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 first for the current month, 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

 

SPECIAL 3-MONTH SERIES OF ALBANY READS EVENTS THROUGH MAY

Please join us as the Albany Library launches a three-month community wide reading and event experience inspired by the “The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest” by Albany author Satsuki Ina. Receive a free copy of the book (while supplies last), hear from the author, experience a powerful documentary presentation, and help fold thousands of origami cranes as a shared symbol of remembrance and hope. Link to all of the events on the ACL Albany Library events page: Events | Alameda County Library | BiblioCommons

Through films, art, poetry, history talks, cultural programs, and conversations on civil liberties and belonging, Albany Reads invites neighbors of all ages to learn from the past and imagine a more just future together. Given the current national political climate, the Albany Reads events will be timely, topical, educational, interesting, inspiring. Link to ACL Albany Library Community Reads 3-month program: Come participate in this extraordinary season of learning and connection with your neighbors, because when a community reads together, it can also grow, heal, and imagine together. “We are stronger together than we are alone.” – Walter Payton, Chicago Bears Running Back

 

One Time Library Events

 

April Events 

Below is detailed information about one time April Events supported by the Friends of the 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, April 1,  12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

AP Study Zone

A space for studying and peer-to-peer help during Advanced Placement season.  Learn about free online resources and AP practice tests. Learn more at Prepare For College.  Link to event for more information: AP Study Zone

Wednesday, April 1,  3:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Conscience and the Constitution – Albany Reads 

Documentary Conscience and the Constitution tells the powerful story of 63 young Japanese American men who resisted the draft while incarcerated at Heart Mountain during World War II. Branded as dissidents and imprisoned for their stand, they were long excluded from mainstream accounts of Japanese American history. The film explores the broader injustice of mass incarceration and examines the difficult choices between compliance and resistance, raising enduring questions about citizenship, civil rights, and the meaning of constitutional loyalty in times of crisis. Link to event for more information: Conscience and the Constitution – Albany Reads

Wednesday, April 1,   6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Edith Stone Room

Toddler Dance Party

Little ones and their caregivers are invited to join us for a dance party (or sometimes 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 the music and encourage you to dance along. Link to event for more information:  Toddler Dance Party

Thursday, April 2,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Dia Storytime with First 5 Alameda  

Join Albany Library and First 5 Alameda County to celebrate Día! We will be sharing a storytime in Spanish and English to celebrate stories, reading, and all of the languages in our community. Día, short for El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), is observed every April and celebrates children of all cultural backgrounds. First 5 Alameda will be providing free books to participants, while supplies last. This program is intended for children ages 0-5 and their families. All are welcome! No registration is required.  Link to event for more information: Dia Storytime with First 5 Alameda

Saturday, April 4,   11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Edith Stone Room

Poetry Inspired by Love, Imprisonment and Protest – Albany Reads  

Love finds its own voice
Imprisonment bends, not breaks
Protest speaks through walls

As part of the Albany Reads series, we invite community members of all ages to gather for an afternoon of shared poetry inspired by themes of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest. Community Members are welcome to read their own original work or share a poem written by another that speaks to these powerful experiences.   Link to event for more information: Poetry Inspired by Love, Imprisonment and Protest – Albany Reads

Saturday, April 4,   3:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Edith Stone Room

Chess Class

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

Sunday, April 5,  1:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Reads Discussion Group

Join us for a community discussion of Albany Reads 2026 selection, The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest by Albany author Satsuki Ina, who will join this event to share insights and reflections on her work. Weaving together diary entries, photographs, clandestine correspondence, and haiku, Ina reveals how her parents navigated life, love, loss, and loyalty tests during World War II, and how the effects of mass incarceration continue to shape families and communities across generations. Link to event for more information: Albany Reads Discussion Group

Sunday, April 5,  3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Introduction to Financial Literacy at Albany Library

Want to reduce the chance of being victimized by a scam in 2026? Improve your ability to have a return on investments. Reduce the chance you’re bankrupt after a natural disaster. Have enough money for your child’s education or your retirement. Albany Library hosts a series of workshops that examine the above topics and more. At the workshops’ conclusion, participants will improve their ability to make sound financial decisions. If your answer is yes to the above statements, then consider joining us at the following financial workshops! Link to event for more information: Introduction to Financial Literacy at Albany Library

Current Workshop:

  • April 7, 2026 – Introduction to Financial Literacy.
    • The first workshop covers the following topics:
      • Saving your Future- Learning about how to create a financial foundation.
      • The importance of having a routine financial check-up.
      • Learning how to evaluate financial concerns and then set goals to resolve them.

Future Workshops:

  • May 12, 2026 – Introduction to understanding Estate Planning and Living Trust.
  • June 9, 2026 – Building Savings and Wealth.
  • July 14, 2026 – Increasing Cash Flow & Management Debt.
  • August 11, 2026 – Preparing with Proper Protection.
  • October 13, 2026 – Understanding Asset Accumulation Strategies.
  • November 10, 2026 – Fulfilling Long-Term Goals.
  • December 12, 2026 – RSSA.

