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One Book, One Coast is a multi-state reading initiative that celebrates literacy, learning, community, and civil discourse in library systems across California, Washington, and Oregon. This year’s book is They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker. Make a quick stop at our book clubs to discuss the book and check out the live performance at the library!  

They Called Us Enemy is a graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American incarceration camps during World War II. Confronting questions of patriotism, family, loyalty, and community, George’s work is a stunning examination of what it means to be American, both long ago and today. 

Discuss the book at these upcoming Book Clubs:


YA Book Club for Adults

Tues, May 12, 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Downtown Library 


Mystery Book Club

Wed, May 20, 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Downtown Library 


Thurs, May 21, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Weekes Library 


Discusión de libros en español

Sábado, 6 de junio, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Downtown Library 

As part of this special program, we are thrilled to welcome Kristy "Aki" Oshiro from Queer Taiko at the Downtown Library on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. -11:45 a.m. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Japanese taiko drumming, bamboo flute music, and captivating folk tales in this incredible one-person program! 


The event is free and open to all. This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Library.  

One Book, One Coast will conclude with a special author talk with George Takei that will be streamed on YouTube Live on Sunday, May 31 starting at 2:00 p.m.

Learn More

Program Highlights

Bird Nurseries

Sat, May 9, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Downtown Library 


What do a scrape in the sand, a hole in a mudbank, and a woven pouch hanging from a branch have in common? They are all nests -- the nurseries that birds build to protect their young. Join us to explore some of the amazing strategies that various species of birds use to design nurseries that work well in their habitats.

Register

Sweet Talk: Sugar Substitutes 

Thurs, May 14, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Downtown Library 


Get the scoop on sugar substitutes including whether they are safe, how they are used, and how they affect blood sugar and weight. Also receive nutritional recommendations for incorporating sugar substitutes in a healthy diet.  

  

Presented by registered dietician Janelle Commins with Alameda County Nutritional Services. 

Register

Cast On and Bind Off Workshop

Sat, May 16, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Downtown Library 


Come hang out with your fellow crafty folks! Sticks & String is a group of folks who like to knit, crochet, tat, and do other things with sticks and string. 

  

This week we're hosting a mini workshop on different ways to cast on and bind off. All ability levels welcome. 

Learn More

Seed Library Program Series: Growing Fruits

Sat, May 16, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Downtown Library 


Ready to start growing fruits in your very own backyard? Join the discussion of growing fruit trees and shrubs and learn tips and tricks to get started.

Register

Foundations of Natural Healing

Sat, May 23, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Downtown Library 


Just as our bodies can heal naturally from physical cuts and wounds, Chinese medicine teaches that our integrated body mind systems have the capacity to heal naturally from life’s challenging experiences.


We will discuss foundational concepts of natural healing and practice some basic breathing and mindfulness exercises together. The talk will include information on reducing risks of some common diseases. 

Register

Online Author Talks

On Courage, Turmoil, and the Transformative Power of Love with Marjan Kamali 

Thurs, May 7, 4:00 p.m.


Meet internationally acclaimed author Marjan Kamali and delve into the timeless wonder of her New York Times bestselling novel, The Lion Women of Tehran, a story of two young women coming of age and pursuing their own goals for meaningful futures in 1950s Tehran as political turmoil in Iran builds to a breaking point. 

How to Robot-Proof Your Kids (and Yourself) with Dr. Vivienne Ming 

Tues, May 12, 11:00 a.m.


Join us for a timely conversation on AI, humanity, and the next steps towards building a better future with self-proclaimed “mad scientist” Dr. Vivienne Ming as we discuss Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People.  

  

Robot-Proof is a book about people, exploring what it means to be human in an increasingly automated world. 

Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True Potential with Nir Eyal

Tues, May 9, 11:00 a.m. 

 

In Beyond Belief, Nir Eyal reveals how the hidden assumptions you carry shape what you see, how you feel, and what you do—and how to replace them with beliefs that unlock your true potential. Grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and unforgettable case studies, Eyal introduces the Three Powers of Belief: Attention, Anticipation, and Agency. Beyond Belief reveals the science behind incredible breakthroughs and shows why your limits aren’t fixed—they’re learned. 

Book Clubs

The Literary Corner: Moon of the Crusted Snow

Wed, May 13, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Downtown Library 


The Literary Corner is a monthly literary fiction book club for adults. Meetings take place on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. Books to participate in the club are available from the library's collection. 

  

May's book selection for reading and discussion is Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice.

Recommended Reading

Food and Folklore


In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month, this booklist features stories that carry culture and history through recipes and literature.


See Recommended Reads

Regularly Scheduled Programs

Community Hub 

Various days and times • Downtown Library 

Full-service, one-stop resource center for patrons to access City of Hayward and community partner services. 

Book Sale 

May 2 & May 16 • 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 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. 

DigitalLIFT: Serie de Talleres en Español

5 de mayo • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Downtown Library 

En este taller, aprenderás sobre seguridad en internet. ¿Quién puede asistir?

Residentes de los condados de Alameda o Contra Costa; 60 años o más; Adultos con discapacidades (18 años o más). Cualquier dispositivo es bienvenido! Trae tu teléfono inteligente, tableta o computadora portátil — tendremos tiempo para responder tus preguntas

DigitalLIFT: Beyond the Basics in Mandarin

5月8日 • 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Downtown Library 

加入 Digital LIFT 的免费数码素养课程系列!课程将以普通话授课。提升自信!欢迎携带任何设备。请携带您的智能手机、平板电脑或笔记本电脑。我们将留出时间解答您的疑问。

Makerspace Open Hours

May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, & 28 • Various Times • Downtown Library 

The Makerspace is do-it-yourself space to create, play, and learn using equipment and tools at the library. Equipment is available to use for free. Reservations are available for Tuesdays and Thursdays and required for Saturdays. For their safety, children under 7 are not allowed inside the Makerspace. Kids over 7 but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.

Uke Can Do It! Ukulele Strum Along 

Saturday, May 16 • 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Downtown Library 

Come join us for a monthly Ukulele Strum Along! Strummers of all ages and levels are welcome. Bring your own ukulele or check one out at the library! 

Yoga at the Library 

Saturday, May 23 • 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. • Downtown Library 

Unlock energy, strength, and joy in this wellness-focused class led by certified instructor Iva Chu. 


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