From author talks to free workshops these BARTable libraries offer more than just books

Enjoy reading and free events at the public library Photo courtesy of SF Bay Area Reading Partners. 

The Bay Area has dozens of incredible library branches that offer everything from cozy reading nooks to author talks, book clubs and storytimes for all ages. Whether you're a bookworm or just discovering the magic of a great story, it's always the perfect time to explore new books and literary events. So, grab your Clipper card and head to a BARTable library near you — every journey is better with a great read!

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Oakland Public Library

Visit Oakland Public Library this National Reading Month. Photo courtesy of Oakland Public Library. 

So much is happening at Oakland Public Libraries all year. The Asian Branch regularly hosts Family Time, which offers games and toys for all ages and sometimes a storytime or a show. Baby Bounce, a popular library event at the Temescal Branch, is a time for songs, books and socializing. The Cesar E. Chavez Branch hosts a Spanish Book Club, adult workshops, teen hangouts and an upcoming talk and discussion with author Dr. Cruz Medina in March. 

Stay updated on all events at BARTable Oakland branch libraries below:

• Main Library: 0.5 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center at 125 14th St.
• African American Museum and Library of Oakland: 0.3 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center at 659 14th St.
• Asian Branch: 0.2 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center at 388 Ninth St.
• César E. Chávez Branch: 0.2 miles from Fruitvale at 3301 East 12th St.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Branch: 0.7 miles from Coliseum at 6833 International Blvd.
• Rockridge: 0.3 miles from Rockridge at 5366 College Ave.
• Temescal: 0.8 miles from MacArthur at 5205 Telegraph Ave.
• West Oakland: 20 feet from West Oakland at 1801 Adeline St.

Berkeley Public Library

The Central Library in Berkeley has a great art deco design. Photo courtesy of Berkeley Public Library. 

Head to Berkeley to dive into great stories, enjoy fun literary events and relax during evening storytime.  At Central Library, join the Lego club, play casual chess games, get creative with crafts and listen to live music performances. At Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch, you can expect teen hangouts and even a Wicked Sing-a-Long. A highlight of the West Branch is their Mystery Book Club. 

Explore more events at BARTable Berkeley Public Libraries:

• Central Library: 0.2 miles from Downtown Berkeley at 2090 Kittredge St.
• Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch: 0.3 miles from Ashby at 1901 Russell St.
• West Branch: 0.6 miles from North Berkeley at 1125 University Ave.

San Francisco Public Library

The San Francisco Public Library is the perfect place to explore. Photo courtesy of Civic Center. 

From author talks and book readings to storytimes for kids, workshops and book clubs, there are tons of library events to enjoy at San Francisco library branches. A few favorites include the book reading and author Q&A at the Main branch and pajama storytime at Glen Park.

Check out more upcoming events at these BARTable San Francisco branch libraries. National Reading Month is the perfect time to visit.

• Main Branch: 0.1 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza at 100 Larkin St.
• Chinatown: 0.8 miles from Montgomery St at 1135 Powell St.
• Glen Park: 174 feet from Glen Park at 2825 Diamond St.
• Mission: 0.2 miles from 24th St Mission at 1234 Valencia St.
• North Beach: 1.1 miles from Montgomery St at 850 Columbus Ave.

Contra Costa County Public Library

The El Cerrito Library in Contra Costa County has lots of exciting upcoming events. Photo courtesy of Contra Costa County Library. 

If you have little ones, they'll love Read to a Dog, where beginner readers at the El Cerrito branch can read to a therapy dog. Families will also enjoy storytime at the county branches and special events throughout the year.

• Concord: 0.8 miles from Concord at 2900 Salvio St.
• El Cerrito: 0.8 miles from El Cerrito Plaza at 6510 Stockton Ave.
• Lafayette: 0.8 miles from Lafayette at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
• Orinda: 0.6 miles from Orinda at 26 Orinda Way.
• Pittsburg: 0.3 miles from Pittsburg Center at 80 Power Ave.
• Walnut Creek: 0.9 miles from Walnut Creek at 1644 N. Broadway.

Alameda County Public Library

Head to the Castro Valley Library to enjoy a bag lunch and pick up a new novel. Photo courtesy of Alameda County Library.

The Castro Valley Library hosts the Castro Valley Reads program, a super fun community event encouraging people to read the same book every year. This year, it's The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea. The story is a family saga about a Mexican-American family. Participants can join discussion groups and attend a variety of special events. Visit Castro Valley, 0.4 miles from Castro Valley Station at 3600 Norbridge Ave, to visit the library and partake in this month's happenings. 

San Mateo County Public Library

The Millbrae branch of the San Mateo County Libraries is a great place to relax and immerse yourself in a new story. Photo courtesy of Gonsalves & Stronck. 

In San Mateo County, visit the Millbrae library for family storytime, join the Friends of Millbrae Literary Book Club, or get creative with sewing, watercolors, 3D printers and other artistic endeavors. You can also listen to live performances by violinist Mads Tolling or celebrate Black History Month with vocalist Tiffany Austin this March. Head to the Millbrae library for reading and more, 1 mile from Millbrae Station at 1 Library Ave.

Which library is your favorite?

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