Stuff to do at the Berkeley Public Library
We love getting mail from people like Douglas Smith, Deputy Director at the Berkeley Public Libary. He says: “I realize this is in a sense promoting the organization that I work for, but I do believe this is exactly the sort of thing that downtown needs and I’m really proud to be involved in creating innovative, community-building events here in my hometown.”
We’re totally with you on that. One thing a local blog like InBerkeley has a conflict about is our hometown — we admit to being biased. We like things that make our town more interesting like the events you guys are hosting.
For example…
This evening at 8PM, on the front steps of the library, 2900 Kittredge, there’s a free reading and performance by local writers, artists and musicians. It begins just after the library closes.
And Douglas, please keep us posted on upcoming events at the library! 
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On a semi-related note, Berkeley Public Library is holding public meetings at the branches to talk about remodel plans with the architects. The next North Branch meeting is this Wednesday (9/23) from 6:30-8pm. South Branch is on October 1st at 6:30-8pm. Sounds like a good chance to go find out what the plans are and offer input. My pet peeve: power-plug access at North Branch
More info here: http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about_the_library/branch_renovation.php
P.S. What I’m *really* interested in is seeing if they’ve given any thought to next-gen digital library issues — for example, easily accessible data ports so your smartphone/laptop can “check out” e-books/audiobooks on-the-spot at the branch, or better access to children’s educational content (it’s pretty ad-hoc right now.) Now’s the right time to think and plan for what may be coming down the road.
On the library, I wonder how many people realize how good a public library system Berkeley has? The Central Library in particular is excellent for history, biography and fiction. It’s not a full-scale academic library, but for intellectually curious lay readers it’s a treasure.
I love the library…I have to admit that I usually run in and out to check out books I have on hold…I really do not know what types of programs or events the library branches have…I am currently on the Berkeley Library Twitter and nobody seems send any updates. For example, I did not realize that the branches were holding public meetings for branch renovations…