Meet the Author: Kyla Zhao!

Saturday, February 22, 1:00 p.m.

Join award-winning Silicon Valley author Kyla Zhao in person for an engaging discussion about her new middle-grade novel, May the Best Player Win. This exciting story offers a family-friendly twist on The Queen’s Gambit and is perfect for readers aged 8-12. After the talk, you’ll have the chance to purchase a copy of her book and get it personally autographed.

Registration is recommended to secure your place!

About the book:

The game is on in this fun-filled middle grade debut about chess, girl power, and performance anxiety in sports, perfect for fans of Kelly Yang and Celia C. Pérez!

The clock is ticking for May Li, whose middle-school chess team just earned a victory at the state championship—and with it, a ticket to nationals. What’s even more exciting is that May got an award for being the top female player and a splashy feature in the biggest chess magazine in the country.

May should be thrilled. But some of her teammates, including her supposed-to-be-friend Ralph, aren’t too pleased with the attention she’s getting—and they’re even questioning her skills. Backed into a corner, but not one to back down, May makes a move as bold as any of her chess tactics: She bets Ralph she can win the school’s internal tournament and be chosen as team captain for nationals.

The crown is May’s for the taking . . . except she’s starting to crumble under the weight of everyone’s expectations. Anxious feelings begin to affect her performance and, what’s worse, eat away at her love for the game. Now May is left to wonder: Can you still play for fun when you’re playing to win?

About the author:

After graduating from Stanford University in 2021, Kyla Zhao is a Silicon Valley techie by day and an author by night. Her books have been featured by CBS, NBC, Good Morning America, Vogue, Elle, Buzzfeed, South China Morning Post, and more. Kyla was also selected as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Tatler Leader of Tomorrow, and awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the California State Assembly for her contributions to Asian media representation. While she writes for various age groups and in various genres, her books all star women and girls of color challenging stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

This program is funded by the Friends of Hayward Library.

Just for Kids

Storytime at Southland Mall

Monday, February 3, 11:00 a.m., Southland Mall

Join us for a special storytime at Southland Mall (Food Court) with Miss Martha! It'll be 30 minutes of stories, songs, and movement activities.

Learn More

Performance: The Kalimba King

Saturday, February 15, 1:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Hear The Kalimba King, Carl L. Winters, perform on his 12 kalimbas, also known as African thumb pianos, mbiras, finger harps, or gourd pianos. A kalimba is a small, handheld instrument that produces a gentle ringing sound. Learn to play the kalimba at this interactive performance!

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Family Fun Through Art: Celebrating Black History Month

Saturday, February 15, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

In this family art class, artist Tara Rocker-Bates will demonstrate how to use paint markers to craft a delightful scene. The goal is to encourage mindful thinking and promote harmony. Geared towards ages 5-12, this class encourages parents and caregivers to draw alongside their children. It promises quality family fun for everyone!

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Storytimes

Monday-Saturday, Downtown Library; see schedule for details

We offer a variety of storytimes for little learners! Most are in English but we also offer Spanish and Mandarin bilingual storytimes. All of our storytimes help children develop early literacy skills through reading, singing, writing, talking, and playing.

Schedule

Homework Support Center

Monday-Thursday afternoons; see schedule for details

Welcome back to the HSC! Bring your kids, grades K-12, for support from trained volunteer tutors and college students. We work with students in small groups (5:1 ratio), directly on their homework assignments and projects. School supplies, computers, and free lunches are provided.

Once you register your kid, this free service is provided on a drop-in basis. Check it out!

Schedule

Just for Teens

Teen Craft: Make a Folded Book Heart

Tuesday, February 11, 4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Learn the art of book folding and make a folded heart to take home or give as a Valentine’s Day gift! All supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own book if you have a specific one you want to use.

Teens ages 13 to 17. No registration required.

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Teen Craft Buffet

Wednesday, February 19, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us for an all-you-can-craft buffet and make whatever you want! We’ll have all sorts of supplies, including...

Washi tape & stickers

Paper

Markers, colored pencils, brush pens

Beads & bracelet-making supplies

Pin-making supplies

Teens ages 13 to 17; no registration required.

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Teen Game Day

Wednesday, February 26, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us for video games & board games in the Teen Room! Drop in anytime from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. All teens ages 13 to 17 welcome. No registration required.

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Teen Center Homework Support

Mondays, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, 5:00-6:45 p.m.

Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Thursdays, 3:30-5:45 p.m.

Downtown Library

In-person homework help from a trained tutor specifically for teens, in the Teen Room on the 2nd floor. Registration is required.

Learn More & Register

Announcements

The library will be closed on Wednesday, February 12 for Lincoln's Birthday and on Monday, February 17 for Presidents' 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!

Learn More & Get Started

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!

Schedule

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:

Event Calendar

Library Hours
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.