Library Event Alert - October 2026
Published on September 24, 2026
Hispanic Heritage Month
Click on the event title to register or to find out more information.
Hispanic Heritage Month Program Descriptions (in date order as they appear in the table above):
Family Storytime en Espanol with Aztec Dance Performance: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a Family Storytime in Spanish followed by a special dance performance by local Aztec dance group Calpulli Huey Papalotl. Storytime and performance will take place at the amphitheater space, just steps away from the Bay Farm Island Library. Storytime will take place from 10:30-11:00 AM, and Calpulli Huey Papalotl will perform from 11:15 to 11:40 AM. All ages are welcome. See you there!
Celebre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con nosotros en la Biblioteca Bay Farm Island el sábado 3 de octubre a las 10:30 AM para una hora de cuentos en español seguida de una actuación de baile especial por el grupo local de danza azteca Calpulli Huey Papalotl. La hora de cuentos y la actuación se llevarán a cabo en el espacio del anfiteatro, a pocos pasos de la Biblioteca Bay Farm Island. La hora del cuento se llevará a cabo de las 10:30 a 11:00 AM, y Calpulli Huey Papalotl actuará de las 11:15 a 11:40 AM. Todas las edades son bienvenidas. ¡Nos vemos allí!
¡Mariachi en la biblioteca!: Celebremos el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana con Mariachi San Francisco en la Biblioteca. Acompáñanos en la Biblioteca Principal para una tarde llena de música, cultura y tradición. Disfruta de hermosas voces, ritmos alegres y la energía inolvidable de la música mariachi. Habra copias gratis de Los Mariachis de Adela en ingles y español, hasta agotas existencias.
Let's celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Mariachi San Francisco in the Library. Visit the Main Library for a lively afternoon of music, culture, and tradition. Enjoy beautiful vocals, lively rhythms, and the unforgettable energy of mariachi music. We'll have free copies of Adela's Mariachi Band, while supplies last.
Spanish Conversation Circle/Grupo De Conversación En Español: Announcing a new program at Bay Farm Island Library: Adult Spanish Conversation Circle! Join us at Bay Farm Island Library on the second Tuesday of each month from 4:30-5:30PM. All levels are welcome to practice the Spanish language in a low-stress environment and gain confidence speaking Spanish in your communities. We will play games and participate in exercises, read stories in Spanish, and more! Join us for our first meeting as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by launching this new program!
Anunciando un nuevo programa en la sucursal Bay Farm Island: ¡Grupo de conversación en español para adultos! Únase a nosotros en Bay Farm Island Library el segundo martes de cada mes de las 4:30 a 5:30PM. Todos los niveles son bienvenidos a practicar el idioma español en un ambiente de bajo estrés y ganar confianza hablando español en sus comunidades. Vamos a jugar juegos y participar en ejercicios, leer noticias en español, y mucho más! Nuestra primera reunión estará el martes 13 de octubre de las 4:30 a 5:30 PM.
Filipino American History Month
Click on the event title to register or to find out more information.
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Children (8+), Teens, Adults
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Filipino American History Month Program Descriptions (in date order as they appear in the table above):
Filipino American History Month Art Workshop: Join us as we welcome Miss Stephanie from Petit Picassos in celebrating Filipino Heritage Month. In this workshop, participants will create fabric and paper collages inspired by the work of Filipino artists Nikita Ares and Pacita Abad! This workshop is open to students in grades K-3. Registration is required. Give us a call at 510-747-7787 to sign up!
Filipino American History Month Art Workshop: Join us as we welcome Miss Stephanie from Petit Picasso in celebrating Filipino American History Month. This exciting art workshop will feature the artwork of Filipino American artist Nikita Ares, whose work reflects the movement and energy of the Filipino people. Participants of this workshop will create an art piece inspired by the artist's vivid colors and style Registration is required. This is a multigenerational workshop, minimum age required is 8 years old.
TeenTober
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Admin/Director’s Conference Room
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TeenTober Program Descriptions (in date order as they appear in the table above):
Spooky Season – DIY Magnets: Celebrate Teentober with @JennyandCabbage! Join Jenny for a spooky season craft and create your own Halloween-themed magnet. Registration is required (30 spots available). Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.*This program is for teens in the 7th-12th grade*. Register here.
Author’s Visit for Teens!: Celebrate Teentober with us at Bay Farm Island Library with local author Myranda Wren. Join us to discuss Wren's debut novel, a Young Adult Historical Fiction and Gothic Fantasy set in San Francisco titled The Nighttimes. Participants will enjoy a sneak peek of Wren's delightfully ethereal new book set to release on October 20th! Myranda Wren will read from The Nighttimes, discuss her writing process, and more! Teens and adults are welcome to attend.
