Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity: Online Author Talk with Award-Winning Journalist Joseph Lee

Wednesday, November 5, 11:00 a.m., Online

You’re invited to learn from journalist and author Joseph Lee as he chats online with us about his stirring memoir, Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity. In it, he explores Indigenous identity in proximity to land that serves as an iconic vacationing spot for the wealthy–the “island paradise” Martha’s Vineyard.

Programa Presencial: Taller de empoderamiento financiero: Gana confianza con tu dinero

Primer sesión: lunes, 10 de noviembre, 4:30-6:30 p.m., biblioteca central

El dinero impacta cada aspecto de nuestras vidas: la familia, los sueños y los negocios. En este taller, obtendrás herramientas prácticas para manejar tu dinero con confianza y claridad. ¡Únase con Centro Community Partners en esta programa presencial de 4 sesiones!  

The Literary Corner: The Trackers

Wednesday, November 12, 5:45 p.m., Downtown Library

The Literary Corner is a monthly literary fiction book club for adults. November's selection is The Trackers by Cold Mountain author Charles Frazier.

About the book: "Hurtling past the downtrodden communities of Depression-era America, painter Val Welch travels westward to the rural town of Dawes, Wyoming. Through a stroke of luck, he’s landed a New Deal assignment to create a mural representing the region for their new Post Office ... In The Trackers, singular American writer Charles Frazier conjures up the lives of everyday people during an extraordinary period of history that bears uncanny resemblance to our own." — Barnes & Noble

Medicare and Annual Enrollment: Changes in 2026

Thursday, November 13, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2026. Find out what they are, and decide whether they impact the plan that makes sense for you. 

If you want to shift your plan, you need to do that before the Annual Enrollment window closes December 7. That means now is the perfect time to get educated and to pose questions to our highly informed presenter. 

Programming for this event is provided by Legal Assistance for Seniors. 

The Search for Truth and the Persistence of Love Across Time: Online Author Talk with Novelist Amanda Peters

Thursday, November 13, 4:00 p.m., Online

Join us in an online conversation with acclaimed writer Amanda Peters as we discuss her instant bestselling novel, The Berry Pickers.

Influenced by Peters’ own Mi’kmaq heritage, The Berry Pickers is a riveting exploration of family, grief, and the bonds we share. It's an intimate portrait of race, love, and loneliness–and the power of forgiveness. Register now to take part in the discussion!

Sticks & String Knitting & Crochet Circle

Come hang out with your fellow crafty folks! Sticks & String is a group of folks who like to knit, crochet, sew, and do other things with sticks and string.

This week we're hosting a mini workshop: Knitted Washcloths! You will learn how to knit a washcloth using Michelle Krause’s free pattern, the Copycat Dishcloth. This is an easy project and appropriate for beginner knitters.

Seed Library Program Series: Using Herbs

Not sure to do with all the herbs you've grown in your garden? Join us for a delicious Master Gardener talk on using herbs you've grown in your garden! Come to this talk to learn about different ways of using herbs for cooking, in tea, and more.

Jane Austen Book Discussion: Persuasion

You are cordially invited to a discussion of Jane Austen's novel, Persuasion.

At age 27, Miss Anne Elliot is no longer young and has few romantic prospects. Years earlier, a friend reluctantly persuaded her to break off an engagement to the man she deeply loved, Frederick Wentworth, a handsome naval captain with neither rank, title, nor fortune. Now, eight years later, they reencounter each other. What will happen? Does true love ever die?

Unlock the Secret Language of Connection: Online Author Talk with Supercommunicator Charles Duhigg

Tuesday, November 18, 11:00 a.m., Online

Get yourself primed for the holiday season and join us for an online conversation you won't want to miss! Charles Duhigg, author of the bestselling books The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better, presents the ultimate guide on how to communicate and connect with anyone at work, home, and in life in his latest work, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. 

 Register now to take part in the discussion!

YA Book Club for Adults: Everything We Never Had

Tuesday, November 18, 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! 

At this meeting we'll discuss Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay. Visit the library to check out a copy of the book, or check the Libby or Hoopla apps for audiobook/ebook availability. 

Feel free to attend even if you haven't finished the book!

Book Folding Class

Friday, October 10, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Weekes Branch

Learn how to turn a donated book into art: join us at the Weekes Branch Library on the 3rd Wednesday of every month for our book folding class!

No skills or previous experience required! The library will provide used books for folding and teach you how to do it. You can also bring your own book to fold if you like.

No registration required; drop in!

Mystery Book Club: These Toxic Things

Downtown Library: Wednesday, November 19, 5:45 p.m.

Weekes Branch: Thursday, November 20, 11:30 a.m.

Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of every month for Mystery Book Club! This month we're reading These Toxic Things by Rachel Howzell Hall:

"Mickie Lambert creates 'digital scrapbooks' for clients, ensuring that precious souvenirs aren’t forgotten or lost. When her latest client... dies from an apparent suicide, Mickie honors the old woman's last wish and begins curating her peculiar objets d'art... But these tokens mean a lot to someone else, too..."

Backyard Birding

Saturday, November 22, 1:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Find out what you need to know about backyard birds. Should you feed them? If so, what? What about cats, rats, and other animals that come for the birds or their dinner? Learn tips about how to set up outdoor cameras and discover how you can help birds and scientists by joining the 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count in February.

Register now to reserve your spot!

HPL Recommends: Resist! A History of Protest Movements in the United States

Find out how Americans has peacefully pushed back against racism, war and political extremism in the United States since 1776. All books available at your Hayward Public Library. Check them out!

Silent Book Club
Saturday, November 1, 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 with no pressure to read a specific book and plenty of time to just quietly read with other people who love to read.

P.S. The Silent Book Club organization is 10 years old this month! Learn more about it and join the celebration with a global readathon, giveaways, limited edition swag, and more.

Open Sewing

Pants need hemming? Have a project you started but never finished? Drop in to use the library's sewing machines! 

This is an open sewing event, we will have staff and volunteers who can give advice, but this is not a class or project. Space is limited; first come, first served! You can also access sewing machines at the library during Makerspace open hours. 

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.

Tenants' Rights Workshop

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

Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship will be established at this event.

VA Palo Alto Health Care Medical Outreach Team & Partners
Friday, November 14, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall

Hayward Public Library will host the VA Palo Alto Health Care Medical Outreach Team & Partners to facilitate examinations, consultations, toxic exposure screenings, and referrals for veterans who are enrolled in the VA healthcare system. 

The event will take place at the Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall located at 22737 Main St. Other veteran and community organizations will also be present to provide information on other veteran resources and services.  

Mobile Health Clinic
Friday, November 14, 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The mobile health clinic offers free, friendly medical 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. 

Library Commission Meeting (Open to Public)
Monday, November 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Get involved! Members of the public are invited to attend our monthly Library Commission Meeting. For more information about our Commission, please click here.

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
Every other Saturday, 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!

The library will be closed on Monday, November 11 for Veterans Day

But you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks, stream movies, learn a new language, and so much more at our "virtual branch," 24/7/365! Check it out:

The library will be closed from Monday, November 24 through Saturday, November 29 for Thanksgiving Week

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