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 

December 

Below is detailed information about one time December 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 more information: Chess Class

Tuesday, December 2  4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Preschool Storytime and Craft

Join us for stories, songs, and movement! This 30-minute storytime is designed for ages 3-5, but children of all ages are welcome. Stay after for a simple craft activity. Children under 8 must be with an adult. Link to event for more information: Preschool Storytime and Craft

Saturday, December 6, 11:00 am – 12:00 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, December 7, 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Teen Music Lab

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 encourage 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: Teen Music Lab

Sunday, December 7,  2:00 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 required. Link to event for more information: Chess Class

Tuesday, December 9  4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Albany FilmFest Presents Merchants of Doubt

When it comes to the effects of deceptive marketing on how government approaches vital issues like climate change, Merchants of Doubt, Robert Kenner’s 2014 documentary, is more relevant than ever. Based on the book of the same name by Naomi Oresky and Erik M. Conway, this film takes a close look at what happens when the tactics developed by the tobacco industry to cover up health risks from smoking are used to obfuscate the risks toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and global climate change in order to derail government regulation. Stay after the film for an interactive discussion with climate experts. Link to event for more information: Albany FilmFest Presents Merchants of Doubt

Tuesday, December 9,  7:00 pm – 9:00 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. *Pajamas and bunny slippers are optional but encouraged. Link to event for more information: Pajama Storytime

Wednesday, December 10,  6:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Edith Stone Room, Albany Library

Mexican Tin Art Ornaments Workshop

Create something beautiful for the season! Explore the traditional Mexican folk art of repujado—metal embossing used for generations to make ornaments, milagros, and decorative gifts. After a brief introduction to the history of this craft, you’ll emboss and design your own tin ornament(s) to take home. All ages welcome • Materials provided • No experience needed. Link to event for more information: Mexican Tin Art Ornaments Workshop

Saturday, December 13,  2:00 pm – 4:00 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 required. Link to event for more information: Chess Class

Tuesday, December 16  4:00 pm – 5:00 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 morning 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

Saturday, December 20,  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: Pick of the Month: The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas by James Patterson. 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, December 20,  1:00 pm – 3:00 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