Online Book Talk: Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States

Thursday, October 2, 11:00 a.m., Online

Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States. 

Featuring beautifully illustrated portraits by Gloria Félix, this is a book that children (and adults) will page through and learn from again and again. Register today to learn more about the rich history of Nuestra América!

The Literary Corner: The Book of Unknown Americans

Wednesday, October 8, 5:45 p.m., Downtown Library

The Literary Corner is a monthly literary fiction book club for adults. September's selection is The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez.

About the book: "A stunning novel of hopes and dreams, guilt and love—a book that offers a resonant new definition of what it means to be American and 'illuminates the lives behind the current debates about Latino immigration'" - The New York Times Book Review

Boost Your Brain Health

Thursday, October 9, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Think, breathe, live: your brain is responsible for so many functions. Come learn how nutrition affects the brain and how to start protecting your brain today. Presented by nutritionist Janelle Commins, who spoke on "Managing Blood Sugar" and how to "Eat to Reduce Inflammation" at Hayward Public Library. 

Legal and Health Insights is a series of informative programs for older adults. Look for new programs at 2pm on the second Thursday of each month. Programming for this event provided by Alameda County Nutrition Services.

10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy: Online Author Talk with Leigh Bardugo

Thursday, October 9, 4:00 p.m., Online

Since publishing in 2015, Leigh Bardugo’s highly popular Six of Crows has taken the world of YA literature by storm—and it’s not hard to see why. The complex fantasy setting, thoughtfully-structured magic system, and deliciously morally gray characters all collide in a world you won’t want to leave and you don’t have to! Join us as we pick the brain of the New York Times bestselling author herself, celebrating the release of her Six of Crows (The Dregs Edition).

Art for Older Adults: Filipino American History Month

Friday, October 10, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Weekes Branch

October is Filipino American History Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and invaluable contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States. We are delighted to welcome Hayward Arts Council artist Anselm Yew, who will lead an unforgettable watercolor lesson for our seniors and active adults.

YA Book Club for Adults: The Darkness Outside Us

Tuesday, October 14, 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 YA Book Club for Adults! 

At this meeting we'll discuss The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer. Visit the library to check out a copy of the book, or check the Libby or Hoopla apps for audiobook/ebook availability. 

Feel free to attend even if you haven't finished the book!

HPL Recommends: Books for Birders and Folks Who Just Think Birds Are Amazing

What's not to love about birds? They can be flashy or subtle, fierce or adorable, elegant or awkward. Some of them dance or build elaborate bowers to impress potential mates. They sing and for goodness' sake most of them fly! And lots of them are easy to observe, even in the city. Check out our reading list for more reasons to love our fine feathered friends.

Silent Book Club
Saturday, October 4, 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 with no pressure to read a specific book and plenty of time to just quietly read with other people who love to read.

Tenants' Rights Workshop

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

Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship will be established at this event.

Drop-In Sewing

Pants need hemming? Have a project you started but never finished? Drop in to use the library's sewing machines! 

This is an open sewing event, we will have staff and volunteers who can give advice, but this is not a class or project. Space is limited; first come, first served! You can also access sewing machines at the library during Makerspace open hours. 

Mobile Health Clinic
Friday, October 10, 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Downtown Library

The mobile health clinic offers free, friendly medical 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 Hall Garage and C Street.

Services are provided by Alameda Health System in partnership with Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless. 

Yoga at the Library

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

Please arrive a few minutes early and dressed for stretching. Mats provided, but if you have your own, please bring it.

Though the class is appropriate for all levels of yoga experience, many of the poses require balance and the ability to move from standing to floor-based stretches without assistance.

Sticks & String Knitting & Crochet Circle

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

This week we're hosting an open craft session and knit/crochet clinic. We bring our current projects to work on, and maybe a recent Finished Object or two for show-and-tell.

Library Commission Meeting (Open to Public)
Monday, October 20, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Get involved! Members of the public are invited to attend our monthly Library Commission Meeting. For more information about our Commission, please click here.

Book Sale

1st and 3rd Saturdays, 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.

Uke Can Do It! Strum-Along
Every other Saturday, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Library

Whether you are an old hand at Ukulele or have just started, you're welcome to join in on our group strum-alongs! Folks at all skill levels are invited and no registration is required.

BYOU (Bring Your Own Uke)! If you don't own one, check one out from the Library!

Digital Media Lab Open Hours

Wednesdays, 2:00-6:00 p.m., Downtown Library

The Digital Media Lab is a space to create, play, and learn using digital creation equipment and software at the library. For new creators and seasoned pros alike, equipment will be available to use for free. Reservations will be available and are recommended.

Basic English Class

Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Library

Everyone wants and needs to be able to read, write and speak well. Understanding phonics (the sounds of words) makes reading, writing, and speaking easier and provides the opportunity to communicate ideas and knowledge.

Small group of learners will begin by learning to read, write, and pronounce the letters in the alphabet. Then we’ll include vocabulary words and grammar.

English Conversation Circles
Online and in person at the Downtown Library and the Weekes Branch; see the schedule below

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. 

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!

Community Hub
Various days and times, Downtown Library

The Community Hub is offered by Hayward Public Library in partnership with Hayward Promise Neighborhoods. It is a full-service, one-stop resource center for patrons to access City of Hayward and community partner services.

Service providers include 4Cs of Alameda County, La Familia, Fresh Food for Families, and more. Check out our schedule for more info!

The library will be closed on Monday, October 13 for Indigenous Peoples' Day

But you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks, stream movies, learn a new language, and so much more at our "virtual branch," 24/7/365! Check it out:

Library Pro Tip: Discover new places to go on a date 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