510 526 3720 x7 friendsalbany@yahoo.com

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 by 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

 

One Time Library Events 

June 

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

Grab and Go Crafts: Summer Adventure

Start building your Summer Adventure! Drop by the library today to pick up your first activity sheet, and create a custom bookmark to take home. This self-service craft will be available all day to complete at your own pace, or take home to make later. Link to event for more information: Grab and Go Summer Adventure Bookmarks

Sunday, June 1,  1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Albany Library

Jam On for Teens 

We bring the instruments, you bring the energy!

Want to try a new instrument? Already have an instrument but just want a chance to play it? Never touched music before but curious about it? Once a month, we hold a space where you can come pick up an instrument and just jam. Guitars, percussion, keyboards, and more will all be provided, or bring your own. Staff will be on hand to help teach some music skills, but primarily this isn’t a lesson, this is a place to experiment, to explore, and to play! Link to event for more information: Jam On for Teens

Sunday, June 1,  2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Libraries Rock!

Get ready to rock as we plug-in to a fresh new partnership with School of Rock and Berkeley Public Library!

This FREE concert will be in the library, after regular open hours, and features the School of Rock House Band kickin’ up the jams right in front of the Reference Desk!

Performances will alternate between Albany Library and Berkeley Public Library through the first half of 2025.

School of Rock Berkeley gives students under 18 the opportunity to join a gigging band composed of fellow musicians from their school. These students perform additional live shows throughout the year. All students in the Performance Program have the opportunity to audition for a spot in School of Rock Berkeley’s House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at CA rock venues throughout the year.

Doors 6pm, show 6:30pm. Light refreshments and ear plugs provided. Link to event for more information: Libraries Rock!

Sunday, June 1,  6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Reference Desk, Albany Library

STEAM for Kids: Coding with Ozobots   

Learn to code with Ozobots!

Using color markers, paper, and patterns we will learn how to make these mini robots move, speed up, and even dance. Bring your creativity and imagination!

This STEAM workshop is designed for kids, ages 6-12. Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: STEAM for Kids: Coding with Ozobots

Saturday, June 7, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library’s Saturday Afternoon Bookclub   

We welcome you to Albany Library’s monthly book club discussion. The club meets monthly on Saturday to discuss select reading materials. Pick of the Month: High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out By Amanda Ripley

The group is open to adults as well as teens, and the number of participants is 12. Link to event for more information: Albany Library Saturday Afternoon Book Club

Saturday, June 7, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Crafts for Kids: Suncatchers   

Come get crafty with us at the Albany Library! This week we will be making colorful suncatchers to hang in your window.

Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: Crafts for Kids: Suncatchers

Monday, June 9, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Art Workshop for Kids   

Get creative and express yourself using a variety of materials! Our teacher is artist Lauren Meyer, who will be leading us in a fun summer art activity. Drop by anytime between 2-4pm. Children under 8 must be with an adult.  Link to event for more information: Art Workshop for Kids

Wednesday, June 11, 2:00 pm – 4:00 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, June 11,  6:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Little Dance Party

Get Your ya-yas out! Let’s all have fun together dancing to songs the little ones know and love and other music that’s new to them. Parents, caregivers, toddlers and preschoolers are all welcome to hit the dance floor and move their bodies at this inclusive event. Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Thursday, June 12,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Origami with Margo   

Join us for origami at the Albany Library! Our teacher Margo will be showing us how to make folds for a variety of skill levels and ages. No registration required. Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: Origami with Margo

Saturday, June 14, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library’s Arts & Crafts – Painting with Aluminum Foil, Acrylic Paint, & Canvas   

Create amazing art in 15 minutes by combining acrylic paint, aluminum foil, canvas, paper towels, tape, and heat. Each attendee will be given enough supplies to complete 2 art pieces. The library can accommodate 15 attendees. All supplies and instruction are free. No registration necessary. Please consider joining us!

Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information:  Albany Arts & Crafts – Painting with Aluminum Foil, Acrylic Paint & Canvas

Saturday, June 14, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Film Screening – Milk   

In honor of Pride month we present Milk, a film about Harvey Milk, a prominent LGBT activist who was once on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and later become “the mayor of Castro Street.” Starring Sean Penn and directed by Gus Van Sant, this film covers Milk’s extraordinary life from age 40 to his untimely death. No registration required. Link to event for more information: Film Screening – Milk

Sunday, June 15, 1:30 pm – 3:45 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Juneteenth Triple Feature – Harriet    

The incredible true story of one of America’s greatest heroes, Harriet Tubman. From her escape from slavery to the dangerous missions she led, setting free hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad. Link to event for more information: Juneteenth Triple Feature – Harriet

Wednesday, June 18, 12:30 pm – 2:45 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Juneteenth Triple Feature – Glory    

Tribute to the Army’s first black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, that was mustered up during the Civil War under the command of an inexperienced white New Englander. Link to event for more information: Juneteenth Triple Feature – Glory

Wednesday, June 18, 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Juneteenth Triple Feature – Till    

The story of Emmett Louis Till and the legacy of his mother who pursued justice for her lynched son. Link to event for more information: Juneteenth Triple Feature – Till

Wednesday, June 18, 5:30 pm – 7:45 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Puppet Art Theater: Jack and the Beanstalk   

Puppet Art Theater Co. Presents: Jack and the Beanstalk!

Jack has traded his cow for magic wishing beans much to his mother’s dismay. In frustration, Jack’s mom tosses the beans out the window where they grow into a huge beanstalk. Up the beanstalk goes Jack and the adventure begins! Will Jack defeat the Giant? Will he take home the golden egg laying chicken? Find out in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: Puppet Art Theater: Jack and the Beanstalk

Saturday, June 21, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library’s Saturday Afternoon Book Club  

We welcome you to Albany Library’s monthly book club discussion. The club meets every third Saturday to discuss select reading materials. Pick of the Month: The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden

The group is open to adults as well as teens, and the number of participants is 12. Link to event for more information: Albany Library Saturday Afternoon Book Club

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

Jam On! Extra Session    

We bring the instruments, you bring the energy! Want to try a new instrument? Already have an instrument but just want a chance to play it? Never touched music before but curious about it? Once a month, we hold a space where you can…Link to event for more information: Jam On! Extra Session

Sunday, June 22, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Crafts for Kids – Color-Changing Chameleons   

Come get crafty with us at the Albany Library! This week we will be making color-changing chameleons. Children under 8 must be with an adult.  Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: Crafts for Kids: Color Changing Chameleons

Monday, June 23, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Magic Show with Mike Della Penna    

He’s silly, he’s funny and he’ll make you go WOW! Mike Della Penna creates wonder and laughter with family magic performances that are equal parts playful and astonishing.at the Albany Library!  Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: Magic Show with Mike Della Penna

Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Little Dance Party

Get Your ya-yas out! Let’s all have fun together dancing to songs the little ones know and love and other music that’s new to them. Parents, caregivers, toddlers and preschoolers are all welcome to hit the dance floor and move their bodies at this inclusive event. Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Thursday, June 26,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Pride Storytime

Join us for an inclusive Storytime for all ages, in which we honor and celebrate all families.   Link to event for more information: Pride Storytime

Saturday, June 28,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Building Resilience in Challenging Times

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Event— As a society, we faced challenges that seemed unsurmountable (e.g., pandemic, domestic terrorism, wars, elections, company closures) and nevertheless, we have managed to overcome most of them. Question: How does a society or an individual navigate through obstacle(s) and design approach(s) to meet those challenge(s)? What do the parts of a solution look like? How can one train themselves to develop a solution that works for their situation(s)? The author, Lucy Chen, who wrote Build Resilience: Live, Learn, and Lead will discuss what resilience is, how to develop it, and how to apply it. Link to event for more information: Building Resilience in Challenging Times

Saturday, June 28,  2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

 

July 

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

Tiny Tot Art

Little artists will have the opportunity to explore a variety of open-ended, sensory-rich art activities. Best for children under 3. Dress to get messy!  Link to event for more information: Tiny Tot Art

Wednesday, July 2,  12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

STEAM for Kids: Slime

Let’s explore chemistry! We’ll be learning how to mix household materials to create your own play-based slime to take home. Dress to get messy!  For ages 5 and up. Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: STEAM for Kids: Slime

Saturday, July 5,  11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Jam On for Teens

We bring the instruments, you bring the energy!

