Silent Book Club

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

How We Create Pandemics: An Online Conversation with Sabrina Sholts

Tuesday, February 4, 11:00 a.m., Online

The COVID-19 pandemic won't be our last—because what makes us vulnerable to pandemics also makes us human. Join us for this enlightening presentation with Smithsonian curator Sabrina Sholts as she talks about how the very fact of being human increases our pandemic risks—and gives us the power to save ourselves.

Beginning Sewing for Adults

Tuesday, February 4, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Ever wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine? Join us for a low-stress introduction to sewing on a machine! All materials provided. Registration Required.

The Literary Corner: My Year of Rest and Relaxation

Wednesday, February 5, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The Literary Corner is a monthly literary fiction book club for adults. February's book selection  is My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Otessa Moshfegh.

About the book: “One of the most compelling protagonists modern fiction has offered in years: a loopy, quietly furious pillhead whose Ambien ramblings and Xanaxed b*tcheries somehow wend their way through sad and funny and strange toward something genuinely profound.” — Entertainment Weekly

Copies of this title are available for checkout from the library's collection.

Discusión de libros en español <<El Cementerio De Los Cuentos Sin Contar>>

Sábado 8 de febrero, 2:00 p.m., biblioteca del centro de Hayward

Acompañe al Concejal de Hayward y profesor de Español Francisco Zermeño en una discusión del libro <<El Cementerio De Los Cuentos Sin Contar>> de Julia Alvarez.

Para más información o para obtener una copia del libro, póngase en contacto con Héctor Villaseñor al 510-881-7974 o hector.villasenor@hayward-ca.gov.  

Dystopian Tropes from an Indigenous Perspective: An Online Conversation with Waubgeshig Rice
Tuesday, February 11, 4:00 p.m., Online

Moon of the Turning Leaves is Waubgeshig Rice’s exhilarating return to the world first explored in the phenomenal breakout bestseller Moon of the Crusted Snow: a brooding story of survival, resilience, Indigenous identity, and rebirth. Register now for a thrilling conversation with this bestselling author!

YA Book Club for Adults: Only This Beautiful Moment

Tuesday, February 11, 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 new YA Book Club for Adults! Each month we will read & discuss a YA book.

At this meeting, we'll discuss Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian. 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.

Healthy Heart, Happy Heart
Thursday, February 13, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Heart disease is directly related to high blood pressure and consumption of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and fat. Think chicken nuggets versus roast chicken, or apple pop tart versus a fresh, crisp apple. Learn how to reduce your risk of heart disease and build a happier heart as Alameda County Nutrition Services launches its 2nd annual Happy Heart Campaign. 

5th Annual Yarn Swap

Saturday, February 15, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Got excess stash you want to keep out of the landfill? Or maybe you don't have quite enough yarn for that cute scrappy project? Join Sticks & String for our 5th annual yarn swap! Bring your clean, untangled yarn and supplies and swap them for something new-to-you.

Birds of Bhutan

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

Bhutan calls itself the Happiest Place in the World, and indeed, the tiny Himalayan nation is a delight for birds and birders. With over 60% of its land forested, from alpine scrub to tropical broadleaf habitats, Bhutan boasts many beautiful and unusual birds as well as distinctive flowers, animals, and architecture. Learn something about them all in this fun, photo-filled presentation!

Mandalas Made Easy
Saturday, February 15, 3:00 p.m.

Once you realize how easy it is to make mandalas, you’ll dazzle your friends as an artist extraordinaire. By learning a few basic shapes (in a mere 15 minutes or so), you will be able to create unique, mesmerizing patterns that form beautiful images. Replace doomscrolling with drawing meditative, rhythmic mandalas, and have a beautiful creation after. All supplies will be provided for this free workshop, which is for adults 18+ only. Advance registration is required.

I Am Nobody’s Slave: An Online Author Talk with Pulitzer Prize Finalist Lee Hawkins
Tuesday, February 18, 11:00 a.m., Online

We welcome you to our online conversation with journalist and author Lee Hawkins as he talks to us about the examination of his family’s legacy of post-enslavement trauma and resilience in this riveting memoir, I Am Nobody's Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free. This book shows how genealogical research can educate and heal Americans of all races, revealing through their story the story of America—a journey of struggle, resilience, and the heavy cost of ultimate success. Register today to join the conversation!

HPL Recommends: Must-Read Books by Black Authors

Books by Black authors aren't just terrific reads. Supporting Black writers and creators can go a long way to amplify Black voices. Reading also is a path to empathy and understanding. During Black History Month and throughout the year, we encourage you to read books by Black authors!

Friends of Hayward Library Book Sales

Saturday, February 1 and 15, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Every first and third Saturday of the month, the Friends Bookstore on the first floor is open and filled with bargains! All proceeds fund library activities, programs, and collections.

Yoga at the Library

Saturday, February 1, 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.

Apply to Get Help Paying Your Power Bill

Tuesday, February 11, 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. 

Mobile Health Clinic: Medical and Dental

Friday, February 14, 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The mobile health clinic offers free, friendly medical and dental 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. 

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 Wednesday, February 12 in honor of Lincoln's Birthday and on Monday, February 17 in observance of 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!

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