The Foods, People, and Innovations That Feed Us: A Sweeping History of Food and Culture

Tuesday, April 2, 11:00 a.m., Online

Virtually step into the Smithsonian with Curator Paula Johnson as she discusses the book Smithsonian American Table: The Foods, People, and Innovations That Feed Us, a sweeping history of food and culture that summons everyone to the table for a fresh look at some of the people, ingredients, events, and movements that have shaped how and what we eat.

From Murder to Atonement: Online Author Talk with Colum McCann and Diane Foley
Tuesday, April 9, 11:00 a.m., Online

Join us for a one-of-a-kind conversation with National Book Award-winner Colum McCann as he is joined by Diane Foley, the inspiration behind the heartrending book American Mother, the story of a mother who, in the course of confronting her son’s killer, gets to the elemental heart of violence and forgiveness.

Hayward Adult School Info Center

Tuesday, April 9, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Downtown Library

Stop by the Hayward Adult School table on the first floor of the downtown library to learn more about the school's wide mix of programs and services. Bring all of your questions to the school's friendly representatives!

The Literary Corner: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Wednesday, April 10, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

For our April meeting we'll be reading Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, Klara and the Sun. Get a copy at the library, or email ricardo.antoni@hayward-ca.gov.

Getting Help with Healthcare Costs
Thursday, April 11, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Are you looking for ways to reduce medical costs? If you or the person receiving care is an older adult, let the friendly and knowledgeable team at Legal Assistance for Seniors help you navigate the system. Learn the difference between the Medicare and Medi-Cal Savings Programs, how to apply for each, and whether you may qualify for extra help paying for prescription drugs. Bring all of your questions!

3rd Annual Plant Swap
Saturday, April 13, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Hayward Heritage Plaza

Bring your extra plants, cuttings, and seedlings to our 3rd Annual Plant Swap and take home some plants your neighbors have brought! If you don't have plants to bring, that's totally fine. There are always lots! The swap will be across the street from the Downtown Library, in the Hayward Heritage Plaza.

Free Notary Service

Saturday, April 13, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Certified notary Ms. Wanda Black is offering free, basic notary services such as Acknowledgement or Jurat.

Register to secure service. Drop-in service may be possible but is not guaranteed.

Raqs Sharqi Arabic Dance

Saturday, April 13, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month and Arabic dance with multi-award winning dancer Nicole Maria. Her engaging, interactive, and family-friendly performance will end with a belly dance lesson for all. Audience participation of all ages is encouraged! 

A Literary Exploration of Power, Love, and Art with Xochitl Gonzalez

Wednesday, April 17, 5:00 p.m., Online

We cannot wait for you to join us as we chat with award-winning and bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez about her newest novel Anita de Monte Laughs Last, a propulsive, witty examination of power, love, and art, daring to ask who gets to be remembered and who is left behind in the rarefied world of the elite. 

Mystery Book Club: The Red Canoe
Wednesday, April 17, 5:45 p.m., Downtown Library

Come check out the Hayward Library Mystery Book Club! For April's meeting, we're reading The Red Canoe by Wayne Johnson. Copies are available at both libraries, or on the Hoopla app.

Tai Chi Class at the Weekes Branch Library 太極
Friday, April 19, 11:30 a.m., Weekes Branch Library

Learn Tai Chi with Masters Li Zheng and Qin Zhou. Li Zheng is founder and the head coach of Legend Kungfu Academy. Qin Zhou has represented Wu Han University at international competitions and coached abroad in China and Japan. No experience necessary!

Sticks & String Mini Workshop: Knitting in the Round

Saturday, April 20, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Come hang out with your fellow crafty folks! Sticks & String is a group of folks who like to knit, crochet, sew, and do other things with sticks and string. This week we're hosting an open knit/crochet session. We bring our current projects to work on, and maybe a recent Finished Object or two for show-and-tell.

Sidewalk Vending Permit Workshop

Thursday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The City of Hayward is holding monthly Sidewalk Vending Permit workshops the last Thursday of each month at the Hayward Public Library. Each workshop is in two parts: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Participants should plan to attend both sessions.

Repair Coaching Clinic

Saturday, April 27, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

The Repair Coaching Clinic is a fun, community-based workshop where neighbors, friends, and families work collectively to learn how to repair broken items. We’ll provide a workspace, specialty tools, and volunteer coaches to help you troubleshoot and provide routine maintenance to your household items and appliances.

