Would you like to be Hayward's next Poet Laureate?

The City of Hayward is searching for someone who celebrates the spirit of Hayward and portrays the diversity of our community and its potential through poetry to become our new Poet Laureate. The Hayward Poet Laureate is an ambassador representing the City in the local literary arts community and representing poetry in the wider arts community.

If you're a Hayward resident 18 years or older and you think this sounds like you, we invite you to submit an application!

Lunar New Year Show 龍騰虎躍慶新年

Saturday, February 3, 11:30 a.m., Downtown Library

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Hayward Public Library extends a warm invitation to the entire community for a special performance. Thanks to the generous support from Friends of the Library, we are able to feature two cultural groups this year!

Seed Starting Workshop

Saturday, February 3, 11:00 a.m., Downtown Library

Come join us for a hands-on seed starting workshop! We’ll be planting some seeds and talking about how to care for them indoors until they can be planted outdoors.

Presented by the Hayward Seed Lending Library.

How to Hire a Caregiver
Thursday, February 8, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Would you or a loved one benefit from the support of a caregiver? Learn how to hire a caregiver and to keep that person employed. Understand the differences between hiring through an agency and other methods, and discover possible sources for payment.

Spice, Spirit, and Swoon: Online Talk with Rom-Com Author Tessa Bailey

Thursday, February 8, 5:00 p.m., Online

Join us as the #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey talks about the launch of her new super hot sports romance duology with a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan in her new book Fangirl Down. Registration is required; you can stream it anywhere!

Mystery Book Club: Mango, Mambo, and Murder
Tuesday, February 13, 5:45 p.m., Weekes Branch Library

Moving from New York to Coral Shores, Miami, food anthropologist Miriam gets a short-term job as a Caribbean cooking expert on a Spanish-language morning TV show, which sets the stage for murder—one that could be the recipe for her own death. 

The Literary Corner: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

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

For our February meeting we'll be reading Curtis Sittenfeld's novel, Romantic Comedy. Get a copy at the library, or email ricardo.antoni@hayward-ca.gov!

Sticks & String 4th Annual Yarn Swap

Saturday, February 17, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Got excess stash you want to keep out of the landfill? Or maybe you don't have quite enough for that cute scrappy project? Join Sticks & String for our 4th annual yarn swap! Bring your clean, untangled yarn and supplies and swap them for something new-to-you.

Exploring Identity, Love, and Being Black in America in Fiction Writing: An Online Conversation with Award-Winning Author Jason Mott
Tuesday, February 20, 1:00 p.m., Online

You’re invited to join us as we talk to New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott about his recent novel Hell of a Book. This magnificent work of fiction is deeply honest, at times electrically funny, and is a book that goes to the heart of racism, police violence, and the hidden costs exacted upon Black Americans and America as a whole.

Age Well / Drive Smart

Thursday, February 22, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

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. Advance registration required.

Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity: An Author Talk with Kim Scott
Wednesday, February 28, 11:00 a.m., Online

Why is feedback so difficult, and how can we make it easier? The idea is simple: You don't have to choose between being a pushover and a jerk. New York Times bestselling author Kim Scott will explain the Radical Candor feedback framework and how you can practice it today.

Save the Date: The Literary Corner will discuss Normal People in March!

Wednesday, March13, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

For our March meeting we'll be reading Sally Rooney's novel, Normal People. Get a copy at the library, or email ricardo.antoni@hayward-ca.gov!

HPL Recommends: How Long 'til Black Future Month? Afrofuturism, Africanfuturism, and Africanjujuism

Afrofuturism is a genre that combines science-fiction, alternate history, magical realism, and fantasy to explore the African-American experience and aims to connect those from the black diaspora with their African ancestry. Related generes Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism are rooted in Africa, not African Americans in western society. Check out what we've got at the library:

Yoga at the Library

Saturday, February 3, 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. 

Book Sale at the New Leaf Bookstore

February 3 and 17, 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

February 3 and 17, 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

February 6, 14, and 24

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. 

Palo Alto VA Mobile Medical Outreach Team
Thursday, February 8, 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.

How to Get Help Paying Energy and Water Bills
Tuesday, February 13, 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 (LIHEAP) and Household Water (LIHWAP) assistance programs.  

Library Commission Meeting

Monday, February 26, 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.

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, February 12 in honor of Lincoln's Birthday and on Monday, February 19 in honor of President's 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