Advice about Visiting the Library
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
| Questions |
|
Weekend program at local library?
Sept 1997
Albany public library on Marin did have one as recently as a couple of years ago on Saturday mornings. I think that you had to sign up in advance (it was very popular). Also North Berkeley branch (on Martin Luther King) had a Saturday group several years ago. There was a librarian named Star there who the children worshipped and she was involved in reading groups. Liz
The Berkeley Public Library/Central branch in downtown Berkeley has a Family Storytime on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:00. It mostly runs year round, but they didn't have them during September. They are supposed to start up again on Oct. 4th. They advertise it for 3 yr olds and up, but I've been bringing my 2-1/2 yr old for years with her older sister. The librarians alternate and some are better than others. Sue
Berkeley Public Library has lots of toddler storytimes. The Central branch (in temporary quarters at 2121 Allston) has a Baby Bounce (for 6 mos.- 3 yrs. and caregivers) on Mondays at 10:30. Most (maybe all?) the branches have similar programs. You can call for more information, or see http://www.infopeople.org/bpl/kids/storytim.html. Greg
I take my son to Rockridge branch OPL on Saturday mornings for toddler story time, which is from 10:30-11:00 the last 2 Saturdays of every month.
The Rockridge branch has an excellent program for children (and excellent Children's Services Librarians!) with activities ranging from the Saturday program mentioned above, to PJ story hour and visiting performers (Opera Piccolo, puppet shows, music workshops, etc.).
Claire
Re the parent who asked about libraries with story times on Saturdayss for toddler's The Rockridge Library used to have a Saturday morning story time for toddlers and preschoolers. I haven't gone recently, but it would be worth giving them a call.
Happy Listening,
Kim
Fun things to do with babies & toddlers
Nov 2001
Re: Fun things to do with babies & toddlers
Baby Bounce at the Berkeley West Branch library Weds at 7:30 pm should also be fun for all, even though 7:30 might be a little late for the babies.
Have you tried the Lafayette library?
Covid may have changed things, but if you're willing to go through the tunnel the Orinda library had several nice reading spaces indoors and out last time I was there. It's walking distance from BART. My guess is other Contra Costa library branches have reading areas, too.
I'm not sure if this is cozy enough but the San leandro main library has upholstered chairs in the teen section and children's section that you can sit and read on.
Hi Shreya, Berkeley’s North Branch Library has cozy books with leather reading armchairs in both their children and adult sections. It’s quite peaceful and the library itself is beautiful with the atrium welcoming you at the entrance.
Some libraries with good children's/YA reading areas:
North Berkeley. Branch; Claremont Branch; Albany Library; San Pablo Library.
East Bay Booksellers (on College) has good YA/kids sections.
I’ve always thought Diesel bookstore on College (at Kales) has a nice sunny front window - with a big bench cushion, and they’re super nice and don’t care how long you sit and read.
One of my favorite reading spots with the nook at the Claremont public library in Berkeley.
The Oakland main library children’s room has some nice window seats with cushions (at least they did pre-pandemic and I THINK I saw them there recently).
Hi there,
The Orinda library has a lot of cushy sitting areas, near windows. It is easy to spend lots of time there!
Also, the Claremont branch of the Berkeley library has a fire going in their fireplace during the winter months, and couches in front of it. I have fond memories of sitting with my daughter, reading together by the fire.
Hope you find your nook. : )
All Best,
Miranda
Milpitas library has booths and is clean. It's far but very nice.
One idea is to call and ask the contra costa library system. They are closing the Kensington library for 2 weeks and I hope they put something like this in for kids when it reopens. Good luck.
Lafayette Library children's area.
North Berkeley Branch
San Leandro Library has nice seating and a pretty large children's library.
It's been a while since I've visited, but I always find a Barnes and Noble to be a good place to sit with a book. They have comfy chairs and no one ever really hassles you about posting up there for a while. Probably have to go to Emeryville to find one though. I think you're best bet for a 9 yr old might be to find a good public library like some others have suggested, plus a library has more options for kids.