Fast Forward to Phonics

Fridays, 1:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Learning English? This class is perfect for beginners who want to feel more confident communicating in daily life, at work, or in the community. Understanding phonics (the sounds of words) makes reading, writing, and speaking easier.

Join us for this weekly class with author and teacher Winnie Thompson. No advance registration is required.

The Creative and Compassionate Art of Seeing Others Deeply: An Online Author Talk with David Brooks

Tuesday, January 13, 11:00 a.m., Online

Join us for an online discussion with prominent cultural writer and bestselling author David Brooks on his book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply, in which he helps us pose essential questions: If you want to know a person, what kind of attention should you cast on them? What kind of conversations should you have? What parts of a person’s story should you pay attention to?

Register today!

YA Book Club for Adults: And Don't Look Back

Tuesday, January 13, 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 YA Book Club for Adults! Each month we will read & discuss a YA book. We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

At this meeting, we'll discuss And Don't Look Back by Rachel Rebecca Barrow.

The Literary Corner: Zero Stars Do Not Recommend

Wednesday, January 14, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The Literary Corner is a monthly literary fiction book club for adults. January's book selection for reading and discussion is Zero Stars Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer.

About the book: "A smart-talking and unexpectedly moving look at human nature...As in all great satires, the humor here works because of its foundations in truth. Many stars, would recommend." - Shelf Awareness

Save Money on Transportation with HOP

Thursday, December 11, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

You or someone you love may be paying too much for transportation. Local residents with at least 70 years of age and adults with certified disabilities can receive discounted, curb-to-curb rides through Hayward Operated Paratransit, or HOP. At this event, Community Programs Specialist Kim Coulthurst will explain the HOP program, take questions, and help with applications.

Seed Library: Seed Sorting Party

Thursday, January 15, 11:00 a.m., Downtown Library

Many hands make light work! Join us monthly to sort seeds for the Seed Library. Benefits include getting to brag about your garden, getting a sneak peek at what seeds are going out soon, and making new friends.

Last year the Seed Library distributed over 5,000 little packets of seeds to the public. That’s a lotta packets! This year, we're spreading the word so many hands can make lighter work of folding and labelling packets and sorting seeds.

Intro to Granny Sqares

Granny squares seem to be everywhere these days! They're super versatile and can be worked into lots of projects, such as tote bags, ponchos, sweaters, and even as an accent panel on a pair of jeans. 

At this workshop, we'll learn how to make the basic three-color granny square. We'll also talk about variations and the many ways this humble square can be used.  

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

Chinese Medicine for Emotional and Internal Organ Health

Through acupuncture and vital energy channels, traditional Chinese medicine has charted the deep mind-body connection between our emotions and our internal organs. In this presentation, Dr. Aisha Julia Lee will teach the fundamentals of Chinese medicine in a practical and enjoyable way to share how we can dive into a deeper healing relationship with ourselves.

Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine: An Online Conversation with Journalist Julia Hotz

Tuesday, January 20, 11:00 a.m., Online

Be sure to jump start your new year with us as we chat virtually with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. The Connection Cure combines diligent science reporting, moving patient success stories, and surprising self-discovery to help us discover the lasting and life-changing power of social prescribing.

Register today!

DigitalLIFT 
面向普通话使用者的注册研讨会

In partnership with DigitalLIFT, The Hayward Library is offering a class for older adults to improve their digital literacy skills, AND these classes will be taught in Mandarin! This training is in-person and meets once a week for 4 weeks. Learners who attend all 4 classes will receive a FREE Android Tablet.

To sign up for these classes, learners must come to the registration workshop on Wednesday, January 28.

Secrets and Second Chances: An Online Author Talk with Liz Moore

Wednesday, January 28, 4:00 p.m., Online

We are thrilled to welcome Liz Moore to discuss her latest work, The God of the Woods, an instant New York Times bestseller and one of NPR’s 2024 “Books We Love” highlights.

Join us in conversation with Liz as we embark on a tale of thrilling twists and disturbing disappearances. Register today to “enter the woods,” if you dare! 

HPL Recommends: Digital Detox

Want to disconnect from social media, limit screen time, and reduce your reliance on tech, social media, and screens? Check these books out:

Mobile Health Clinic
Friday, January 9 & 23, 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.,  In front of the Downtown Library

The mobile health clinic offers free, friendly medical and dental services for people without housing.

First come, first served. No appointment required; just come to the van parked in front of the library on Mission Blvd. between the City Hall Garage and C Street.

Services are provided by Alameda Health System in partnership with Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless. 

Spectrum Community Services Tabling: Apply for Help Paying Your Power Bill
Tuesday, January 13, 2:00-4:00 p.m.,  Downtown Library

Do you need help paying your power bill? 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 (LIHEAP) assistance program. LIHEAP helps qualified households with a one-time-per-program-year payment on their energy bill. 

Google Workspace Workshop
Saturday, January 17, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.,  Downtown Library

Do you want to learn how to use computer programs like Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Google Slides? Participate in a Google Workspace Workshop! In these workshops, you will learn how to use one of the programs mentioned above to accomplish specific tasks. 

Registration is required once a year for this drop-in program; first come, first served.

Yoga at the Library

Unlock energy, strength, and joy in this wellness-focused class led by certified instructor Iva Chu. 

Please arrive a few minutes early and dressed for stretching. Mats provided, but if you have your own, please bring it.

Though the class is appropriate for all levels of yoga experience, many of the poses require balance and the ability to move from standing to floor-based stretches without assistance.

Book Sale

1st and 3rd Saturdays, 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! Strum-Along
Saturday, January 24, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Whether you are an old hand at Ukulele or have just started, you're welcome to join in on our group strum-alongs! Folks at all skill levels are invited and no registration is required.

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

Digital Media Lab Open Hours

Wednesdays, 2:00-6:00 p.m., Downtown Library

The Digital Media Lab is a space to create, play, and learn using digital creation equipment and software at the library. For new creators and seasoned pros alike, equipment will be available to use for free. Reservations will be available and are recommended.

Basic English Class

Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Everyone wants and needs to be able to read, write and speak well. Understanding phonics (the sounds of words) makes reading, writing, and speaking easier and provides the opportunity to communicate ideas and knowledge.

Small group of learners will begin by learning to read, write, and pronounce the letters in the alphabet. Then we’ll include vocabulary words and grammar.

English Conversation Circles
Online and in person at the Downtown Library and the Weekes Branch; see the schedule below

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!

Community Hub
Various days and times, Downtown Library

The Community Hub is offered by Hayward Public Library in partnership with Hayward Promise Neighborhoods. It is a full-service, one-stop resource center for patrons to access City of Hayward and community partner services.

Service providers include 4Cs of Alameda County, La Familia, Fresh Food for Families, and more. Check out our schedule for more info!

Library Hours Have Been Reduced to Help Close the City of Hayward Budget Deficit

We're reducing operating hours and eliminating Hoopla and Kanopy as part of citywide cost cutting to close a multi-million-dollar City of Hayward budget deficit.

We've received requests from the public asking how they can share their feedback with local government officials about the City's current budget challenges and protecting Library services. For more information on how to send a comment to the City Council or participate in a City Council meeting, please visit the City's webpage at bit.ly/coh-council.

Library Pro Tip: Discover new places to go on a date 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