Wordsmith and Wonder: An Online Author Talk with Jodi Picoult

Wednesday, April 2, 4:00 p.m., Online

Step into Spring with us as we chat with the highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult about her newest novel! Told in intertwining narratives, By Any Other Name is a sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire that asks what price each woman is willing to pay to see their work live on—even if it means they will be forgotten. Register now to join the wondrous conversation! 

Ribbon Cutting for Zocalo Coffee

Saturday, April 5, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Celebrate the grand opening of Zocalo Coffee at the Downtown Hayward Library and welcome them to our Hayward community by joining us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Salinas at the Downtown Library!

Show your Hayward Library Card and get $2 off your purchase during business hours on April 5 from 8am-3pm. There will be free cookies and drip coffee during the event while supplies last! 

The Stories, Science, and History of Trees: An Online Conversation with Matthew Fleming
Tuesday, April 8, 11:00 a.m., Online

Join us as Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming guides us through the secret world of trees as revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world, The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees. Combining natural history and a scientific overview with a wider look at the history, uses, symbolism, and mythology of trees, this book is a new kind of guide to these fascinating organisms. Register today!

YA Book Club for Adults: Ace of Spades

Tuesday, April 8, 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! Each month we will read & discuss a YA book.

At this meeting, we'll discuss You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao. Visit the library to check out a copy of the book, or download the audiobook for free on the Hoopla app with your Hayward Library card.

The Literary Corner: We All Want Impossible Things

Wednesday, April 9, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The Literary Corner is a monthly literary fiction book club for adults. March's book selection  is City of Thieves by David Benioff.

About the book: "David Benioff has written a gripping war novel. With lots of humor, suspense and tragedy, he shows the desperate lives of the people who were caught between two opposing forces during the Second World War.” —The Guardian

Managing Blood Sugar
Thursday, April 10, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Blood sugar is the body's main source of energy. Learn how to harness that energy by eating in a way that keeps your blood sugar steady. Discover how sleep and exercise can impact blood glucose, too. Whether you are diabetic, prediabetic, or just looking to live more healthfully, this presentation is just right for you. 

Programming provided by Alameda County Department of Nutrition Services.

Mystery Book Club: Everyone on This Train Is A Suspect

Wednesday, April 16, 5:45 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of every month for Mystery Book Club. We read a mix of cozy mysteries, thrillers. This month we're reading Everyone on This Train Is A Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson:

"When the Australian Mystery Writers' Society invited me to their crime-writing festival aboard the Ghan, the famous train between Darwin and Adelaide, I was hoping for some inspiration for my second book... But when one of us is murdered, six authors quickly turn into five detectives."

Wild Callings: Documentary Film Screening with Director Joshua Izenberg

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

Join us for a screening of three short documentary films exploring radical change, meaningful connections, and discovering purpose in unforeseen places with Joshua Izenberg, an award-winning filmmaker based in the San Francisco Bay Area. A question and answer session with Mr. Izenberg will follow the screening.

Sponsored by the Friends of Hayward Library.

The Thrill of Writing Action, Adventure, and Suspense: An Online Conversation with Bestselling Author Gregg Hurwitz
Thursday, April 24, 4:00 p.m., Online

Do you love action-packed adventure? Are you ready for the thrill? You’re invited to a riveting conversation with New York Times bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz as he chats with us about his Orphan X series and his life as a writer of suspenseful storytelling. Now ten books in, fans cannot get enough of the Orphan X world and Hurwitz can’t wait to tell us all about it. Register now for a conversation you just cannot miss!

Write Your World: A Poetry Workshop
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Join Hayward Poet Laureate Leticia Guzman for a poetry writing workshop! Write Your World is an opportunity to let your creativity flow while imagining a greater, more just world.

This event is part of the 2025 Hayward Lit Hop. For more information about the Lit Hop, visit https://haywardlithop.com/.

Save the Date: Hayward Lit Hop will be on April 26!

Haven't been to Lit Hop yet? You'll get another chance on April 26th! Hayward's own literary festival includes a big kickoff event at the Heritage Plaza, a poetry workshop by Hayward's Poet Laureate, Leticia Guzman, and readings by local authors at downtown venues. 

Be sure to stop by the Hayward Library table, where you'll be able to make a hopping Origami frog, while you're there! More information is coming soon.

HPL Recommends: Recent Poetry

"Poetry is more than a set of sonnets and rhymes that make us feel special and loved.... Whether it’s in the face of obstacles and repressions, or the acceleration of technological advances in a modern world, poetry never dies." -Valentina Bonilla Urrego, TedXVienna Magazine

Check out this month's list:

Silent Book Club

Saturday, April 5, 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 no pressure to read a specific book and plenty of time to just read with other people who love reading just like you do.

Book Sale

Saturday, April 5 & 19, 10:30 a.m.03:30 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

Saturdays, April 5 & 19, 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! 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!

Uke Can Do It! 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.

Apply to Get Help Paying Your Power Bill

Tuesday, April 8, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Do you need help paying your power bill? 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) assistance program. LIHEAP helps qualified households with a one-time-per-program-year payment on their energy bill. 

Se habla español.

VA Palo Alto Health Care Medical Outreach Team

Thursday, April 10, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 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. They will also assist veterans and their spouses, caregivers, family members, and survivors with information about veteran enrollment for VA healthcare.

The event will take place at the Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall located at 22737 Main St.

Mobile Health Clinic

Friday, April 11 & 25, 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 Center Garage and C Street.

Services are provided by Alameda Health System in partnership with Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless. 

Yoga at the Library

Saturday, April 12, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Unlock energy, strength, and joy in this wellness-focused class led by certified instructor Iva Chu from Hayward's Yoga Sociale. 

Please arrive dressed for stretching. Mats provided.

Please note that this is an afternoon session, not a morning session. Thank you!

Tenants' Rights Workshop

Monday, April 14, 4:30 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!

To reserve a spot, call 510-437-1554 or email tenantsrights@centrolegal.org

Library Commission Meeting

Monday, April 21, 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 visit https://www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/library-commission. Members of the public are invited to submit any written comments via email to Library@Hayward-ca.gov by noon (12:00 PM) the day of the meeting.

Sticks & String Knitting & Crochet Circle

Saturday, April 26, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

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 an open knit/crochet session. We bring our current projects to work on, and maybe a recent Finished Object or two for show-and-tell.

All ability levels welcome. No registration required, and you don't need a library card to attend. Just drop in! And feel free to bring a friend.

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. 

French Conversation Circles
Fridays at 4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

French Conversation Circles provide a supportive environment to practice your French speaking skills. Facilitated by a French speaker who will select study materials, guide conversation, and answer questions, the circle is designed to provide the opportunity to read and listen to documents from French-speaking countries as well as speak to one another in French. Beginners and all levels are welcome to attend.

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!

Google Suite Workshop for Beginners
Alternate Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Downtown Library

Do you want to learn how to use computer programs like Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Google Slides? Participate in a Google Suite Workshop! You'll learn how to use one of the programs mentioned above to accomplish specific tasks. 

These workshops are drop-in but registration is recommended, since space is limited.

Typing Club

Alternate Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Downtown Library

Do you need to improve your keyboard skills? Join our Typing Club! Practice your keyboard skills and improve your typing speed and accuracy. With the guidance of a dedicated volunteer tutor, access different online programs and resources to improve your typing skills.

The library will be closed on Thursday, April 24 for staff development.

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 entertaining guests from out of town 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