Want to try a new instrument? Already have an instrument but just want a chance to play it? Never touched music before but curious about it? Once a month, we hold a space where you can come pick up an instrument and just jam. Guitars, percussion, keyboards, and more will all be provided, or bring your own. Staff will be on hand to help teach some music skills, but primarily this isn’t a lesson, this is a place to experiment, to explore, and to play! Link to event for more information: Jam On for Teens

Sunday, July 6,  2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Crafts for Kids: Salt Painting

Come get crafty with us at the Albany Library! This week we will be using glue, salt, and water colors to create unique designs. Children under 8 must be with an adult. Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: Crafts for Kids: Salt Painting

Monday, July 7,  1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Step Up and Speak

This short course, designed for ages 12-15, offers a chance for young people to voice their ideas in a safe, supportive, and fun setting. Through games, exercises, and short speech activities, participants will learn to be more confident and comfortable when giving presentations in middle school, high school, and beyond. We will explore empowering skills such as calming anxiety, projecting our voices, and using body language to help an audience connect with what we have to say. Link to event for more information: Step Up and Speak

Monday, July 7,  4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Little Dance Party

Get Your ya-yas out! Let’s all have fun together dancing to songs the little ones know and love and other music that’s new to them. Parents, caregivers, toddlers and preschoolers are all welcome to hit the dance floor and move their bodies at this inclusive event. Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

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

Tiny Tot Art

Little artists will have the opportunity to explore a variety of open-ended, sensory-rich art activities. Best for children under 3. Dress to get messy!  Link to event for more information: Tiny Tot Art

Wednesday, July 9,  12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Wild & Wise: Girl Scout Outdoor Tips

Calling all nature-lovers! Join us to learn about responsible behavior in the wilderness. Senior Girl Scouts at Albany/Berkeley High School share personal anecdotes as they present the 7 Girl Scout outdoor etiquette rules. Link to event for more information: Wild & Wise: Girl Scout Outdoor Tips

Sunday, July 13,  1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Step Up and Speak

This short course, designed for ages 12-15, offers a chance for young people to voice their ideas in a safe, supportive, and fun setting. Through games, exercises, and short speech activities, participants will learn to be more confident and comfortable when giving presentations in middle school, high school, and beyond. We will explore empowering skills such as calming anxiety, projecting our voices, and using body language to help an audience connect with what we have to say. Link to event for more information: Step Up and Speak

Monday, July 14,  4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Tiny Tot Art

Little artists will have the opportunity to explore a variety of open-ended, sensory-rich art activities. Best for children under 3. Dress to get messy!  Link to event for more information: Tiny Tot Art

Wednesday, July 16,  12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Little Dance Party

Get Your ya-yas out! Let’s all have fun together dancing to songs the little ones know and love and other music that’s new to them. Parents, caregivers, toddlers and preschoolers are all welcome to hit the dance floor and move their bodies at this inclusive event. Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Thursday, July 17,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Family Storytime and Craft

Join us for stories, songs, and movement at the library! This storytime is geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, but is open to all ages. Stay after for a simple craft activity. Link to event for more information: Family Storytime and Craft

Saturday, July 19,  11:00 am – 11:30 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany Library’s Saturday Afternoon Book Club  

We welcome you to Albany Library’s monthly book club discussion. The club meets every third Saturday to discuss select reading materials. Pick of the Month: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

The group is open to adults as well as teens, and the number of participants is 12. Link to event for more information: Albany Library Saturday Afternoon Book Club

Saturday, July 19,  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Crafts for Kids: Musical Instruments

