Meet the Author: Nidhi Chanani

Saturday, January 20, 11:00 a.m., Downtown Library

Kids, teens, and adults: join us to meet local children’s author Nidhi Chanani & hear about her latest graphic novel, Super Boba Café!

First in a series, Super Boba Café is a sweet and magical graphic novel about a secret teashop, an earthquake-causing monster, and an unforgettable summer.

In the fog-laden hills of San Francisco sits a sleepy independent boba café. Run by Jing Li and guarded by her kitty, Bao, it comfortably fades into the background. But inside the boba café, there’s a secret. Jing is the keeper of the monster of San Francisco. Each day she spends nine hours preparing one giant bobato feed it.

When Jing’s granddaughter, Aria, comes to stay with her for the summer, she makes it her mission to turn the café around. Aria is quickly aided by Bao, who gives birth to eight perfect kittens. Aria spreads the news of the boba cat café on social media and overnight it is overrun with excited customers. Each day Nainai Li (Grandma Li) finds reasons to close the café, but the demand only increases.

When she opens, the hill monster is left hungry and small earthquakes begin to plague the city. When Aria secretly follows her nainai to the hill monster’s cave, she isn’t sure what awaits. Will Aria be able to reason with the monster, or will she become its new favorite meal? Or might she disturb its underground existence and cause the Big One ?

About the author:

Nidhi Chanani is a freelance illustrator, cartoonist and writer. Born in Calcutta and raised in suburban southern California, Nidhi creates because it makes her happy – with the hope that it can make others happy, too.

Her debut graphic novel, Pashmina, released in fall 2017. It received starred reviews in the School Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly, and was a YALSA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens. Her second original graphic novel, Jukebox, released in June 2021, was also a YALSA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

Please join us to meet Ms. Chanani and hear about her new book and her creative process! Her books will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of Books on B.

Learn More

Just for Kids

Research Games with CoDe Lab (for ages 4-7)

Wednesday, January 24, 2:00 p.m., Weekes Branch Library

Play research games with scientists from CoDe Lab. Help science and win prizes!

This program is for kids age 4-7.

Learn More

Frankenstuffie Workshop for Tweens

Friday, January 26, 3:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Warning: some stuffed toys will be harmed during this workshop!

Let out your inner mad scientist and get creative! Frankenstuffies are hybrid creations sewn together from bits and pieces of two or more bound-for-the-landfill stuffed creatures. They can be cute or creepy, artistic or awful, or all of the above.

Ages 9-13 only. Advance registration required.

Winter Storytime Schedule

We're in our winter schedule now! We have standard storytimes in English, Mandarin, and Spanish/English bilingual, as well as movement-based ones. There will be storytimes either downtown or at the Weekes Branch every day, including Saturdays; we'll be taking a break in mid-to-late December. Check out the schedule:

Storytime Schedule

Homework Support Centers

Various days and locations

Kids in grades K-12 can get FREE homework help in a safe, welcoming environment! Volunteer tutors assist students with all homework needs in small groups. There are Homework Support Centers at the Downtown Library and Weekes Branch as well as some HUSD campuses.

Learn More

Just for Teens

Teen Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting

Wednesday, January 3, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

What's TAG? A group of teens that meets once a month to give feedback about the library and plan library events! TAG participants get to have a say in what the library offers for teens and gain leadership experience that looks great on college & job applications.

Learn More

Teen Craft Workshop: Fusible Beads

Wednesday, January 10, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Come make a keychain, bracelet, or other small item using fusible beads (also called Perler beads)! We’ll have templates available or you can create your own design. All supplies provided.

All teens ages 13 - 17 welcome! No registration required.

Learn More

Teen Poetry Workshop

Wednesday, January 17, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Are you a poetry writer, or do you want to get started with poetry? Meet up with other teen poets to get inspired & workshop your poetry--all levels welcome! This event is presented in partnership by the Hayward Library, Hayward Arts Council, and Hayward Youth Poet Laureate.

Learn More

Teen Craft Workshop: Book Jar

Wednesday, January 24, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Trying to read more this year? Make a TBR (“to be read”) jar full of book titles to help you decide what to read next & meet your goal of reading more in 2024! Decorate your jar with washi tape, stickers, and more. All supplies provided.

All teens ages 13 - 17 welcome! No registration required.

Learn More

Teen Volunteers Wanted

Apply to become a Student Friend of Hayward Library! We're accepting applications for Children's Room Helpers and Volunteer Book Reviewers.

Learn More & Apply

Homework Resources

Various days and locations, in person and online

Got homework? We can help! If you can get to the library after school, you can get free in-person help at the Homework Support Center. If you can't make it to the library, never fear! We have tons of free online resources, including databases for research and live help at tutor.com. All you need is a Hayward library card.

Learn More

Announcements

The library will be closed on Monday, January 15 in honor of Martin Luther King 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!

Learn More & Get Started

We're taking a break!

There will be no storytimes or children's library programs from December 18 through January 6. Meanwhile, check out our just-for-kids offerings online: Lote4Kids, Tumblebook Library, ABCMouse, and Dial-A-Story.

Learn More & Get Started

Curbie is Coming

Lots of times and places! Check our schedule.

Our bookmobile, affectionately known as Curbie, is coming to a neighborhood near you. When Curbie is there, you can check out books and movies, play games, get a new library card, and more!

Schedule

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:

Event Calendar

Library Hours
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.