Chris Hayes with Michael Lewis @ Calvary Presbyterian Church | February 3
New York Times bestselling author and MSNBC and podcast host Chris Hayes is joined by Bay Area author Michael Lewis. Both have new or recent books, respectively. Hayes delivers The Siren’s Call: How Attention Became the World’s Most Endangered Resource, and Lewis in 2023 released Going Infinite. Conversation will focus on the relentless impact from internet companies, advertisers, entertainers, politicians on our attention, and will also cover the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX and the demise of its CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried. A central theme is control: how it becomes lost and how to get it back. There’s little doubt certain subjects will nudge their way into the discussion such as the election of Donald Trump, the rise and reign of AI, the economy and fallout post-pandemic, and the compression of time and space as global conflict can be seen, heard, reported (and distorted) on massive scale through fast-moving social media…. A fascinating chat made possible by the digital era. The ticket includes Hayes’ new book.
Feb. 3 @ 7 p.m. | 2515 Fillmore St, San Francisco | $36 | www.bookpassage.com/chris-hayes-sirens-call-ticket-page-calvary-presbyterian-sf
Sign My Name To Freedom: Film Sneak Peak and Q&A @ West Oakland Public Library | Feb. 15
Local filmmaker Bryan Gibel and members of the film team involved in the making of a full feature documentary about the iconic National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin present a free sneak peek at the project. The documentary explores not only Soskin’s radical decision at age 85 to join the park service—becoming its oldest member ever—but addresses her life as a singer-songwriter, which unfolded during a time when Jim Crow’s vestiges continued to wreak havoc and cause trauma for Black people. The doc also captures Soskin’s family history and her experience of being the first Black family in Walnut Creek. Soskin in many ways reconfigured Bay Area and national conversations about segregation in workplaces, the military, the park service, and more. At age 103, her impact continues to ripple across multiple landscapes. The documentarians are currently raising funds to complete the film and plan a premiere for early 2026. The Q&A and discussion with Gibel will include Outreach Producer Stephisha Ycoy-Walton, a West Oakland Librarian representative, and special guest Photographer Henry Raulston, celebrated for his photographic documentation of the Black Panther Movement.
Feb. 15 from noon to 2 p.m. | Free but please register HERE to attend | Learn more: oaklandlibrary.org
Youth Speaks Teen Poetry Slam: Prelim 2 @ The Commons/KQED Headquarters | Feb. 21
One of the most invigorating literary experiences is watching and hearing young poets from all over the Bay Area compete. Vying to become finalists at the annual international Brave New Voices youth poetry festival, each poet has three minutes and 30 seconds to display their wordsmith skills and oratory excellence. Five judges score the poems during the event’s three rounds: preliminaries, semi-finals, and finals. The 10 competing poets who advance will join the Semi Finals on March 21st at the San Francisco Public Library. The rules state the slam is open to anyone 19 and under. A sign up list opens at 5:00 pm and 24 slots are available. Performers will make the list on a first come first serve basis. The slam begins at 6 pm and is free, with a suggested donation ($7-15) to livestream for folks preferring to watch the slam from home. If possible, see it live because the energy is something the internet will never duplicate.
Feb. 21 @ 6 p.m. | Free | www.kqed.org
Main Library Tour @ Oakland Public Library, Main Branch | Feb. 22
After months of being closed to repair and reconfigure the city’s main branch, people can jump back into the action. This opportunity to participate in a guided tour with librarian Mana is perfect for new and experienced patrons alike. The tour includes information about the library’s history and conversations of what is to come in the future. Open to adults, be sure to ask questions about the facility and its programs that are most pertinent to you and your family. The one hour tour will visit all floors and departments, but with no cost other than time, people are able to participate in part or all of the tour at will.
Feb. 22 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Free | oaklandlibrary.org
Poetry Reading and Workshop With Oakland Youth Poet Laureate @ Oakland Public Library, Main Branch | Feb. 22
The Oakland Youth Poet Laureate represents Oakland and its youth at public and private events each year. Engagement through the press, blogs, videos, and social media provide visibility and the award comes with an opportunity to develop their own poet-leader project. Information about eligibility and applying can be found at the library website youth poet laureate page. The 2024 Laureate, Ella Gordon, will appear for the event on Feb. 22 to share her work and conduct a workshop as part of her Poetry Pen Pals project. No previous poetry-writing experience is required and all ages are welcome. Like the majority of events at Oakland’s public libraries, the poetry reading and work session is free.
Feb. 22 from 1-2 p.m. | Free | oaklandlibrary.org
College Preparatory School Used Book Sale @ College Preparatory School | March 1-2
Here’s a preview of the annual book sale set for March 1 and 2. Those interested will want to contact the hosts, the College Prep Parents’ Association, for full details or to volunteer sorting books before the sale. Celebrating its 30th year, book lovers will find thousands of gently used books for adults, teens, and children, including many recent and popular titles in excellent condition. Additional media, vinyl, puzzles, and a selection of vintage/antique books will hold interest for all ages and book collectors. Prices are roughly $1–3 (special books are slightly higher) and a bag sale on Sunday invites shoppers to fill their satchels for $8. The sale is held on the school campus in Buttner Auditorium and ample free parking is available.
March 1-2 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Saturday) + 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Sunday) | Free | 6100 Broadway, Oakland | Questions: Contact bookfair@college-prep.org