Community Invited to April 'Branch Out' Events to Celebrate Renovated Berkeley Libraries

Just five years after a landslide ‘Yes’ on bond Measure FF and an innovative Neighborhood Libraries Campaign partnership, Berkeley Public Library patrons now have access to libraries of the future in every neighborhood in the City. 

This April, the Library celebrates advancing the value of libraries in the modern age by inviting the public to a month-long, system-wide library warming. 

The Branch Out! celebration not only encourages people to experience each of the new and improved Berkeley Public Library branches, but also to expand their own horizons via an array of FREE events and activities, to inspire all ages and interests, such as after-hours concerts, art exhibits, 'pop-up’ libraries connecting patrons to e-books at food truck gatherings, author talks, mindfulness meditation, a sleepover party for stuffed animals, a family-friendly First Friday of art and music, visits with award-winning filmmakers, and much more. 

Berkeley’s four new, modern library branches have already experienced a 38% increase in attendance and circulation of materials since reopening, proof positive that improved facilities increase the vitality of libraries to the communities they serve. 

These new spaces - filled with natural light and fresh air, now seismically safe and ADA-accessible - offer an enhanced quality of life, making libraries as engaging as ever with more collections, programs, community spaces, room and inspiration for learning at every level. 

For example, Berkeley READS, the adult and family literacy program at the West Branch, now enjoys its own computer lab and reading room. The trailblazing Tool Lending Library at the South Branch now enjoys an expanded location with over 2500 available tools. 

Branch hours expanded in December 2013. And visitors to the West Branch even have an opportunity to interact with the first zero net energy library building in California.

Incredibly, in the midst of an economic recession and a national wave of libraries and other public services being reduced and shuttered, The Berkeley Public Library, The Berkeley Public Library Foundation, and Friends of the Library bucked the trend with a successful campaign to voters and donors to expand and improve public facilities and benefits.

“We are grateful for the support of our patrons and Berkeley residents who understand the value of libraries and their crucial role in fostering democracy, literacy and economic development in the communities they serve. With our community, we have completed a monumental task, especially in this day and age,” says Director of Library Services Donna Corbeil. “Beautiful public spaces and free, accessible methods for obtaining knowledge and exposure to arts, culture and literature will always be a hallmark of a great society and reflect the values and commitments of the Berkeley Public Library. We are thrilled to have library buildings designed to serve the community for generations to come.”  

More on Berkeley’s new and improved libraries:

• West Branch (9,300 square feet) Goes above and beyond, meeting state zero net energy requirements of 2030
• South Branch & Tool Library LEED Gold Certification anticipated (8,700 square feet) and the Tool library now has extended hours due to more space.
• Claremont Branch LEED Silver Certification awarded September 2012
• North Branch LEED Silver Certification awarded April 2012