Tag: community event

Beloved Stories with Ms. Bernadette

Written by Raquel on January 30, 2026.

Come to storytime with Ms. Bernadette. Hear a story and browse and vote for your Beloved Books. Suitable For Children ages 4 – 8 Years

Book Selections

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

About Ms. Bernadette

Ms. Bernadette lives above the Top of the Hill, plays reading games with kids in local schools, and retired from selling books to grown ups to help them do their jobs better. Let’s find your “Beloved Books.”

Author Talk with Ellie Lopez, author of Chillona

Written by Raquel on January 30, 2026.

Come join us for an evening celebrating the debut poetry collection, Chillona, by local author Ellie Lopez! In Chillona, Ellie Lopez discusses their personal experience as the eldest daughter in a Mexican American family and navigating life in the Bay Area. Their book covers many themes such as identity, healing, and family. Lopez will be joined by other performers listed down below.

List of performers opening for Ellie Lopez:

Tara Rico
Mia Catherine
Dina Klarisse
Stephanie Hernandez Jarvis

Ellie Lopez (she/her) is a storyteller from Tracy, CA. Her poetry has been featured in numerous publications most recently Mobile Data Mag and KALW BAY POETS. Ellie has released a BuiLit Zine “While in Mourning” via Sampaguita Press. “Chillona” is her first full length poetry collection and was released October 2025.

Crochet Workshop

Written by Raquel on January 29, 2026.

Come and create charming, personalized gifts and decorations for yourself or for your loved ones, whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your stitches. We will provide hooks and yarn at the workshop or bring your own crochet hook and yarns.

Children under age of 12 must be accompanied by adults.

Author Meet & Greet: Charles Porta

Written by Raquel on January 18, 2026.

In Pure Evil, Page Publishing author Charles Porta tells a spine-chilling thriller story about a serial killer loose in San Francisco. The police department are doing their best, but are being taunted by the killer and the death count of the city is only rising. Then, Detective Draven Overstreet is assigned to the case. He is a brilliant detective who follows his own beat with a strict moral code steeped in the protection of the innocent.

With the aid of the Gothically alluring and seductive Asia Francisco, forensics expert for the San Francisco Police Department, along with assistance from other individuals, they comb the city in desperate search for this disturbed, twisted serial killer lurking among the streets.

First five attendees receive a FREE copy of the book!

Crochet Workshop- Winter Gnomes

Written by Raquel on January 18, 2026.

Come stitch up some fun winter gnomes with us at the store! Join our fun and festive Crochet Workshop! Come and create charming, personalized gifts and decorations for yourself or for your loved ones, whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your stitches. Please bring your own crochet hook and yarns or we will provide them at the workshop. Children under age of 12 must be accompanied by adults.

Gayme Night

Written by Raquel on December 31, 2025.

San Mateo County Pride Center Gayme Night at Peninsula Books – a free community event!
Instead of being bored, join the Pride Center at Peninsula Books for a fun night of board games! From party games to trivia, we will have as much variety in games as we do in our community. Plus, we will even have prizes! You have nothing to lose (except for every game you play). Join us on Thursday, January 22nd from 6:00-8:00 PM!

Registration is encouraged, but not required. Register in advance to be entered to win a drawing prize. There will also be some prizes for some of our game winners as well.

This event is free and open to the public. Light snacks will be provided.

Healing through Books – Book Club

Written by Raquel on December 19, 2025.

Healing through books. Join us and we’ll provide coffee, light snacks, and a conversation in which we heal ourselves through literature.

Second Wednesday of Each Month | 7:30pm – 8:30pm

February 11 – The Midnight Library

March 11 – The Serviceberry

April 8 – The Alchemist

Banned Book Club

Written by Raquel on December 19, 2025.

Third Thursday of each month at 6 pm. Bring yourself and we will provide coffee, snacks and conversation! We will discuss the listed book that night so plan ahead and read the book (or at least start it) before you arrive.

First Five attendees will receive a free copy of the next months book!

March 19: Forever by Judy Blume

April 16: The sun and her flowers by Rupi Kaur

May 21: Front Desk by Kelly Yang

June 18: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

July 16: The Sun also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Aug. 20: New Kid by Jerry Craft

Sept. 17: Bless Me, Ultima -Rudolfo Anaya

Oct. 15: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Nov. 19: One person, No Vote by Carol Anderson

Dec. 17: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston

Author Conversation – Carolyn Bass

Written by Raquel on November 25, 2025.

Join Carolyn Bass a native San Franciscan, who retired from the University of California, San Francisco with over thirty years of service in Human Resources.

‘Unstoppable,’ the book she co-authored with Lisa Nichols, achieved best-seller status; her original short story was published in an anthology; and she was a featured writer/reader at Ruth’s Table in San Francisco. Books will be provided to attendees.

Carolyn is passionate about developing delicious SOS-free vegan recipes—free of salt, oil, and sugar.

Agenda:

Talk about chapter in detail and backstories
Q & A Session
Yummy treats
Trivia contest around health questions
Hat contest- wear a hat with a vegetable or fruit theme for a prize

Vision Board Workshop 2026

Written by Raquel on November 25, 2025.

Attendees will learn how to make a personalized vision board. Participants will reflect on 2025 growth, goal attainment, desire for next steps; and consider 2026 goals, growth, self-care, and value exploration. This will be a creative process.

Limited to ten attendees 16 and older. Basic materials will be provided, and you must register for the free event.

About the presenter:

Karen is a practicing therapist who utilizes mindfulness and integrative approaches to healing. She/they has extensive history supporting folx from the LGBTQ+ community and those who identify as gender queer, non-binary or trans as well as 15 years of experience supporting children, families, and individuals experiencing hardship.

Special thanks to partner, Sobrato Foundation for sponsoring this event.

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