A Virtual Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats
Wednesday, October 2, 11:00 a.m., Online

For decades, scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have studied the remarkable biodiversity of bats on Barro Colorado Island in Panama, where an astonishing seventy-six species coexist. Now, for the first time, Smithsonian scientists’ expertise pairs with the stunning photography of National Geographic contributor Christian Ziegler for a captivating visual journey into the fascinating world of these elusive night creatures.

Oktoberfest at the Library

Saturday, October 5, 1:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us for an authentic Bavarian folk dance performance by Stephen and Nancy of San Francisco's German Club Dance Group! They will be showcasing traditional German dances and will teach the audience some basic dance steps. This is a wonderful opportunity for kids/parents and everyone to experience Bavarian culture and enjoy a fun-filled time together!

Silent Book Club
Saturday, October 5, 3:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Looking for some companionable time to read and maybe chat about what you're reading? Join us for Silent Book Club! It's like a book club but no pressure to read a specific book and plenty of time to just read with other people who love to read too.

YA Book Club for Adults: We Are Not Free

Tuesday, October 8, 6:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Are you an adult (18 or older) who still loves to read teen/young adult (YA) literature? Join our new YA Book Club for Adults! At this meeting, we'll discuss We Are Not Free by Traci Chee. 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.

Liberating Latin American Genre Fiction: An Online Conversation with Bestselling Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Tuesday, September 10, 11:00 a.m., Online

You’re invited to free your mind with the highly acclaimed Silvia Moreno-Garcia, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of several novels including Mexican Gothic, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, Gods of Jade and Shadow, and many more! Join us as Moreno-Garcia chats with us about Latin American Genre fiction, her writing process and journey, as well as her newest book The Seventh Veil of Salome. Register now! 

The Literary Corner: Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach

Wednesday, October 9, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

A novel both timely and prophetic, Ernest Callenbach’s Ecotopia is a hopeful antidote to the environmental concerns of today, set in an ecologically sound future society. Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as the “newest name after Wells, Verne, Huxley, and Orwell,” Callenbach offers a visionary blueprint for the survival of our planet . . . and our future.

Copies of this title are available for checkout from the library's collection. Questions? Email Ricardo Antoni at ricardo.antoni@hayward-ca.gov

Scams Targeting Veterans

Thursday, October 10, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us to learn to recognize common scams targeting veterans. Spot red flags before it's too late and find out where to report scams and where to get help. Develop these skills for your own benefit or so you can help others who may be vulnerable.  

Legal and Health Insights is a series of programs for older adults. Look for new programs at 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.

Planting California Natives, a Master Gardener Lecture
Saturday, October 12, 11:00 a.m., Downtown Library

Full sun all day, or hardly any? Clay soil or sandy? Trying to attract bees or to discourage deer? California native plants are excellent choices for your garden! Come join us and an Alameda County Master Gardener for a discussion of the whats, whys, and hows of planting California natives.

Presented by the Hayward Seed Lending Library

Make a Milagro Workshop

Saturday, October 12, 1:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join artist Rachel-Anne Palacios as she discusses the Day of the Dead and make your own Day of the Dead-themed tin art, a milagro, to take home! 

This free program is for adults and teens ages 13 and up. Registration is required. 

Book Folding for Beginners

Saturday, October 12, 2:00 p.m., Weekes Branch

Give a used book a makeover! Join us at the Weekes Branch to learn the basics of book folding and get started on your first project. All materials will be provided. Class will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m.; please be on time!

Mystery Book Club: Nice Girls
Wednesday, October 16, 5:45 p.m., Downtown Library

This month we'll be discussing Nice Girls by Catherine Dang.

"When their estranged brother, jazz musician and social activist Markus Peña, is found murdered, sisters Melinda and Emily Peña seek to unravel the truth, but must first face their own demons."

Drive safer and longer with these tips and strategies from the California Highway Patrol. This 2-hour course is intended for drivers with a minimum age of 55. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate that may result in discounts from some insurers. Please check with your insurer before enrolling. 

Sticks & String Mini Workshop: Making Half-Grannies

Saturday, October 19, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Come hang out with your fellow crafty folks! This week Jan will demonstrate how to crochet a triangular half-granny square. These are super useful in garment construction and as a base for a triangular shawl! 

All ability levels welcome. No registration required, and you don't need a library card to attend. Just drop in! And feel free to bring a friend.

Fixit Clinic
Saturday, October 19, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Fixit 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.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: An Online Conversation with Lori Gottlieb

Tuesday, October 22, 11:00 a.m., Online

Every year, nearly 30 million Americans sit on a therapist’s couch—and some of these patients are therapists. In her remarkable book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Lori Gottlieb tells us that despite her license and rigorous training, her most significant credential is that she’s a card-carrying member of the human race. We invite you to join us as Gottlieb shares her wisdom on examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves to help us break through what is holding us back and getting in the way of living the life we desire.

Citizenship Application Clinic
Saturday, October 26, 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

In collaboration with Immigrant Hope, we're hosting this event for those who need assistance in filling out the N400 citizenship application form. Get professional guidance to ensure your citizenship application form is completed accurately. Legal advice from an immigration lawyer is available.

Spaces are limited; register ASAP to secure your spot.

HPL Recommends: Spook Yourself

If you like to sit down with a cup of tea and a ghost story that will give you bad dreams, this is your reading list! Some folks say that reading scary stories is a way of processing fear in a safe place. We say... who knows what's really there beyond the veil...?

Friends of Hayward Library Book Sales

Saturdays, October 5 and 19, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Every first and third Saturday of the month, the Friends Bookstore on the first floor is open and filled with bargains! All proceeds fund library activities, programs, and collections.

Tenants' Rights Workshop

Monday, October 7, 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.

To reserve a spot, call 510-437-1554 or email tenantsrights@centrolegal.org

How to Get Help Paying Energy Bills
Tuesday, October 8, 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).  

Palo Alto Mobile Medical Outreach Team

Thursday, October 10, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall

Hayward Public Library will host the Palo Alto VA Mobile Medical Outreach Team & Partners to facilitate examinations, consultations, toxic exposure screenings, 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, October 12, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

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

Please arrive dressed for stretching. Mats provided.

Hayward Library Commission Meeting

Monday, October 21, 6:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Get involved! Members of the public are invited to attend our monthly Library Commission Meeting. You are also invited to submit any written comments via email to Library@Hayward-ca.gov by noon (12:00 PM) the day of the meeting.

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. 

French Conversation Circles
Fridays at 4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

French Conversation Circles provide a supportive environment to practice your French speaking skills. Facilitated by a French speaker who will select study materials, guide conversation, and answer questions, the circle is designed to provide the opportunity to read and listen to documents from French-speaking countries as well as speak to one another in French. Beginners and all levels are welcome to attend.

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!

Google Suite Workshop for Beginners
Alternate Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Downtown Library

Do you want to learn how to use computer programs like Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Google Slides? Participate in a Google Suite Workshop! You'll learn how to use one of the programs mentioned above to accomplish specific tasks. 

These workshops are drop-in but registration is recommended, since space is limited.

Typing Club

Alternate Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Downtown Library

Do you need to improve your keyboard skills? Join our Typing Club! Practice your keyboard skills and improve your typing speed and accuracy. With the guidance of a dedicated volunteer tutor, access different online programs and resources to improve your typing skills.

The library will be closed on Monday, October 14 in honor of Indigenous Peoples' 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