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 before the March 22 deadline!

The Power of Friendships with NPR Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg

Wednesday, March 6, 1:00 p.m., Online

You are invited to an intimate conversation with Nina Totenberg as she talks about her nearly fifty-year friendship with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her book Dinners With Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships. 

The Literary Corner: Normal People by Sally Rooney

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!

How to Become a Guardian
Thursday, March 14, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Are you raising grandchildren or other young children not your own? Come to this program to hear formal and informal legal options for seniors raising minor children. Learn about the probate guardianship process and discover which social service agencies support kin caregivers and which government benefits are available to caregivers of minor children.

20 Years of Dragon-Riding in YA Fantasy with International Bestselling Author Christopher Paolini
Tuesday, March 14, 1:00 p.m., Online

Join us as we chat with master storyteller and internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini about his return to the World of Eragon with Murtagh, a stunning continuation of the epic fantasy. 

Tai Chi Class at the Weekes Branch Library 太極
Friday, March 15, 11:30 a.m., Weekes Branch Library

Learn Tai Chi with Masters Li Zheng and Qin Zhou. Li Zheng is founder and the head coach of Legend Kungfu Academy. Qin Zhou has represented Wu Han University at international competitions and coached abroad in China and Japan. No experience necessary!

Free Notary Service

Saturday, March 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Certified notary Ms. Wanda Black is offering free, basic notary services such as Acknowledgement or Jurat.

Register to secure service. Drop-in service may be possible but is not guaranteed.

Sticks & String Mini Workshop: Knitting in the Round

Saturday, March 16, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Double-pointed needles seem a little dangerous? Magic loop look a little bewildering? This week we're hosting a mini workshop on knitting in the round! Pat and Judy will soothe your nerves and show you how it's done.

On Retelling Greek Classics: An Exploration of the Modern Epics with Madeline Miller
Thursday, March 21, 4:009 p.m., Online

You’re invited to a fascinating exploratory conversation with Madeline Miller, bestselling author of The Song of Achilles and Circe, as she chats with us about her body of work and her process in retelling Greek classics into modern epics in fiction. Madeline Miller is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of two novels: The Song of Achilles and Circe.

Job and Resource Fair
Saturday, March 23, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Interested in resources and career opportunities in your community? Join us at in Hayward for the Job & Resources Fair! Meet with local employers and organizations that have opportunities and resources ready for you.

Backyard Chickens

Saturday, March 30, 11:00 a.m., Downtown Library

Join us to talk about the ins and outs of having backyard chickens! From cute baby chicks and the freshest eggs you can get to required permits, this event is about the realities of having a small flock.

Presented by the Hayward Seed Lending Library.

Supporting Birds Through Climate Change

Saturday, March 30, 1:00 p.m., Downtown Library

How are birds responding to climate change and other challenges? Which breeds have been most affected, and how are local groups working to help? This program will combine highlights from the most recent U.S. State of the Birds report with personal observations from a highly active birder.

Save the date: The Literary Corner will discuss Klara and the Sun  in April!

Wednesday, April 10, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

For our April meeting we'll be reading Nobel Prize-winning British writer Kazuo Ishiguro's  novel, Klara and the Sun. Get a copy at the library, or email ricardo.antoni@hayward-ca.gov!

HPL Recommends: Women in Comics and Graphic Novels!

Just in time for Women's History Month, we've compiled a list of not-your-usual-women's-history-month reading! Superhero stories, memoirs, science fiction and fantasy, literary fiction--it's all there and it's all by and about women. Check it out:

Tenants Rights Workshop with Centro Legal
Monday, March 11, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Downtown Library

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!

How to Get Help Paying Energy and Water Bills
Tuesday, March 12, 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.  

Palo Alto VA Mobile Medical Outreach Team
Thursday, March 14, 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.

Yoga at the Library

Saturday, March 16, 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. 

Library Commission Meeting

Monday, March 18, 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.

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. 

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!

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