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

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

SPECIAL 3-MONTH SERIES OF ALBANY READS EVENTS MARCH – 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

March Events

Below is detailed information about one time March Events supported by the Friends of the 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 required. Link to event for registration and more information: Chess Class

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

Albany Reads Kick Off

Join us as Albany launches a three-month, community-wide reading experience inspired by The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest by Albany author Satsuki Ina. 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.

Satsuki Ina is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in community trauma, an acclaimed author, filmmaker, and longtime social justice advocate. Her work helps individuals and communities affected by oppression reclaim their voices and transform systems of injustice. A cofounder of Tsuru for Solidarity, a nonviolent direct-action network working to end the detention of immigrants, she has produced two award-winning documentaries on the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans, Children of the Camps and From a Silk Cocoon. Dr. Ina has been featured in major national media outlets, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, TIME, Democracy Now!, the documentary And Then They Came for Us, and, most recently, the Rachel Maddow podcast Burn Order. A professor emerita at California State University, Sacramento, she lives in Albany.

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 event for registration and more information: Albany Reads Kick Off

Sunday, March 1, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Edith Stone Room

iSearch Help

Attention Albany Middle School 8th grade students: we’re here for you! Drop-in to get iSearch research and writing help from experienced high school students and librarians. Learn how to make the most of Alameda County Library print resources and online databases. Link to event for more information: iSearch Help

Monday, March 2, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

A History of Immigration Law: How We Got Here Talk by Carlotta Wright de la Cal, PHD Candidate, UC Berkeley, and Ming H. Chen, Harry & Lillian’s Hastings Professor of Law

Since the earliest days of the U.S., immigration and citizenship law have reflected attitudes about race and belonging as well as the economic interests of people in power. Recent events have highlighted the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and the 19th-century birthright citizenship cases. Fears of leftist agitators and foreign spies of all stripes have historically shaped immigration law, and Presidential executive orders eliminating civil rights are nothing new. Come learn about the complex history of U.S. immigration law in a lecture by Carlotta Wright de la Cal, PhD candidate at the UC Berkeley Department of History.

Carlotta Wright de la Cal is a Ph.D. student in History at UC Berkeley. Her research lies at the intersection of Indigenous history, labor, and migration policy. She studies how railroad corporations in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands reshaped mobility, labor patterns, and border control in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Ming H. Chen focuses on the intersections of citizenship, race, and equality in Constitutional and administrative law. Her current research is about temporary migrants in the US and Canada. She is the author of Pursuing Citizenship in the Enforcement Era and Faculty-Director of the Center for Race, Immigration, Citizenship, and Equality (RICE)

Link to event for more information: A History of Immigration Law: How We Got Here Talk

Tuesday, March 3, 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, March 4, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

iSearch Help

Wednesday, March 4, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066 Documentary – Albany Reads

Wednesday, March 4, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Art Hour for Kids

Celebrate Women’s History Month by exploring the colorful artwork of Liz Payne! Liz Payne is a contemporary artist from Australia known for her bright colors, bold patterns, and playful shapes. She loves layering colors and patterns to create artwork that feels energetic, happy, and full of movement. We will be using canvas, modeling clay, paint markers, beads, and sequins to create our own vibrant art inspired by her style. Raquel Gunther, an art instructor and curriculum developer, will be leading this activity. Space is limited. For kids age 5 and older. Teens and adults welcome too, as space allows! Link to event for more information: Art Hour for Kids

Saturday, March 7, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – 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, March 8, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Cinema Sunday: Inside Out

Emotions run wild in the mind of a young girl who is uprooted from her peaceful life in the Midwest and forced to move to San Francisco. Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness each have their own ideas about how she should handle her new surroundings.

Cinema Sunday is for teens/by teens (but everyone is welcome.) Link to event for more information: Cinema Sunday – Inside Out

Sunday, March 8, 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

iSearch Help

Monday, March 9, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library’s Conversation Club

Want to learn how to improve the following language skills?

Your listening ability.
Your ability to pronounce words clearly.
Your ability to determine words’ meaning and how to use them correctly in sentences.
Your ability to have brief conversations with strangers.

If these language skills are important to you, then please consider coming to our workshop.

