News & Events

Don’t miss the latest events and news from the Library Foundation and our local libraries.

Upcoming Events

Mechanics Bank Supporting the New Walnut Creek Library

When community members open a checking account at the Mechanics Bank branch on N. Main Street, the bank will donate $100 to the Walnut Creek Library Foundation for the new downtown library. Visit their branch at 1350 N. Main Street to learn more about this offer or download the flyer.

Recent Events

 

Join the Celebration - Celebrate the Fun

On Sunday, June 14 families and children enjoyed a festive afternoon with famed children's author and Caldecott winner Robert D. Souci, the PT Puppets performing The Three Little Pigs and The Magic of Germar.

The event was designed to raise awareness for the new downtown library, scheduled to open in the summer of 2010, and for the programs and events that will be offered in the new library once it opens.

The afternoon was presented by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation and Mechanics Bank.

 

Visit our Live! From the Library Webpage for information on our recent programs.

 

 

Foundation Presents Check to City

The Walnut Creek Library Foundation delivered a $750,000 check to the City of Walnut Creek at the January 20, council meeting for the construction of the new downtown library.

 

Reading The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

Walnut Creek residents read this year's selection in record numbers and participated in a variety of citywide events in September and October. The 2008 selection for One City One Book struck a chord with Walnut Creek residents. According to our city librarian, The Life and Times Of The Thunderbolt Kid, a memoir by author Bill Bryson, was checked out of Walnut Creek libraries 1172 times!

Read more about the celebration . . .

 

Thousands Attend LibraryFest at Civic Park

On Sunday September 14th thousands gathered at Civic Park to enjoy the full program of activities, exhibits and events that demonstrated the dynamic range of facilities, programs, and services that will be available when the new downtown library opens in 2010. Highlights included appearances by authors Gail Tsukiyama and Brian Copeland, Chinese and Russian cultural activities, marionettes, Su-percussion with the California Symphony and much more.

LibraryFest kicked of the Library Foundation’s community campaign. Visit the new library website to learn more and help complete the dream.

 

Buena Vida at Va de Vi

On May 18, Va de Vi Restaurant hosted an afternoon in the garden and raised funds for our local library programs.The Foundation thanks the event sponsors.

Read more about the event . . .

 

Hundreds "Dig In!" at Walnut Creek Library Groundbreaking

Community members young, old and in-between came to break ground for our new downtown Walnut Creek Library on May 19. Mayor Gwen Regalia welcomed the crowd and thanked the Foundation for its fundraising to date. County Librarian Anne Cain and Foundation board member Tom Donahoe also spoke about the exciting new library that will be a welcome addition to downtown Walnut Creek.

View photos from the groundbreaking . . .

 

Thanks for the Memories

In January the Foundation hosted a retirement party for the old downtown Walnut Creek library. As part of the festivities school-aged children participated in a coloring contest and many amazing pictures were submitted!

See the contest winners . . .

The event showcased local musicians, a timeline from 1961 to the present, wall signing and many activities for children.

Read and see more about the party . . .

Artist Presents Public Art for Downtown Library

Artist Christian Moeller presented the art commissioned by the city of Walnut Creek for the new downtown library at a special Arts Commission meeting on Monday,
July 16. The piece, called "Portrait in 12 Volumes of Gray," will be a 26-foot tall bookcase filled with 4,400 books in different shades of gray. When viewing the bookcase from a distance, library patrons will see the image of a Woman with a finger to her lips."
Read more about the artwork . . .

In the News

Contra Costa's Libraries Have Become High-tech Community Centers
County Librarian Anne Cain in Diablo Magazine

When Anne Cain was growing up in the suburbs of Boston, her local library refused to carry Nancy Drew mysteries. Cain had to borrow the beloved books from a neighbor, and the memory of that would one day spur her ambition to transform Contra Costa County's library system into one of the most inclusive and innovative in the United States.

Read the complete article . . .

Foundation Announces $4.2 Million Raised to Date

Walnut Creek Library Foundation President Ed Del Beccaro announced at the April 15 City Council meeting that the Foundation has raised $4.2 million toward the capital construction of our new Walnut Creek Library. Del Beccaro told the council the Foundation will meet the $5 million goal promised to the city. "We have strong prospects for an additional $1.5 million in foundation grants and anticipate raising up to $7.5 million for the capital campaign." He added that the outpouring of donations so far is testimony to the community's support of a library that will meet the community's needs.

Read the Complete Article . . .