Berkeley Public Library facts for kids
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Berkeley Public Library
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 Location in Oakland, California
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2090 Kittredge St., Berkeley, California |
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| Built | 1931 - 1934 |
| Architect | Plachek, James W. |
| Architectural style | Moderne, Zig Zag Moderne |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002156 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 25, 1982 |
The Berkeley Public Library is the main library system for the city of Berkeley, California. It has a Central Library and several smaller branches: Claremont, North, West, and Tarea Hill Pittman South. It also has a special Tool Lending Library, which was one of the first of its kind in the whole country!
History of Berkeley's Library
The Berkeley Public Library first opened its doors in 1893. It started small, with just 264 books on Shattuck Avenue.
In 1905, the library moved to a new brick building. This building was funded by Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman who helped build many libraries. The land for it was given by Rosa M. Shattuck.
After the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake, many people moved to Berkeley. Because of this, the library opened four more branches around the city.
The main library building was torn down in 1930. A new design by architect James W. Plachek was approved. Construction began in 1931, and the new Central Library opened in 1934. It's still in the same spot today! The building was updated and reopened in 2002.
Starting in 2011, the library began to renovate its four neighborhood branches. The Claremont and North Branches were finished in 2012. The South Branch and Tool Lending Library were completed in May 2013. The West Branch library reopened in December 2013 after a big renovation project. While the branches were being built, a special "Branch Van" served as a mobile library. It helped people borrow books and use library services.
In 2018, the Berkeley Public Library made a cool change: they stopped charging overdue fines for most teen and adult items. Children's books were already fine-free! Also in 2018, they created the Easy Access Card. This card helps people without a permanent home use the library's online resources and borrow some materials.
Library Technology
All Berkeley Public Library branches have self-checkout machines. You can use these to scan your library card and your items yourself. This works for books, CDs, DVDs, and more. You'll also get a receipt for what you've borrowed. If you prefer, library staff are always available to help you check out items at the circulation desks.
You can also ask for books or renew items online from home. Or you can do it over the telephone!
The Tool Lending Library
The Tool Lending Library opened in 1979. It was one of the first libraries in the United States where you could borrow tools instead of books! It is located at the South Branch. To borrow tools, you need to be at least 18 years old. You also need to live in Berkeley or own property there.
The Tool Lending Library has many useful items. You can find basic hand tools like screwdrivers and hammers. They also have power tools such as drills and string trimmers ("weed wackers"). You can even borrow bigger equipment like shovels, ladders, and concrete mixers. Plus, they offer free advice on how to use the tools!
If you return tools late, there are small fees. These can be $1, $5, or $10 per day, depending on the item. You can usually borrow hand tools for seven days. Power tools can be borrowed for two days.
Gallery
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Cool lettering above a fancy design on the library building.
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The Central Branch of Berkeley Public Library, updated in 2002.
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The South Branch, renovated in 2013.
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The Tool Lending Library at the South Branch.
- by William Porter, 27 data pages by Page & Turnbull, 1998