Come get crafty with us at the Albany Library. This week we will be using everyday materials to make musical instruments you can actually play! Children under 8 must be with an adult.  Link to event for more information: Crafts for Kids: Musical Instruments

Monday, July 21,  1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Step Up and Speak

This short course, designed for ages 12-15, offers a chance for young people to voice their ideas in a safe, supportive, and fun setting. Through games, exercises, and short speech activities, participants will learn to be more confident and comfortable when giving presentations in middle school, high school, and beyond. We will explore empowering skills such as calming anxiety, projecting our voices, and using body language to help an audience connect with what we have to say. Link to event for more information: Step Up and Speak

Monday, July 21,  4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Fratello Marionettes: Mother Goose

This short course, designed for ages 12-15, offers a chance for young people to voice their ideas in a safe, supportive, and fun setting. Through games, exercises, and short speech activities, participants will learn to be more confident and comfortable when giving presentations in middle school, high school, and beyond. We will explore empowering skills such as calming anxiety, projecting our voices, and using body language to help an audience connect with what we have to say. Link to event for more information: Fratello Marionettes: Mother Goose Land

Tuesday, July 22,  4:30 pm – 5:15 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Tiny Tot Art

Little artists will have the opportunity to explore a variety of open-ended, sensory-rich art activities. Best for children under 3. Dress to get messy!  Link to event for more information: Tiny Tot Art

Wednesday, July 23,  12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Little Dance Party

Get Your ya-yas out! Let’s all have fun together dancing to songs the little ones know and love and other music that’s new to them. Parents, caregivers, toddlers and preschoolers are all welcome to hit the dance floor and move their bodies at this inclusive event. Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Thursday, July 24,  10:30 am – 11:00 am – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Movies at the Albany Library: Dune: Part Two 

Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.will have the opportunity to explore a variety of open-ended, sensory-rich art activities.  Link to event for more information: Movies at the Albany Library: Dune Part Two

Saturday, July 26,  2:00 pm – 4:45 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Step Up and Speak

This short course, designed for ages 12-15, offers a chance for young people to voice their ideas in a safe, supportive, and fun setting. Through games, exercises, and short speech activities, participants will learn to be more confident and comfortable when giving presentations in middle school, high school, and beyond. We will explore empowering skills such as calming anxiety, projecting our voices, and using body language to help an audience connect with what we have to say. Link to event for more information: Step Up and Speak

Monday, July 28,  4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Tiny Tot Art

Little artists will have the opportunity to explore a variety of open-ended, sensory-rich art activities. Best for children under 3. Dress to get messy!  Link to event for more information: Tiny Tot Art

Wednesday, July 30,  12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Little Dance Party

Get Your ya-yas out! Let’s all have fun together dancing to songs the little ones know and love and other music that’s new to them. Parents, caregivers, toddlers and preschoolers are all welcome to hit the dance floor and move their bodies at this inclusive event. Link to event for more information: Little Dance Party

Thursday, July 31,  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, Teens and Adults. 

Babies & Toddlers

Baby Story Time  

Join us for Baby Storytime at the Albany Library! The lap sit storytime 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 – 12:30 pm Edith Stone Room
 

Toddler Time  

Toddler Time is back at the Albany Library for songs, stories and movement activities!  No registration is needed but attendance is limited. Link to Albany Library Events for more information: Toddler Time

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

Kids     

Build It/Make and Play Lab 

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: Make and Play Lab
  

Every Wednesday during the school year 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Edith Stone Room   

Homework Help Taught By Teens 

This is a free, informal, teen-led tutoring program for elementary to middle school students starting in October. High School volunteers will help with homework and assignments that need reviewing. Our goal is to help students get homework done in a productive and relaxed environment. Drop-in anytime. Space is limited. Link to Albany Library Events for more information: Homework Help Taught By Teens

 
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Writing
Every Monday during the school year 3:30 pm – 5:00 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 Thursday  2:30 pm – 4:30 pm  Edith Stone Room                                                                                                                                     

       
Teens      
 
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 

Second Sunday of Each Month 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm  Edith Stone Room