Tuesday, April 7,  6:00 pm – 7:30 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, April 8,  12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Perler Bead Craft

Perler Beads are small multi-colored beads that you fuse together with an iron to create your own unique designs (library staff will be doing the ironing). Take home whatever you make! For ages 5 and older. Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: Perler Bead Craft

Wednesday, April 8,  2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Birthright Citizenship, Reconstruction and Immigration Rights Today Talk by Professor Greg Downs, UC Davis

How did the United States define citizenship as a birthright for most people born in the country, given that England and much of Europe did not? The answer lies in the struggle over emancipation and Black citizenship after the civil war. Then the push to protect the rights of four million newly free people led to an expansive debate over who was a citizen and what rights did they have. Over time the fourteenth amendment’s definition of birthright citizenship would have massive implications for children of immigrants. We will examine the coming of birthright citizenship, the debate over whom it should cover, the exceptions made to it, and the relevance of that history to battles over citizenship today. Link to event for more information: Birthright Citizenship, Reconstruction and Immigration Rights Today

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

Toddler Dance Party

Little ones and their caregivers are invited to join us for a dance party (or sometimes 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 the music and encourage you to dance along. Link to event for more information:  Toddler Dance Party

Thursday, April 9,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Family Music Lab

Play along to the beat on basic percussion instruments like hand drums, tambourines, shakers and more! All ages of children are welcome. We have instruments for babies and toddlers. Children under 8 must be with an adult. No experience necessary. Link to event for more information: Family Music Lab

Sunday, April 12,  1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Cinema Sunday: Inside Out 2

Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Cinema Sunday is for teens/by teens (but everyone is welcome.)  Link to event for more information: Cinema Sunday – Inside Out 2

Sunday, April 12,   3:00 pm – 4:45 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Film: Love & Taxes

Local performer Josh Kornbluth hosts a screening of his film Love & Taxes. Love & Taxes is a riveting comic tale of seven years of tax avoidance. Following the possibly real-life exploits of Josh Kornbluth, an autobiographical monologist, Love & Taxes is a comedy that blends solo performance and scripted scenes to bring the subjective reality of the storyteller hilariously to life. For additional information, visit the official Love & Taxes Website or Facebook Page.  Link to event for more information: Film: Love & Taxes

Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

AP Study Zone

A space for studying and peer-to-peer help during Advanced Placement season.  Learn about free online resources and AP practice tests. Learn more at Prepare For College.  Link to event for more information: AP Study Zone

Wednesday, April 15,  3:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Rabbit in the Moon

Rabbit in the Moon is an award-winning documentary memoir produced by Emiko Omori and Chizuko Omori that examines the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II through personal testimony, archival footage, and storytelling. Framed through the Omori family’s experience, the film explores how fear-driven policy stripped individuals of civil liberties and divided communities through loyalty tests that forced people to prove their belonging in their own country. Rejecting comfortable myths, the film brings forward the voices of those who resisted injustice from within the camps, including draft resisters at Heart Mountain and those confined at Tule Lake for refusing to unquestioningly accept the violation of their civil liberties. Their stories expose the moral cost of wartime hysteria and remind us that democracy depends on the courage of individuals willing to stand for principle when the nation itself falls short. Both intimate and unflinching, the film asks us to confront this history honestly and consider how prejudice, wartime hysteria, and the erosion of civil rights still echo today. It reminds us that the lessons of incarceration are not confined to the past but call us to remain vigilant in protecting civil liberties for all.  Link to event for more information: Rabbit in the Moon

Wednesday, April 15,  6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Toddler Dance Party

Little ones and their caregivers are invited to join us for a dance party (or sometimes 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 the music and encourage you to dance along. Link to event for more information:  Toddler Dance Party

Thursday, April 16,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Paths to Deliciousness: Potluck and Closing Celebration for Path to Belonging

Please join us in celebrating the relationships, stories, and creativity fostered through the Path to Belonging Project. Over the past year, community members have shared personal histories, explored migration stories, and built deeper connections through collaborative art and conversation. For this closing celebration, please bring a favorite dish to share as we reflect on our collective achievements and the connections that continue to strengthen our community. Enjoy good food, conversation, and a meaningful opportunity to appreciate the diverse journeys that unite us.  Link to event for more information:  Paths to Deliciousness: Potluck and Closing Celebration for Path to Belonging

Thursday, April 16,  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library’s Saturday Afternoon Book Club – The Mighty Red

The Mighty Red is a 2024 novel by Louise Erdrich set in the Red River Valley of North Dakota during the 2008 economic crisis, focusing on a community entangled in the sugar beet industry, climate change, and personal dramas, particularly a love triangle involving high school graduates Kismet, Gary, and Hugo, and Kismet’s mother, Crystal, exploring themes of love, loss, heritage, and the land. The story blends humor and tragedy as it follows characters navigating difficult circumstances, including a fraught wedding and the impact of industrial farming on the environment. Link to event for more information:  Saturday Afternoon Book Club – The Mighty Red

