Children's Art Contest: Design Your Dream Library

When you think about what you want in your library, what comes to mind? Kids 12 and under are invited to draw a picture showing what YOU think would make Hayward Public Library even better. All participants will be entered into a drawing to win prizes including books, gift cards, and more!

Contest Guidelines

1. All designs must be original works by the submitting artist and must be free of copyright restrictions.

2. Submissions must be no less than 8.5"x5.5" and no more than 8.5"x11".

3. Participants may submit up to 3 entries.

4. Copies of entries will be displayed in the Children's Room at the Downtown Library. Names and ages of artists will be included with the art.

5. Submissions will become property of Hayward Public Library and will not be returned.

6. Entries will be accepted until April 26, 2024. No late entries will be accepted.

Submit your drawings online or at the Downtown Library, Weekes Branch, or on Curbie.

Application

Just for Kids

Creating Our Future Student Art Exhibit

Through May 4, Downtown Library

We are excited to announce Seneca’s HEART and Constellation program's 5th annual Student Art Show! This show has become an exciting opportunity to celebrate Seneca student’s talent, hard work, and bright futures. Please join us for an artist reception on Wednesday, April 10, where students and families can come celebrate the opening of this incredible art exhibit. Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome to join!

Artists' Reception Info

Arts & Crafts for Kids

Saturday, April 13, 11:00 a.m., Weekes Branch

Join us at the Weekes Branch for a fun and easy craft project! Best for kids age 2 and up.

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ASL and Spoken English Storytime

Wednesday, April 24, 6:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Join an ASL storyteller and a children's librarian for stories, songs, and rhymes presented in American Sign Language and spoken English. All our storytimes help children develop early literacy skills through talking, reading, singing, playing and writing.

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El día del Niño

Thursday, April 25, 11:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Come celebrate el Dia del Niño/Children's Day with a special performance of El Brujo y la Sirena (The Wizard and the Mermaid) by Cascada de Flores! You'll discover, sing, and dance to the music of lots of Latin American countries with their different rhythms, languages, and of course, a lot of different kinds of guitars. All ages are welcome!

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Storytime Schedule

We have standard storytimes in English, Mandarin, and Spanish/English bilingual, as well as movement-based ones. There will be storytimes either downtown or at the Weekes Branch every day, including Saturdays. Check out the schedule:

Storytime Schedule

Homework Support Centers

Various days and locations

Kids in grades K-12 can get FREE homework help in a safe, welcoming environment! Volunteer tutors assist students with all homework needs in small groups. There are Homework Support Centers at the Downtown Library and Weekes Branch as well as some HUSD campuses.

Learn More

Just for Teens

Teen Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting

Wednesday, April 3, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

What's TAG? A group of teens that meets once a month to give feedback about the library and plan library events! 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.

Learn More

Teen Craft Session: Make Your Own Zine!

Wednesday, April 10, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us to make your own zine! What's a zine? It’s like a mini-magazine! You can make it with just 1 piece of paper & it can be about anything you want, like your favorite food or a cause you’re passionate about.

Add your finished zine to our Teen Zine Library to share with others! Teens ages 13 to 17 only.

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Teen Poetry Workshop

Wednesday, April 17, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Are you a poetry writer, or do you want to get started with poetry? Meet up with other teen poets to get inspired & workshop your poetry--all levels welcome! This event is presented in partnership by the Hayward Library, Hayward Arts Council, and Hayward Youth Poet Laureate.

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Teen Game Day

Wednesday, April 24, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us for video games & board games in the Teen Room! Drop in anytime from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

All teens ages 13 to 17 welcome. No registration required.

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Teen Volunteers Wanted

Apply to become a Student Friend of Hayward Library! Right now we're accepting applications for Volunteer Book Reviewers. Stay tuned--next month we'll start accepting applications for teens to help with our Summer Reading Challenge, too!

Learn More & Apply

Homework Resources

Monday through Thursday afternoons, hours vary; Downtown Library

Got homework? We can help! Teen Center Homework Support is in-person homework help from a trained tutor specifically for teens.

Registration is required. Please visit https://bit.ly/3Qt19hy to register. Tutor will be available in the Teen Room on the 2nd floor.

Schedule

Announcements

The library will be closed on Monday, April 1 in honor of Cesar Chavez 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.