Berkeley Public Library Foundation

Program 1:BUILDING PROJECTS. The Foundation (BPLF) helps the Berkeley Public Library reimagine, renovate, and outfit library spaces. Current projects include creating an inviting space for social service outreach. This new space on the first floor of the Central Library allows the newly hired Social Service specialist to meet with patrons in a comfortable and accessible setting. Renovation work continued on the Story Room, the adjacent room, and master planning for the childrens floor at the Central Library. The design process has been completed, and construction is expected this year. The plan includes design elements to brighten the room, new storage and play spaces, flexible furniture, carpets, and wall treatments. The Story Room is a well-known area for Library programs such as twice-weekly toddler storytimes, middle school book clubs, author visits, guest storytellers, science exploration, and playtimes with legos, giant blocks, and board games. It serves as a space for Berkeley Unified School District to partner with the Librarians on reading projects with children and middle school-age students. It provides a supportive space for the annual summer reading program and more. In addition to the upcoming renovation at Central, select teen and children's spaces at the 4 neighborhood branches are receiving furniture repairs or replacements, upgrades to lighting, wall repairs, floor coverings, new shelving, and storage, along with the fabrication of unique "wonder and curiosity elements."

Program 3: LITERACY PROJECTS. The BPLF supports Berkeley Builds Readers, an early childhood and family literacy outreach project which brings literacy resources, tutoring, and storytime programming to underserved areas of our community. The BPLFs 20th Annual Authors Dinner was produced, bringing local authors and readers together to celebrate the Bay Areas literary tradition. This event, which also serves as a fundraiser for the Library, brought over 200 people together to honor 22 authors and celebrate the Foundations 25th year of service. The Foundations Cody Award for outstanding work to shape, broaden, and illuminate Berkeleys literary landscape was given to The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. BPLF's annual Rosa Shattuck Circle celebrated the opening of the Central Library's Mystery Room with a reception featuring popular mystery writer author Cara Black in conversation with author R.C. Barnes. A special grant from the BPLF was awarded to a librarian-led project to expand art and design literacy. This project provides classes and software to help aspiring artists learn their craft.

PROGRAM 2: INNOVATION & INCLUSION. The BPLF supports the mission and strategic goals of the Berkeley Public Library "to provide free, universal access to information and serve as a trusted hub of reading, learning, and community engagement." We are the place where the Library can go to receive support and resources to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion, develop new initiatives, and try out creative projects to promote STEM, the arts, and reading literacy. We aim to do whatever we can to help keep the Library creative, accessible, and ready to serve our community's diverse and changing needs. In addition to furniture upgrades to accommodate greater physical accessibility, we expanded the "Conscious Kits Pilot Project." This carefully curated book bundle collection with discussion questions on racial equity, identity, and social justice is flying off the shelves at all the branches. Books are held in unique branded bags and are available in English, Spanish, and Braille. The BPLF continued to fund the Library's commitment to digital inclusion by significantly expanding its laptop lending program. All library locations now have laptops and hotspots available for public checkout. The BPLF also provided interactive wayfinding monitors to help guide patrons in the building.