Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I: An Online Author Talk with Douglas Brunt

Wednesday, May 1, 12:00 noon, Online

Join us as we chat with New York Times bestselling author, Douglas Brunt, about instant bestselling debut non-fiction work The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I. This book reveals the hidden history of Rudolf Diesel, one of the world’s greatest inventors, and his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I. 

YA Book Club for Adults: Clap When You Land

Tuesday, May 7, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Are you an adult (18 or older) who loves to read teen/young adult (YA) literature? Join our new book club! At this first meeting, we'll talk about Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo. Visit the library to check out a copy of the book, or download the ebook or audiobook for free on the Hoopla app with your Hayward Library card!

The Literary Corner: The King Is Always Above the People by Daniel Alarcón

Wednesday, May 8, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

For our April meeting we'll be reading Daniel Alarcón's novel, The King Is Always Above the People. Get a copy at the library, or email ricardo.antoni@hayward-ca.gov.

A Murder Mystery, Family Story, & Love Letter to Strong Women Everywhere: Online Author Talk with Nina Simon
Wednesday, May 8, 4:00 p.m., Online

Nothing brings a family together like a murder next door. You’re invited to join Nina Simon online as she chats about her lighthearted whodunnit about a grandmother-mother-daughter trio of amateur sleuths, Mother-Daughter Murder Night. 

Spot Scams / Stay Safe

Thursday, May 9, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Learn how to recognize scams and steer clear of schemes targeting seniors. Find out where to report fraud and where to get help. Bring your questions and have them answered by a friendly representative from Legal Assistance for Seniors. 

The Three Sisters: A Master Gardener Lecture
Saturday, May 11, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Downtown Library

A great way to learn about companion planting, a Three Sisters Garden follows the Native American tradition of planting corn, pole beans, and squash closely together to allow all three easy-to-grow vegetables to benefit from their proximity to another.

Mystery Book Club: The Plot is Murder
Wednesday, May 15, 5:45 p.m., Downtown Library

Come check out the Hayward Library Mystery Book Club! For the month of May, we will be discussing The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns. This is book one in the Mystery Bookshop series. Stop by either library to pick up a copy of this month's selection or borrow on Libby or Hoopla.

Sticks & String: Crocheting Circles Mini Workshop

Saturday, May 18 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

This month Sticks & String is hosting a mini workshop on how to crochet flat circles. Crocheting a flat circle is a handy technique which is often used in making toys, hats, blankets, and even fancy doilies. Come and find out some tricks and tips on making the perfect flat crocheted circle! Plan on bringing some worsted-weight yarn and appropriate hooks.

Discusión de libros en español <<Nuestra Parte De Noche>>

Sábado 18 de mayo, 2:00 p.m., en la Biblioteca del Centro Pública de Hayward

Acompañe al Concejal de Hayward y profesor de Español Francisco Zermeño en una discusión del libro <<Nuestra Parte De Noche>> de Maríana Enríquez. Para más información o para obtener una copia del libro, póngase en contacto con Héctor Villaseñor al 510-881-7974 - hector.villasenor@hayward-ca.gov.  

Kung Fu & Music Spectactular

Saturday, May 18, 3:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The Hayward Public Library is excited to present an exceptional showcase of Kung Fu and Guzheng in celebration of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Come join us!

Asian American Representation in Literature: An Online Author Talk with Rebecca F. Kuang

Tuesday, May 21, 4:00 p.m., Online

We welcome you to register for a thrilling conversation with Rebecca F. Kuang (R.F. Kuang) as she chats with us about her New York Times bestselling novel, Yellowface. Yellowface grapples with questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media.

HPL Recommends: Mental Health in Music, Movies, Art, and Politics

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. One thing to be aware of is how different our culture and our world would be without all the folks who struggle with their mental health. Celebrities, famous artists, and even great leaders on the world stage have dealt with depression, bipolar, substance addiction, and more. Check it out:

Yoga at the Library

Saturday, May 11, 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. 

Free Notary Service

Saturday, May 11, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Downtown Library

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

Advance registration is require.

Tenants Rights Workshop with Centro Legal
Monday, May 13, 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 Bills
Tuesday, May 14, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Do you need help paying energy 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).  

Library Commission Meeting

Monday, May 20, 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.

Sidewalk Vending Permit Workshop

Thursday, May 30 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.

Palo Alto VA Mobile Medical Outreach Team
Thursday, May 9, 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.

Book Sale at the New Leaf Bookstore

May 4 and 18, 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

May 11 and 25, 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

May 7, 14, 18, and 20

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, May 27 in honor of Memorial 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