Jungle James Animal Adventures

Thursday, July 17, 12:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Jungle James brings the jungle to the library to spark your imagination and fuel your curiosity! He will teach you about each animal's habitat, habits, and unique features. A subset of lucky audience members will actually get to touch some of the animals! Join us for face-to-face experiences with some of the coolest species on the planet. 

This is a free program in partnership with the California State Library's Lunch at the Library program.

Cunamacué: Afro-Peruvian Music

Saturday, July 19, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

This interactive show for all ages is a journey through Afro-Peruvian rhythms. The audience will actively participate and live the experience of entering a part of Afro-Peruvian culture. They will hear instruments and their history, and will have a chance to play them. Audiences will see dances such as the Zamacueca, Zapateo, and Festejo, and learn dance movements, concepts, and how to use props such as the handkerchiefs used for Zamacueca.

Sponsored by the Friends of Hayward Library.

Illuminating Hope and Grace in the Face of Hardship with Rex Ogle (5th-8th Grade)

Wednesday, July 23, 1:00 p.m., Online

You and your kids in grades 5-8 are invited to join us online with award-winning author Rex Ogle as he talks to viewers about his struggles to navigate sixth grade as written about in his book Free Lunch. Free Lunch is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Rex’s voice is compelling and authentic, and Free Lunch is a true, timely, and essential work that illuminates the lived experience of poverty in America.

Register now to join the conversation!

Codeward: Make Your Own Chase Game

Friday, July 25, 1:00-2:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Learn how to make games and animations with Scratch! No prior experience required. Bring your creativity to life on screen using simple drag-and-drop blocks. In this fun, beginner-friendly program, kids age 8-12 will turn their ideas into projects while building problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. led by the dynamic team from Codeward!

This session’s project: Make Your Own Chase Game! Scratch accounts will be provided by the educators. 

Registration is required.

Lunch at the Library

Through Friday, July 18; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Free lunch, books and more for kids! All kids under 18 are welcome to participate. Lunch and activities are free.

No sign-up, application, income verification, or identification needed. Meals are served to all children on a first come, first served basis.

Lunch at the Library is provided in partnership with Hayward Public Library, California State Library, Hayward Unified School District, and Lunch at the Library, through the USDA Food Service Program.

Summer Storytime Schedule

Our summer storytime schedule is here! Tap the "Schedule" button to see when to bring your little ones for stories, songs, and fun!

HPL Recommends: ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List

The American Library Association's Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table is sharing the nominations for the 2024 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List. These reading list nominations highlight the best graphic novels for children aged 5 – 12 years old, published in late 2023 through 2024, and it aims to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of diverse comics creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections.

Online Author Talk: Discerning the Truth with Marie Lu

Thursday, July 17, 1:00 p.m., Online

Explore the intricate world of Legend with Marie Lu as she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and reveal hidden secrets. Explore the depths of deceit, battle for power, and the lengths characters will go to unmask the Truth. Readers will devour Marie Lu’s words as they are challenged to think critically about the world around them and reminded to never judge a book by its cover.

Register now for an event you don’t want to miss!

College Admissions Essay Workshop

Saturday, July 19, 3:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us for a short, free informational session on college admissions essays!

Led by professional writing tutor Sara Schupack. Participants will have the opportunity to sign up for a free 1-on-1 session.

This workshop will cover how to plan & start your essay, how to organize your essay, polishing your essay, and managing the wait.

For teens ages 13+. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend with their child. 

Teen Tuesday: Book Bedazzling

Tuesday, July 22, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

This week's Teen Tuesday is book bedazzling! Bring your favorite book and decorate it using our supply of rhinestones! 

No book to bring? No problem! We’ll have a small amount of free books for you to use. First come, first served.

No registration required. 

LGBTQIA+ Youth Drop-In Space

Monday, July 28, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Downtown Library

A safe & affirming space to access resources, engage in learning activities, and build community! Join us for different activities once a month at the library. 

Hosted by Lambda Youth Project.

Teen Tuesday: Movie & Craft

Tuesday, July 29, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

This week's Teen Tuesday is a movie showing & craft session! Drop by to watch A Minecraft Movie! We'll also have supplies to make something with perler beads while you watch. 

No registration required. All supplies provided.

HPL Recommends: Teen Fiction About Immigrant Experiences

Check out these teen novels that highlight immigrant experiences! These books are geared towards teens but can be enjoyed by adults too. Click on each book to learn more.

All are welcome at Hayward Public Library!

Take the Summer Reading Challenge

Through August 2

It's not too late to register online or download the Beanstack app to take the Summer Reading Challenge! Kids, teens, and adults can sign up to log their reading and win fabulous prizes. It's easy! Sign up below or download Beanstack Tracker.

Got bored kids?

We can help! Use your Hayward Library card and Discover & Go to get free and discount tickets to tons of Bay Area attractions including the California Academy of Sciences, the Bay Area Discovery Museum, and more! Check it out:

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!

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