitted. Link to event for more information: Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Wednesday,  October 21, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Read to a Dog

Volunteers from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs will be at the library to listen to you read. They are very friendly and are so excited to hear all kinds of stories! This program is for children to practice their reading skills. Priority sign ups are given to elementary school age children who are working on these skills. Space is limited. On the day of the program, please sign up at the reference desk or call 510-284-0601 to reserve your 15 minute time slot. Link to event for more information: Read to a Dog

Wednesday,  October 21,  5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Little Dance Party

Dance, move, and play at our Little Dance Party. Children and their caregivers will listen to music, dance, and enjoy simple activities that build motor skills. It is also a chance to have fun and connect with other families. We provide the music. You bring the energy!  Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Monday, October 26,  3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Join East Bay children’s musician Stephanie Pepitone for some singing, dancing and hands-on play with real instruments! There will be a mix of original children’s music, multilingual nursery rhymes and family-friendly rock ‘n roll favorites. Space is limited. Late attendees might not be admitted. Link to event for more information: Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Wednesday,  October 28, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Librar

Halloween Storytime

Join us for a spooky (but not too spooky) Halloween storytime. All ages of children are welcome. Costumes are encouraged! Link to Event for more information: Halloween Storytime

Saturday, October 31, :10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Halloween Crafts

Celebrate Halloween by making a spooky paper craft to take home! Best for ages 5+ Children under 7 must be with an adult. Link to Event for more information: Halloween Crafts

Saturday, October 31, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

 

Ongoing Library Events 

Ongoing Library Events are divided by age category; Babies and Toddlers, Kids, Tweens & Teens, and Adults. 

Babies & Toddlers

Baby Story Time  

Join us for Baby Storytime at the Albany Library! The lap sit story time is designed for babies up to 18 months and their adult caregivers. Hear stories, sing songs, participate in lap bounces and stay after to play with toys. Link to Albany Library Events for more information: Baby Story Time

Every Tuesday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Edith Stone Room
 

Stay and Play  

Little ones and their caregivers are invited to join us for a drop-in playtime. This is a great opportunity to have fun with your children and meet other families in the community. We’ll provide toys, music, and a warm, welcoming setting. Link to Albany Library Events for more information: Stay and Play

Every Thursday 10:30 am – 11:00 am Edith Stone Room
 

Kids     

Build It/Make and Play Lab/Kids Craft Hour 

Join us every Wednesday at the Albany Library for crafts, STEAM activities, Lego building, and more! We’ll be doing a different activity each week in the Edith Stone Room.  Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.  Note that each Make and Play Lab may have different activities. Link to Albany Library Events for more information: Kids Craft Hour
  

Build It/Make and Play – Every Wednesday during the school year 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Edith Stone Room

Kids Craft Hour – Every Wednesday  2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Edith Stone Room

Family  

Family Storytime

On a Saturday each month at the Albany Library for Family Storytime.  Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.  Link to Albany Library Events for more information including the date of Family Storytime each month: Events At Albany Library

  
On some Saturdays each month (see link above for dates and times)  Edith Stone Room
   

Teens & Tweens

Dungeons and Dragons and Beyond: Roleplaying Games at Albany Library   

Swords! Sorcery! Snacks! Looking for somewhere for your fantasy roleplaying game needs? Come over to the Albany Library! We’ll be running a campaign for you! We’ll teach you the rules, and while you’re welcome to bring your own character, pre-built characters will be provided to everyone. Link to Albany Library Events for more information: Dungeons and Dragons and Beyond: Roleplaying Games at Albany | Events | Alameda County Library (bibliocommons.com)
Every Tuesday  3:45 pm – 5:45 pm  Edith Stone Room
     
Game On   
 A space for teens and tweens to hang out after school. We have board games, card games, snacks, and art supplies, and we hook a Switch up to the projector for multiplayer gaming. Come by for some low-pressure recreation! Link to Albany Library Events for more information: Game On

Every Monday  4:00 pm – 5:00 pm  Edith Stone Room   

Teen Zone – Chess, Board Games and Crochet   

Come hang out and play board games with your friends, dive into some drop-in chess, or chill out and learn to crochet. We have the games, yarn and needles. You bring creative strategizing skills and curiosity! Link to Albany Library Events for more information: Teen Zone – Chess, Board Games and Crochet 
  

Every Wednesday  3:30 pm – 4:30 pm  Edith Stone Room    

Teen Chill Zone – Silent Reading and Coloring   

Need a break from a noisy world? Grab a book (we have plenty!) and enjoy some relaxing downtime. We’ll have mandala coloring available too. Link to Albany Library Events for more information: Teen Chill Zone – Silent Reading and Coloring 
  

Every Thursday  4:30 pm – 5:30 pm  Edith Stone Room                                                                                                                      

       
Albany Library Teen Advisory Group   
   

Get involved with the Teen Advisory Group (TAG)! TAG members advise the library on the best way to connect with and serve teen library members. For example, they may select new teen books, build displays, suggest new programs and services, or even design and run their own programs. Link to Albany Library Events for more information: TAG – Teen Advisory Group