HPL Recommends: So You Think You Don't Like Poetry?

Maybe you just haven't found the right poetry yet! Try some poetry that's relevant to your lived experience. Or some "found" poetry. Or visual poetry. Or a picture book that's also a poem. Or a novel that's also a poem. There's so much verse out there in the literary universe, and at the library! Check it out:

Tenants Rights Workshop with Centro Legal
Monday, April 8, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Centro Legal Services Tenants' Rights Clinic for Hayward Tenants with legal issues or questions about their housing. Low-income, eligible tenants may receive a free legal consultation for advice about or limited assistance with their housing issues!

How to Get Help Paying Energy and Water Bills
Tuesday, April 9, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Do you need help paying energy and water bills? You may qualify for federal aid.

A representative from Spectrum Community Services will be on site to accept applications and answer questions about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  

Palo Alto VA Mobile Medical Outreach Team
Thursday, April 11, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall

The VA Palo Alto Mobile Medical Outreach Team to facilitate examinations, consultations, and referrals for veterans who are enrolled in the VA healthcare system. They will also assist veterans and their spouses, caregivers, family members, and survivors with information about veteran enrollment for VA healthcare.

Yoga at the Library

Saturday, April 13, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Unlock energy, strength, and joy in this free monthly wellness-focused class led by certified instructor Iva Chu from Hayward's Yoga Sociale. 

Library Commission Meeting

Monday, April 15, 6:30 p.m., Hayward City Hall

Get involved! Members of the public are invited to attend our monthly Library Commission Meeting. Public comments may be made live at the Commission Meeting during the open public comment periods of the Commission Meetings.

Book Sale at the New Leaf Bookstore

April 6 and 20, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Pop in to the New Leaf Bookstore on the first floor, across from the Children's Room, for some great deals! All proceeds support library programs for kids, teens, and adults.

Uke Can Do It! Beginners' Strum-Along

April 6 and 20, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Whether you're an old hand at Ukulele or have just started, you're welcome to join in on our group strum-alongs! This session is for beginners. No registration is required.

BYOU (Bring Your Own Uke)! If you don't own one, you can check one out from the Library.

Lawyer in the Library Phone Appointments

April 2, 10, and 29

Need legal help? The Lawyer in the Library program is a free legal information and referral program hosted by the Hayward Public Library and staffed by a volunteer lawyer. 

English Conversation Circles
Monday-Friday, Online and in Person at the Downtown Library

English Conversation Circles are designed for adults who are looking for a supportive and fun environment to practice their English-speaking skills. The goal is to strengthen conversational skills, while building confidence and community with other adults whose native language is not English. 

Citizenship Resources

We offer FREE 10-week Citizenship Preparation Classes, Citizenship Mock Interview Sessions, a Citizenship Corner at the Downtown Library and one online, and much more.

Tech Support Tutor Sessions
Drop-in or by appointment

Do you need some basic tech support? Tech Support Sessions are here to help. Meet one-on-one with a tutor to get assistance with basic tech issues, such as setting up your email, emailing photos, downloading an app, & more!

The Library will be CLOSED on Monday, April 1 in honor of Cesar Chavez Day

But you can use our online resources 24/7/365! Download an ebook or audiobook; stream a movie; learn a new language or how to repair your car; get help with homework or research. All you need is a Hayward library card!

Library Pro Tip: Save Money on Date Night with Your Library Card!

Use your Hayward library card to check out free and low-cost tickets to museums, science centers, zoos, theatres, and more! Search by date to see what works with your schedule, or search by venue to discover some of the Bay Area's hidden (and not-so-hidden) treasures. Check it out:

Brainfuse VetNow Writing Lab

Are you looking to improve your writing skills? Look no further than Brainfuse VetNow's Writing Lab! Whether you're crafting an email, working on essays, or simply honing your communication skills, the Brainfuse Writing Lab is here to support you every step of the way. It's never too late to sharpen your writing abilities and reach your academic and professional goals.

We've got Zip Books!

Can't find the book you need at the library? No problem! Use our new Zip Books service to have the book mailed directly to you for free, and return it to us when you're done.

This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

What else is going on at the library?

Don't just sit there wondering; visit our online event calendar! Special events, weekly and monthly programs, holiday closures, bookmobile stops... it's all in there. Check it out:

Weekes Branch
27300 Patrick Avenue
Hayward, CA 94544
510-782-2155