2024 General Election Accessible Voting Location

Saturday, November 2, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday, November 4, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Every voter has been mailed a ballot. There will be vote centers throughout Alameda County, which any voter can visit regardless of your neighborhood. The downtown Hayward Library will be a vote center from Saturday, November 2 through Tuesday, November 5.

Silent Book Club
Saturday, November 2, 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 to read too.

Access to Capital Readiness: Online Sessions
Four-week session begins on Wednesday, November 6 at 6:00 p.m., Online

Join Centro Community Partners for their 4-session program “Access to Capital Readiness!"  This free online course aims to understand the sources of financing for entrepreneurs and to prepare adequately to access these sources to grow your business. 

For entrepreneurs who feel ready to access capital to start or expand their business. Register before November 6th to secure your spot!

A Navajo Investigator’s Search for the Unexplained: An Online Conversation with Stanley Milford, Jr.
Thursday, November 7, 4:00 p.m., Online

Join us in conversation with Navajo Ranger, Stanley Milford, Jr. as he chats about the chilling and clear-eyed memoir of his investigations into bizarre cases of the paranormal and the unexplained in Navajoland. Milford’s Native American worldview and investigative training collide to provide an eerie account of what logic dictates should not be possible. Register now to expand your own worldview and be ready for a chill to run down your spine!  

Sobre la migración infantil desde Centroamérica: Conversación en linea con Javier Zamora

Sábado 9 de noviembre, 11:00 a.m., en línea

Sintoniza una conversación especial con el autor más vendido del New York Times Javier Zamora mientras conversa con nosotros sobre su fascinante historia de supervivencia y perseverancia, tal como se cuenta en sus memorias premiadas Solito. ¡Regístrese hoy para obtener más información sobre esta apasionante y conmovedora historia! 

This author talk will be presented in Spanish only. There will be a separate talk with the same author in English on November 14.

Master Gardener Lecture: Succulents
Saturday, November 9, 11:00 a.m., Downtown Library

Back by popular demand: a Master Gardener Lecture on succulents! Learn what these amazing plants are, how to properly care for them indoors and out, how to propagate them (it's easy!), and whether and how to "shock" them.

Presented by the Hayward Seed Lending Library

The Literary Corner: Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

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

“One of the most unforgettable characters in contemporary literature, Eilis Lacey has come of age in small-town Ireland in the hard years following World War Two. When an Irish priest from Brooklyn offers to sponsor Eilis in America, she decides she must go, leaving her fragile mother and her charismatic sister behind." — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Copies of this title are available for checkout from the library's collection. Questions? Email Ricardo Antoni at ricardo.antoni@hayward-ca.gov

On Childhood Migration from Central America: An Online Conversation with Javier Zamora

Thursday, November 14, 1:00 p.m., Online

Tune in for a special conversation with New York Times bestselling author Javier Zamora as he chats with us about his riveting tale of survival and perseverance as told in his award-winning memoir, Solito. Register today to learn more about this gripping and moving story! 

Esta charla del autor se presentará únicamente en español. Habrá otra charla aparte con el mismo autor en inglés el 9 de noviembre.

Medicare Annual Enrollment: Changes for 2025

Thursday, November 14, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Find out about important changes coming to Medicare in 2025. Learn how to enroll or adjust your plan during the annual enrollment period, October 15 - December 7. Discover your options for supplementing Medicare to get help with medical costs. 

Note: This presentation will also be offered in Spanish on November 21 at 12:00 p.m. and in Chinese on November 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Programming provided by Legal Assistance for Seniors

Sticks & String Mini Workshop: Knit a Striped Stocking Cap

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

This month, Judy will be teaching us how to knit a striped cap. We'll be building on the skills we learned at February's Knitting in the Round workshop. In this workshop, Judy will explain how to knit the Elf Stocking Cap (free pattern available on blog) and the Team Color Hat (free pattern). Both patterns are straightforward and she will cover a few knitting tips.

Some supplies will be needed if you want to knit along; tap "Learn More" below for more info. See you there!

YA Book Club for Adults: Our Shadows Have Claws

Tuesday, November 19, 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! At this meeting, we'll discuss Our Shadows Have Claws, a Latin American horror anthology edited by Yamile Saled Méndez and Amparo Ortiz. Visit the library to check out a copy of the book, or download the ebook or audiobook for free on the Hoopla app with your Hayward Library card.

Mystery Book Club: Secret Identity
Wednesday, November 20, 5:45 p.m., Downtown Library

For November, we are celebrating Native American Heritage Month by reading Secret Identity by Alex Segura.

"From Anthony-Award-winning writer Alex Segura comes Secret Identity, a rollicking literary mystery set in the world of comic books... Segura uses his expertise as a comics creator as well as his unabashed love of noir fiction to create a truly one-of-a-kind novel--hard-edged and bright-eyed, gritty and dangerous, and utterly absorbing."

Native Rights and Culture in Fiction: An Online Conversation with Mona Susan Power

Wednesday, November 20, 4:00 p.m., Online

You’re invited to join us as Mona Susan Power chats about her newest novel, A Council of Dolls. This conversation highlights how her work explores Native Rights and Native American culture, in particular using an important symbol that anchors comfort and companionship in Native life: dolls. Register now! 

Novels and Non-Fiction by Native American Authors, 2021-2024

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we offer this list of novels, poetry, and books published in the last few years by Native American authors. The land on which Hayward Library is established, was and continues to be of great importance and significance for the Muwekma Ohlone Tribal People.

Friends of Hayward Library Book Sales

Saturdays, November 2 and 16, 4:30-6:30 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.

Tenants' Rights Workshop

Monday, November 4, 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.

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

Yoga at the Library

Saturday, November 9, 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.

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 Monday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day

Hayward Public Library, in partnership with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), is working to connect veterans and their families to benefits and services for which they are eligible. We have a Veterans Resource Center located in the lobby and we offer VetNow online. There you can find books and information for veterans and their families about benefits for education, health, employment, housing, and more.  

The library will be closed on Tuesday, November 12 for Staff Training

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!

The library will close early, at 5:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 27; we will also be closed from Thursday, November 28 through Saturday, November 30, for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

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