October 2026 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
As we move into October, Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL) has several opportunities to celebrate reading, connect with neighbors and support the Library.
I encourage you to watch The Librarians, a powerful documentary by director Kim A. Snyder that recently won an Emmy Award for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking. The film follows school and public librarians across the country who are confronting book bans, harassment, threats and efforts to limit access to books. It is a compelling reminder of the essential role librarians play in defending the freedom to read. Watch The Librarians for free on Kanopy.
We had a wonderful time at Blues, Brews & BBQ on Sunday, September 20. FAL joined the Alameda Free Library at a shared booth, where Library staff and representatives helped community members sign up for Library cards and shared bookmarks, stickers and information about Library services. FAL hosted a pop-up used book sale and talked with visitors about how FAL supports the Library through fundraising, advocacy and volunteer service. Thank you to West End Library Manager Giuliano Costantini, Library Board members Debbie Gibbons and Dimple Kanji, Used Book Sales Committee member Aly Wagenman and Library Director Mary Abler for making this partnership possible.
The Alameda Used Book Sale returns Wednesday, October 14, through Saturday, October 17, at the Main Library. On Wednesday, School of Rock will present a special performance from 6 to 7 pm, a first for the Alameda Used Book Sale. More details are available in the next section of this newsletter.
Later this month, Tucker’s Ice Cream will host its first carved pumpkin competition fundraiser for FAL. Community members are invited to submit carved pumpkins, which will be displayed at Tucker’s during the weekend of October 24 and 25. A panel of judges, including an FAL representative, will select the best carved pumpkin on Sunday, October 25. Tucker’s customers will also receive one vote with each purchase during the weekend to select a People’s Choice winner. FAL and the Library will be at Tucker’s throughout the weekend with a pop-up used book stand, library card signups and more. Please stop by to say hello and enjoy the creative displays.
On Monday, October 26, Tucker’s will host a dine-and-donate night for FAL. Stop in for ice cream, view the pumpkins and support the Library with your purchase. Watch for additional information in this newsletter and on Tucker’s Instagram and FAL’s Instagram.
Please save the date for a celebration of 20 years of the Alameda Free Library and Books & Bites Cafe on Saturday, November 7, at 2 pm in the Stafford Room at the Main Library. The afternoon will feature a performance by Coventry & Kaluza, along with a sweet treat. The Library will also mark this milestone through its “20 Years, 20 Stories” campaign, sharing favorite Main Library memories from patrons, Library staff, volunteers and other community members. Watch the Library’s Instagram and Facebook pages for short video clips throughout the campaign.
Finally, to FAL’s current volunteers: If you are looking for a way to deepen your involvement with the Library community, please consider serving on the FAL Board of Directors. Board members help guide FAL’s mission, support fundraising and outreach, provide financial and strategic oversight, and serve as ambassadors for the Library in Alameda. Board service includes monthly meetings, participation on at least one committee and an average commitment of at least 6 hours each month. If you are ready to take the next step in your FAL service, please contact volunteer@alamedafriends.org.
Thank you for the many ways you support FAL and the Library. Your time, generosity and enthusiasm help keep the Library a vibrant resource for our entire community.
Cheers,
Josh Dapkus
President, Friends of the Alameda Free Library
Alameda Used Book Sale
Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL) is proud to host the biannual Alameda Used Book Sale at the Alameda Free Library's main branch. Throughout the year, the Alameda community donates books, which are sold at incredibly low prices at this sale as well as the Books For Friends bookshop. Proceeds from the sale go towards supporting a vibrant and relevant Library.
- Wednesday, Oct 14: 2 to 7 pm (Open to all; $5 per bag for educators)
- Featuring a special musical performance by School of Rock at 6 pm
- Thursday, Oct 15: 10 am to 4 pm
- Friday, Oct 16: 10 am to 4 pm
- Saturday, Oct 17: 10 am to 4 pm
The next Alameda Used Book Sale is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 17 at the Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St., Alameda, CA. Our October 2026 sale will feature over 10,000 books at unbeatable prices! This is your chance to stock up on books for all ages and interests. On Wednesday, October 14, from 2 to 7 pm, FAL offers a special $5 bag special for educators and school staff.
School of Rock will be at the Library for a special musical performance on Wednesday, October 14 from 6 to 7 pm.
No charge for entry.
Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.
Thank You to Our Used Book Sale Sponsors
We'd like to give a special shout-out to the following sponsors of the Alameda Used Book Sale:
Books For Friends
Quality used books at great prices
Books For Friends is a mostly volunteer-run, curated bookshop located in the Main Library, with an entrance on the side of the building (Times Way Alley) or through the Books & Bites Cafe.
Tue - Wed: 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Thu - Sat: 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Please donate children’s books
Children’s books are top sellers at the Alameda Used Book Sale, and Books For Friends is currently in need of children’s picture books and board books. Books For Friends may accept one bag of children’s books — picture books or board books only — per donor during regular bookshop hours.
If you have more than one bag to donate, please complete a Book Donation request form. The Book Donation Coordinator will schedule an upcoming Sunday drop-off time.
