Special Performances, Programs & Events

By funding special performances and other programs, the Foundation helps the Library fulfill its mission of providing recreational opportunities as well as knowledge and literacy skills. Each year, tens of thousands of adults, children and families attend a wide variety of events that can range from magic and puppet shows to financial workshops.

The Foundation has also provided support for a Bay Area–wide campaign each April to promote National Library Week, including colorful transit bus “tails,” public service announcements, banners and special programming. Children’s Book Week Plus in November is another opportunity for the Foundation to provide support for programming.

A large part of what makes Alameda County so unique is its rich cultural diversity. Patrons of the Library speak at least 56 different languages, so an ongoing goal is to provide materials that reflect this diversity and foster understanding. The Foundation is helping children gain an appreciation with six Multicultural Kits (with funding from the San Francisco Foundation) that in addition to a storybook include a laminated map, photos, fabric swatches and other tactile learning tools.