Attention Albany Middle School 8th grade students: we’re here for you! Drop-in to get iSearch research and writing help from experienced high school students and librarians. Learn how to make the most of Alameda County Library print and online databases. Link to event for more information: Albany’s Conversation Club

Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Wednesday, March 11, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

iSearch Help

Wednesday, March 11, 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 fun stories, sing, and do some movement. This event is for children of all ages and their caregivers. Link to event for more information: Pajama Storytime

Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany’s Arts & Crafts – Can One Make Art with Glue, Flowers, Paint, Stones and a Vase? Maybe…

Does combining glue, flowers, paint, a frame, and vase lead to tasteful art? Many would probably think no. However, you might be surprised at how well these items work together. Please consider joining us for these interesting approaches to creating art. All supplies and instruction is free. The workshop will accommodate 20 individuals. Link to event for more information: Albany’s Arts & Crafts – Can One Make Art with Glue, Flowers, Paint, Stones and a Vase?

Saturday, March 14, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Chess Class

Sunday, March 15, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

iSearch Help

Monday, March 16, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library’s Conversation Club

Want to learn how to improve the following language skills?

Your listening ability.
Your ability to pronounce words clearly.
Your ability to determine words’ meaning and how to use them correctly in sentences.
Your ability to have brief conversations with strangers.

If these language skills are important to you, then please consider coming to our workshop.

Attention Albany Middle School 8th grade students: we’re here for you! Drop-in to get iSearch research and writing help from experienced high school students and librarians. Learn how to make the most of Alameda County Library print and online databases. Link to event for more information: Albany’s Conversation Club

Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along

Wednesday, March 18, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

iSearch Help

Wednesday, March 18, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Children of the Camps – Documentary followed by Q/A with Satsuki Ina

Children of the Camps is a powerful one-hour documentary that shares the deeply personal stories of six Japanese Americans incarcerated as children in U.S. concentration camps during World War II. Filmed during a three-day therapeutic workshop led by psychologist and educator Dr. Satsuki Ina, who was born at the Tule Lake camp, the documentary creates space for participants to speak openly about memories long held in silence. Through guided dialogue, they reflect on witnessing their parents’ suffering, ruptures within their families, and the lasting emotional impact of being labeled the enemy in their own country because of their ancestry.

Blending intimate testimony with historical photographs, archival footage, and narration by acclaimed poet Lawson Fusao Inada, the film illuminates the enduring trauma of incarceration and reveals pathways toward healing, self-acceptance, and intergenerational understanding. More broadly, it explores the human cost of racism and the resilience of those who survived. After the screening, Dr. Ina will join us for a live Q&A, offering insight into the film, her decades of work with former child internees, and the continuing relevance of these stories today. Link to event for more information: Children of the Camps – Documentary

Wednesday, March 18, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library’s Saturday Afternoon Book Club – The Poet and the Silk Girl

We welcome you to Albany Library’s monthly book club discussion. The club meets every third Saturday to discuss selecting reading materials. Materials selected for reading and discussion are to be determined by the whole club. The group is open to adults and teens, and the group size is 12. Please consider joining us for this event. Pick of the Month: The Poet and the Silk Girl. Weaving together diary entries, photographs, clandestine correspondences, and haiku, psychotherapist and activist Satsuki Ina reveals how her parents navigated life, love, loss, and loyalty tests during World War II, and how the effects of mass incarceration echo across generations. Remember, this is a safe space where members provide meaningful feedback to all who participate. Seating: First Come, Serve Basis. Free copies of the book are available while supplies last. The free copies will be distributed at the Albany Reads Kickoff Event on March 1 at 2 pm. Link to event for more information: Link to event for more information: Saturday Afternoon Book Club – The Poet and the Silk Girl

Saturday, March 21, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Learn to make Reusable Cloth Beeswax Food Wraps

Looking to reduce your plastic footprint and keep your food fresh naturally? Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to make your own reusable beeswax food wraps! These eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap are perfect for covering bowls, wrapping sandwiches, or preserving that half-cut onion. Craft your sustainable kitchen essentials and take a step towards a greener lifestyle. Supplies will be provided; however bring your own cloth if you want! Link to event for more information: Learn to make Reusable Cloth Beeswax Food Wraps

Saturday, March 21, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Family Music Lab

Sunday, March 22, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Climate Future Film Festival

