April 13, 2004 > Alameda County Library Celebrates National Library Week - April 18-24

by Sandy Silva

Discover the Bay Area's Best Value. And no, it's not a fast food combo. To those in the know, it's the vast resources available from the Alameda County Library System. Check out a couple of best-sellers, your favorite magazine, two or three DVDs, and CDs, and the savings quickly add up.

National Library Week, April 18-24, celebrates this great American value.

Alameda County Libraries serve people of all ages and walks of life, welcoming everyone. Library service is provided from ten branch libraries in the cities of Albany, Dublin, Fremont, Newark and Union City and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley and San Lorenzo. Moreover, outreach services are provided through the Bookmobile, the Literacy Program, the Senior Outreach Program, and the County Jails. In the age of the Internet, libraries are still the first stop for many people seeking information, enjoyment and inspiration. Over 2 million visitors checked out more than 4 million items from Alameda County Libraries last year.

"We're economical. We're also bigger, better and busier than ever," says County Librarian, Linda Wood. Alameda County Library has enhanced its collections, adding more audio books, CDs, DVDs, -international language materials and e-books that can be read from computers at home, school or the office. The number and types of programs offered at Alameda County Libraries have also been expanded offering something for everyone. Check out the monthly calendars and you'll notice the variety of free programs available at the libraries: storytimes, dance programs, concerts, job hunting classes, computer classes, health and personal growth workshops and more. Ms. Wood notes "libraries are places where individuals of all ages are empowered with knowledge, recreational opportunities, and literacy skills. Libraries strengthen communities by providing information and a common gathering place for bringing diverse people together.

Join Alameda County Library System as it celebrates National Library Week with a host of free family programs.

Saturday, April 17 at 2 pm. Romance Writers Panel
Centerville Library -- 3801 Nicolet, Fremont 94536. (510) 795-2629

Sunday, April 18 at 2 pm. Ballet Folklorico
Union City Library -- 34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City 94587. (510) 745-1464

Monday, April 19 at 2 pm. Wildlife Associates "Spirit of the Rainforest"
Castro Valley Library -- 20055 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley 95646. (510) 670-6280

Tuesday, April 20 at 4 pm. Taiko Drummers.
Dublin Library -- 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin 94568. (925) 828-1315

Tuesday, April 20 at 7pm. Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston author of Farewell to Manzanar and her new book Legend of the Fire Horse Woman
Fremont Main Library -- 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont 94538. (510) 745-1401

Wednesday, April 21 at 3:30 pm. Wildlife Associates "Spirit of the Rainforest"
San Lorenzo Library -- 395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo 94580. (510) 670-6283

Wednesday, April 21 at 7 pm. Marine Mammal Center "Marine Mammals of California"
Dublin Library -- 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin 94568. (925) 828-1315

Saturday, April 24 at 2pm. Chinese Folk Dance.
Newark Library -- 6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark 94560. (510) 795-2627

Saturday, April 24 at 3pm. Word for Word "The Wonderful Story of Zaal"
Albany Library -- 1247 Marin Ave., Albany 94706. (510) 526-3720

To learn more about what's happening at the library, stop by your nearest branch or visit www.aclibrary.org.