Pop-up Used Book Sale on Alameda Avenue
Books For Friends will join the Downtown Alameda Business Association’s Thursdays @ the Avenue vendor market on the following dates from 5 - 8 pm:
- October 1
- October 8
- October 29
Stop by to browse a selection of pop-up sale items. Limited edition Alameda Book Con tote bags will also be available at Thursdays @ the Avenue.
What’s happening in the Books & Bites Cafe?
The Books & Bites Cafe is open six days a week, and is fully staffed by dedicated volunteers. Find the cafe at the back of the Main Library.
Mon - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sun: Closed
Fall is here at the Books & Bites Cafe!
With cooler weather and changing leaves, we’ve decorated the cafe for the season and created a warm, welcoming spot to enjoy while you’re visiting the Alameda Free Library.
Looking for something delicious to enjoy while you read, study, work or simply relax at the Alameda Free Library? Stop by the Books & Bites Cafe and check out our selection of protein-packed foods and tasty snacks!
Our menu includes a variety of options that make it easy to grab something delicious for a quick pick-me-up or a satisfying snack. Pair your favorite bite with a coffee, cold beverage or one of our other cafe favorites, and settle in for a relaxing fall break at the library.
While you're here, check out our fall decorations and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere at the Books & Bites Cafe. Stop by, grab something delicious and discover why books and bites make such a great combination.
Come for the books. Stay for the bites!
Volunteer Corner
Alameda Used Book Sale
The Alameda Used Book Sale still has volunteer shifts that need to be filled. If you’re a returning or a new volunteer, please consider spending time with the Alameda Community, Library staff and fellow FAL volunteers. We are in need of volunteers for the following roles:
- Book Movers - Wednesday at 10am or Saturday at 3:30pm
- Book Sitters - various shifts throughout the sale
- Set Up Assistants - Wednesday at 10am
- Box Packers - Saturday at 3:30pm
- Table Monitors - various shifts throughout the sale
- Tear Down Assistants - Saturday at 3:30pm
- Cashiers - email volunteer@alamedafriends.org for instructions on how to sign up as a cashier. Training is required for this role.
If you’re unsure of the email you used when you registered with VolunteerLocal, email volunteer@alamedafriends.org and we’ll assist you.
School of Rock's Show Band will be performing on Wednesday, October 14 from 6 to 7 pm in the outdoor patio area near the sale. Our Alameda Used Book Sale will remain open through their performance and we invite you to join us for this show. Bring your family and friends to enjoy popular pop and rock music ranging from Cyndi Lauper to System of a Down.
School of Rock Alameda offers an array of programs that funnel into their Show Band, laying the groundwork for students to progress through their Bands. Join us in supporting this program that makes learning to play music possible for kids and adults.
Book Sorting
The Volunteer Committee has created an On-Call Volunteer List for Tuesday and Friday morning Book Sorting shifts. This list will be used to fill shifts that are cancelled at the last minute. If you’re interested in being on-call for book sorting, please email volunteer@alamedafriends.org. If we have open shifts at the last minute, shift leaders Paul and Jim will call you to see if you’re available to help out.
Thank you to Andrea Rubin, Jarvis Pahl and Jessie Heminway for suggesting this process and for being the first volunteers on our list. We appreciate everything you do for FAL's book sorting operations.
Upcoming FAL Events
Art Docent Talk | Kids Say the Darndest Things
Wednesday, October 14 @ 7:00 PM
Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
Friends of the Alameda Free Library invites the community to a free online Art Docent Talk, presented by the Friends @ Home Committee.
Join Phoenix Art Museum docent Lisa Spahr for a fresh look at some of the museum’s most iconic works of art. Children often approach art with fearless honesty, curiosity and imagination. Their funny, thoughtful and sometimes poignant observations can help all of us see familiar artworks in new ways.
Drawing on her experience leading school tours, Lisa will share works from the Phoenix Art Museum collection alongside insights from its youngest visitors. This engaging online talk welcomes art lovers of all ages and experience levels.
Alameda Free Library Events
All events are free and open to the public. Check out the full events calendar or call the Library at (510) 747-7777 for more information.
These events are made possible due to your donations to the Friends of the Alameda Free Library.
Family Storytime en Español with Aztec
Saturday, October 3, 10:30AM
Bay Farm Island Library
All ages
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us at Bay Farm Island Library on Saturday, October 3rd at 10:30AM for 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 ampitheatre 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!
Aida Salazar Author Visit
Monday, October 5, 4:00PM
Main Library
All ages
Meet award-winning author Aida Salazar present her latest book Stream. This event is free to attend! Receive a free copy of Stream, while supplies last!
Registration is appreciated: Alameda Free Library (Eventbrite).
Filipino American History Month Art Workshop
Saturday, October 24, 1:00PM
West End Library
Ages 8+
Join us at the West End Library 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. This workshop will take place on Saturday, September 24, at 1:00 pm. Registration is required. This is a multigenerational workshop, minimum age required is 8 years old.
Support the Alameda Free Library's Programs
We encourage you to support the Alameda Free Library through Friends of the Alameda Free Library's Annual Campaign! Your monetary gift fuels engaging programs, expands book and eBook collections and brings inspiring cultural events to the community. Every contribution strengthens our library’s role as a place for discovery, learning and connection.