Craft and Cinema: Book Bedazzle: Celebrate TeenTober by watching 10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13), and adding some sparkle to your favorite book.Bring a book you want to bedazzle or choose from a limited selection of YA (Young Adult) books you can decorate and take home. Supplies provided: B-7000 glue, wax pencils, 3 mm rhinestones, trays, and tweezers.Note: This is a self-guided activity. Bedazzling takes time; you may not finish your project during the program. Registration is required (8 spots available). Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here. *This program is for teens in the 7th-12th grade*
Mini Zen Gardens: We know how stressful life can be for today's teens! Why not take a break and add some Zen to your life! Celebrate TeenTober! Teens (students in 8th - 12th grade) are welcome to join us and create a Mini-Zen Garden to use when life gets to be too much. No registration is required. Snacks and supplies provided. Just bring yourself and a friend or two.
Paper Lantern Decorating: Celebrate Teen-tober by customizing a paper lantern! Participants will be able to decorate their lanterns using paint, tissue paper, and Mod Podge. All materials are provided, and each participant will be able to take home a lantern and a light to go inside! Space is limited and registration is required. Register here.
Online Author Talks
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Online Author Talk Program Descriptions (in date order as they appear in the table above):
Veronica Roth: Join us for an online conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth as we celebrate the enduring legacy of her Divergent series, one of the most iconic young adult series of a generation, and get an exclusive sneak peek into her highly anticipated upcoming novel, The Sixth Faction! Register and add questions for Veronica Roth.
Carolyn Russo: Join us for a captivating online conversation with acclaimed author and Smithsonian curator Carolyn Russo as we dive into her fascinating book, The Ascent of Rauschenberg. Explore the towering legacy, unexpected inspirations, and creative heights of one of America's most influential artistic icons. Register and add questions for Carolyn Russo.
David Epstein: Join us for an inspiring virtual conversation with bestselling author David Epstein as we explore his latest book, Inside the Box, and redefine how to approach our greatest challenges! Register and add questions for David Epstein.
Other Special Events
Click on the event title to register or to find out more information.
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Children (ages 5-10) and caregivers
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Special Event Descriptions (in date order as they appear in the table above):
Sound + Vision – Canterbury Bells, Boyf, Sheepish King + LORI VARGA: Join us AFTER HOURS for a special immersive audiovisual experience. We will transform the Stafford Room into a concert venue with the help of three local bands and one experimental visual artist. As always: bring your friends, enemies, crushes, comrades, and kids!
Aida Salazar Author visit: Meet award-winning author Aida Salazar and listen to her present her latest book Stream. Receive a free copy of Stream, while supplies last! Register here.
Slightly Spooky Storytime: Join Miss Virginia at some Slightly Spooky Storytimes, followed by a slightly spooky craft. Recommended for children ages 5 years and up.
E-Bike Safety: Learn the basics of riding, storing, commuting, and more with an e-bike at this free lecture course presented by Bike East Bay. No bikes needed! Registration is required! Please register with Bike East Bay here. You can also register with Bike East Bay on the day of the program.
Big Truck Bonanza: Join us at the library’s biennial touch-a-truck event at the City Hall parking lot! Meet trucks from various City departments, like Alameda Police, Alameda Fire, and Alameda Municipal Power. It’s going to be big! The City Hall parking lot is located directly across the street from the Main Library at 1550 Oak St.
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale: Get quality used books, CDs and DVDs at low prices! Wednesday, Oct 14: 3 to 7 pm (Open to all; $5 per bag for educators); Thursday, Oct 15: 10 am to 4 pm; Friday, Oct 16: 10 am to 4 pm; Saturday, Oct 17: 10 am to 4 pm. Our final Used Book Sale of 2026 takes place Oct 14 – 17 in the Stafford Room at the Alameda Main Library, featuring over 10,000 books at unbeatable prices! This is a great chance to stock up on books for all ages and interests – plus, on Wednesday, Oct 14, from 3 to 7 pm, FAL is offering a special discount for educators of all kinds: to fill a bag for just $5!
Speed Friending 35 – 45 Edition: Are you looking to make new friends? Join us a fun interactive event, where you will meet new people and hopefully make new friends. Speed friending events will be hosted on the fourth Thursday of the month (every month) and will be separated by age range. This event will be for people who are between 35(ish) and 45(ish). First come, first seated, only 24 spots available. Registration is highly encouraged by emailing to WEBREF@alamedaca.gov. Bring along fast facts and interesting questions to dive deep into the handful of moments provided with each participant. Sheets of interesting questions and ideas will be available for participants. Hope to see you there! Herbal Tea will be available.
Costume Exchange: Get ready for Halloween with our annual Costume Exchange! Bring any costume pieces you no longer use (washed, please!) and exchange with your community.
For more information about any of these programs, please contact the following:
All events are free and open to the public. Sponsored by Friends of the Alameda Free Library.
If you need accessibility accommodations to participate, or information translated or in other formats, please contact ada@alamedaca.gov at least seven (7) working days before the event.