Did you know your library has online resources for little kids?

In addition to all the stuff you expect for grownups—ebooks and downloadable audiobooks, movies for streaming, language learning programs, resources for veterans, and so on—we offer great stuff for little ones (and their parents!) too.

To start with, there's the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge. It's a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success! Any child from birth to age 5 can participate. You'll track your kid's reading with the Beanstack app and come to the library for a free book each time your kid reaches a new level; the grand prize is a backpack full of books and educational toys!

And of course you know that storytimes introduce young children to books, rhymes, music, and peer interaction while building a foundation of pre-literacy skills and a life-long love of books and readings. Here's an online calendar of all our storytimes, so you never miss one!

Teaching your kid a second language, or want to read them a book in a familiar one? Check out LOTE4Kids, where you can find digital picture books in more than 50 languages, along with English translations. New books and new languages are released every month, so be sure to keep visiting!

Meanwhile, the Tumblebook Library is a curated collection of animated, talking picture books, read-along chapter books, National Geographic videos, non-fiction books, comics, and more, available in English, Spanish, and French.

ABCMouse Early Learning Academy is an award-winning curriculum for children age 2+ with both English and Spanish learning activities in all major subject areas: reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music. And it's 100% educational!

Children and families can access weekly recorded stories featuring expert children's librarians and storytellers by calling 510-901-4343. Learn more here!

Finally, just for fun, we've collected some links to live animal webcams for you. Check out the cuteness at the California Academy of Sciences, CuriOdyssey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Oakland Zoo!

Learn More

Just for Kids

Research Games with CoDe Lab for ages 5-12

Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Scientists from Cal State East Bay are coming to the library to play research games with kids! Children (5-12-years-old) will have an opportunity to play a short game with a researcher, contribute to science, and win prizes. If you've participated before, come back: we're rolling out new games!

Schedule

The Kwanzaa Project

Various dates and times through December

Join us for The Kwanzaa Project happening now through December, with various programs such as the Griot Art of Storytelling, Culinary Art Class with Chef Nafy Flatley, Learn West African Dance with the Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, and art classes with celebrated artist Charles Rogers.

For questions and if you would like to enroll, please email FayethGardens@gmail.com (please include your name, phone number, age group (child, youth, adult, senior)).

Schedule

Storytimes

Monday-Saturday, Downtown Library and Weekes Branch; 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.

Some storytimes are only available at the Weekes Branch; please read the schedule carefully!

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 Advisory Group Meeting

Wednesday, November 6, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join the Hayward Library's Teen Advisory Group (TAG) for its monthly meeting! TAG participants get to have a say in what the library offers for teens and gain leadership experience that looks great on college & job applications. Attending a TAG meeting can also be counted as community service.

All teens ages 13 to 17 are welcome to attend; no registration or commitment required.

Learn More

Teen Poetry Workshop

Thursday, November 7, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us for a poetry workshop led by Hayward Poet Laureate Leticia Guzman! Participants will have the opportunity to work on their poetry and get feedback from peers. All levels of experience welcome.

Bilingual instruction can be provided; Spanish speakers are encouraged to attend. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Learn More & Register

Teen Craft Session: Pressed Flower Jars

Wednesday, November 13, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us in the Teen Room to decorate a glass jar with pressed flowers! Take home your jar to use as a candle holder, pencil cup, or decor.

Teens ages 13 to 17; no registration required.

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Teen Craft Buffet

Wednesday, November 20, 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, and bracelet-making supplies.

Teens ages 13 to 17; no registration required.

Learn More

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 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.

Learn 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!

Learn More & Get Started

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.

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.