Saturday, April 18, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Chess Class

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

Sunday, April 19,  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Albany Library

Albany Reads: Poetry and Resilience with Satsuki Ina

Join the Albany community for an afternoon of poetry, history, and reflection inspired by The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest by Albany author Satsuki Ina. This Albany Reads event explores how poetry and storytelling help people remember the past and build hope for the future. The program includes:

Youth Poet Laureate of Alameda County –The event begins with a poem from the Youth Poet Laureate of Alameda County, bringing a young person’s voice into conversation with history and community.

Tatsumaki Taiko – Experience traditional Japanese taiko drumming through performance and audience participation.

Haiku selected by Satsuki Ina – Satsuki Ina will read haiku written by her father. These poems hold personal meaning and reflect themes of resilience, dignity, memory, and hope.

Nancy Ukai – 50 Objects / 50 Stories – Nancy Ukai will share images and stories about objects preserved by Satsuki Ina’s family during their incarceration in six U.S. camps during World War II. Featured items include a quilt, a toy tank, letters censored by the government, and personal writings that tell the story of love, imprisonment, and protest.

Together, these presentations explore how individuals and communities respond to injustice, preserve memory, and support one another across generations. Link to event for more information: Chess Class

Sunday, April 19,  2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Reads Discussion Group with Satsuki Ina

Join us for a community discussion of Albany Reads 2026 selection, The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest by Albany author Satsuki Ina, who will join this event to share insights and reflections on her work. Weaving together diary entries, photographs, clandestine correspondence, and haiku, Ina reveals how her parents navigated life, love, loss, and loyalty tests during World War II, and how the effects of mass incarceration continue to shape families and communities across generations. Link to event for more information: Albany Reads Discussion Group with Satsuki Ina

Tuesday, April 21,  6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

AP Study Zone

A space for studying and peer-to-peer help during Advanced Placement season.  Learn about free online resources and AP practice tests. Learn more at Prepare For College.  Link to event for more information: AP Study Zone

Wednesday, April 22,  3:30 pm – 5:30 pm – 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, April 22,  5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Toddler Dance Party

Little ones and their caregivers are invited to join us for a dance party (or sometimes 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 the music and encourage you to dance along. Link to event for more information:  Toddler Dance Party 

Thursday, April 23,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library 

Friends of Albany Library HUGE Spring Book Sale

 Join us at the HUGE Spring Book Sale. We have a great variety of books for all ages! There is truly something for everyone! Books will be $1.00 in the Community Center Big Room including adults, pre-schoolers, kids and tweens and also lots of CD’s and DVD’s as well as vintage magazines. The library Edith Stone Room will have books at $2.00 and up including jigsaw puzzles, vintage, rare and collectible books including an estate with many academic titles. We will also have magazines and library discards outside weather permitting. 

Saturday, 4/25, 9:00am – 5:00pm Community Center Big Room and Edith Stone Room

Friends of Albany Library HUGE Spring Book Sale

 Join us at the HUGE Spring Book Sale. We have a great variety of books for all ages! There is truly something for everyone! Books will be $1.00 in the Community Center Big Room including adults, pre-schoolers, kids and tweens and also lots of CD’s and DVD’s as well as vintage magazines. The library Edith Stone Room will have books at $2.00 and up including jigsaw puzzles, vintage, rare and collectible books including an estate with many academic titles. We will also have magazines and library discards outside weather permitting. 

Sunday, 4/26: 10:00am-4:00pm Big Room & 10am-2pm Edith Stone Room

AP Study Zone

A space for studying and peer-to-peer help during Advanced Placement season.  Learn about free online resources and AP practice tests. Learn more at Prepare For College.  Link to event for more information: AP Study Zone

Wednesday, April 29,  3:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Albany Library

From a Silk Cocoon – Documentary Followed by Q&A with Satsuki Ina

Documentary From a Silk Cocoon uncovers a long-hidden family story, revealed through a small metal box containing censored letters, diary entries, and haiku. The film follows a young Japanese American couple whose lives are shattered when, shortly after their wedding, they are incarcerated during World War II, first in converted horse stables and later in stark barracks behind barbed wire. Told largely in their own words, this intimate documentary illuminates the personal cost of wartime hysteria, the strain of separation, and the enduring power of love and memory to survive injustice. Link to event for more information:  From a Silk Cocoon – Documentary Followed by Q&A with Satsuki Ina

Wednesday, April 29,  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Toddler Dance Party

Little ones and their caregivers are invited to join us for a dance party (or sometimes 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 the music and encourage you to dance along. Link to event for more information:  Toddler Dance Party

Thursday, April 30,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – 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 

Monthly on 2nd Sunday, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm  Edith Stone Room