Hope and panic, greed and courage, fear and comedy: 10 films in two hours touch on the myriad responses to an existential crisis. Hosting for the first time? Begin here, with Chapter One. Link to event for more information: Climate Future Film Festival

Sunday, March 22, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Meet the Author – Aaron Parsons “Coherence”

In a near future where AI can rewrite reality, a young physicist becomes the last line of defense between truth and global deception. Join us to meet Aaron Parsons, a local author and astrophysics professor at Cal, and discuss his new cyberthriller, Coherence. Link to event for more information: Meet the Author – Aaron Parsons “Coherence”

Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 pm – 7:30 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, March 25, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library Presents: Women Working in Non-Traditional Industries

Are you a girl or woman who wants to be an Astronaut, Scientist, Plumber, Fireperson, Engineer, Electrician, Software Developer, or Air Traffic Controller? You’ve talked to several career counselors, and their feedback has not been helpful. You’re still puzzled about what the first steps are in the job process. Who else can you talk to? Well, you’re in luck! Albany Library in Celebration of Women’s History Month is hosting a speaker discussion on Women Working in Nontraditional Careers. The speaker’s goal here is to share her real-life work experience in male dominated fields (MDFs). What does this mean? The speaker will provide job-related advice that helps attendees strengthen their ability to successfully navigate MDFs. Are you curious? Come to our program and see how the discussion might improve your work experience. Everyone is welcome! Link to event for more information: Albany Library Presents: Women Working in Non-Traditional Industries

Meet Our Speaker: Dede Pansino, Sr. Project Manager at UCOP—Over 30 years of proven success in directing project teams and organizations in Telecom, Wireless, and financial industries in both domestic and international markets, as well as Higher Education, and has led corporate merger and acquisition projects.

Wednesday, March 25, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Movies at the Albany Library – Oscar Nominated Hamnet

Synopsis: Agnes Shakespeare – the wife of the world’s most famous writer – struggles to come to terms with the loss of her only son, Hamnet. Rating: PG-13. Link to event for more information: Movies at the Albany Library – Oscar Nominated Hamnet

Saturday, March 28, 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Double Homicide – LARP

Join us for our first Live Action Role Playing (LARP) event. Double Promicide is a freeform mystery LARP set at a high school dance. If you’re not aware, a LARP is an immersive improvisational theatrical game – you’ll get a character, but no lines, and interact with other characters “in character” for a few hours, telling a story together. If you do know what a LARP is, you’ve played a soapy romantic drama with supernatural mystery elements before, and this is one of those! You’ll choose a character who is enmeshed in a network of intrigue and drama and go to work breaking hearts, yearning for your straight best friend, exchanging favors for prom queen votes, and trying to keep your friends and loved ones safe from whatever is really going on here.

The game will be based on an unsolved mystery taking place at a high school. There’s no reason to believe it was anything other than an isolated incident, so you, the role players, will act as if you are still at the prom with the usual prom concerns. Who will be crowned prom royalty? Will you ever get a dance with that special someone? Clues will naturally emerge over the course of the evening to help solve the mystery.

The game will run for four hours, from 1-5 pm, and include about a half hour of explanation, character selection, and introduction, two and a half hours of gameplay, and another hour of debrief at the end. Characters will be selected from a roster of onsite options, with no advanced preparation necessary.

Content warnings for this game include play-acted violence in a school setting; ritualism; adult language; references to cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol; grief; play-acted mind control; and references to emotional and mental health. Also, the game will very likely ask you to play your character having romantic feelings or attachments to other characters. Comfort and discomfort levels should be shared with the staff running the program so everyone can have an enjoyable time. Costuming is non-mandatory but encouraged. This game is recommended for adult participation only.

Link to event for more information: Double Homicide – LARP

Sunday, March 29, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library’s Conversation Club

Want to learn how to improve the following language skills?

Your listening ability.
Your ability to pronounce words clearly.
Your ability to determine words’ meaning and how to use them correctly in sentences.
Your ability to have brief conversations with strangers.

If these language skills are important to you, then please consider coming to our workshop.

Attention Albany Middle School 8th grade students: we’re here for you! Drop-in to get iSearch research and writing help from experienced high school students and librarians. Learn how to make the most of Alameda County Library print and online databases. Link to event for more information: Albany’s Conversation Club

Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 pm – 7:30 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

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