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Upcoming Events

Visit this space to learn about upcoming events at our space or in the community. Hope to see you soon!

Tag: community event

banned books

Banned Book Week 2025

Written by Raquel on . Posted in Events.

Banned Book Week

This year, join us all week to learn about Banned books, celebrate the Freedom to read, read a banned book, and connect with other book lovers. Visit us all week for Banned Book Bingo (with a chance to win a banned book bundle), shop banned books, grab a free ALA banned book sticker, and more.

Banned Books Read-In
Sunday, October 5
2-4 pm

Attendees will receive a free audiobook (Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books). Bring a book, listen to the audiobook, or find one at the shop. Join the read-in from 2-4pm.

The “Write” to Read
Thursday, October 9
4-6 pm

Write Postcards to school districts or library trustees about book bans. We will supply postcards, templates, and snacks.

Right to Read Night
Saturday, October 11
5-6 pm

Join us for a powerful discussion of Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. Read the book, bring your thoughts, and be a part of the conversation.

Learn More

Banned Book Resumes

Pumpkin Crochet Workshop

Written by Raquel on .

Get ready for a fun, relaxed crochet workshop where you’ll create your very own squishy, poly-filled pumpkins. It’s a fantastic activity for kids and adults alike – no experience necessary! Grab a spot and get ready for a cozy, creative afternoon.

Materials will be provided.

Children under age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Banned Book Read-in

Written by Raquel on .

We’ll get settled and do intros, read silently for an hour, then chat for a bit (if you like). We will have some snacks and drinks, but feel free to bring your own as well. You will receive a QR code for a free audiobook by LibroFM.
Join our Read-in to protest and take action against bans.

Agenda

2 pm – Gather

2:30 pm – Read audiobook or physical book

3:30 pm –  Discuss & wrap-up

Poetry Night

Written by Raquel on .

Join us for a poetry night with local writers Katrina Benedicto & Jade Zora Dean 

Katrina Benedicto (they/she) is a Filipino-American writer and educator. Born in the Bay Area, they lived in Romblon and Manila before moving to San Francisco. They later studied at SFSU, where they hold an MFA in Creative Writing. Their writing often taps into topics of folklore, the body, and the fleeting nature of home.

Jade Zora Dean is a queer, trans poet, writer, and poetry editor for Fourteen Hills: The S.F.S.U. Review. She was born in the Rocky Mountains where she received her B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Colorado Boulder. Now, she has made her home in the beautiful Bay Area. Her poem “Not Hiding Unseen” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and she is currently pursuing her MFA in creative writing at San Francisco State University.

Meet & Greet: Do you know Dino? Author Andy Cruz

Written by Raquel on .

Imagine going back in time, 152 million years, to the late Jurassic Period. Meet Andy Cruz, aka dinosaurcomics, a Sacramento-based cartoonist that makes comics about prehistory (Especially DINOSAURS!) and his deep fascination with the natural world for a book signing.

Born and raised in the California Bay Area, Andy enjoys long walks on beaches and drinking milk tea. When he’s not drawing, he’s probably reading comics, watching anime, or throwing Tiger Uppercuts in Muay Thai.

I am a Warrior Book Launch & Community Gathering

Written by Raquel on .

I Have the Heart of a Warrior – Book Launch & Community Gathering

Join us for an inspiring and heart-centered celebration of I Have the Heart of a Warrior, the newest children’s empowerment book by author, humanitarian, and speaker Leslie Lew.

This powerful event is for parents, educators, caregivers, and conscious community members who believe in raising the next generation with courage, confidence, and compassion.

Whether you’re nurturing your own child’s voice or healing your inner child, this gathering is a reminder that we all have the heart of a warrior — and it’s time to live from it.

What to Expect:

  • A heartfelt reading of I Have the Heart of a Warrior
  • Interactive Q&A and community discussion with Leslie
  • Creative activities for kids and families to explore bravery, boundaries, and voice
  • Book signing + limited edition warrior gifts
  • A space of love, healing, and bold transformation

Who It’s For:

  • Parents and caregivers who want to raise brave, emotionally aware kids
  • Teachers, therapists, and youth advocates focused on empowerment
  • Anyone looking to reconnect with their own warrior spirit

Come as you are. Leave feeling empowered, connected, and ready to rise — with your little (or inner) warrior by your side.

Meet & Greet with Patricia Bossano

Written by Raquel on .

Come meet local author Patricia Bossano, purchase a book and get it signed. 

Although born in California, Patricia grew up in Ecuador, South America. After a return to the United States in the mid 1980’s and a corporate career in International Sales Operations, she followed her heart and began to write full time.

At present, Patricia is an award-winning full-time artisanal wordsmith and the managing editor of WaterBearer Press, and old-school scribbler of no A.I. philosophical fiction and supernatural escapes, some of them en español.

Love & Homegrown Magic spans seven decades and is a genre-crossing novel with elements of fantasy, spirituality and the paranormal.

Summer Reading Challenge 2025

Written by Raquel on . Posted in Peninsula Picks.

In collaboration with  Read any 5 books this summer (one needs be from the Summer Reading Catalog), write a 3-4 sentence review of your favorite, win a prize (a free button). This is for all ages.

You can pick up catalogs and index cards (to share the books you read & write your review) at Peninsula Books. When complete, provide to a staff member for your prize and entry into the book bundles.

Everyone who completes it will also be entered into a book bundle raffle.  We will have book bundles for all ages.

Poetry Night at Peninsula Books

Written by Raquel on .

Come join us for an hour with Peninsula poets Amanda Saeed and MJ. They will share their poetry with the community, friends, and family. Come and listen to their work and don’t forget to buy a book! Amanda’s books are available and signed. 

message in a bottle

Message in a Bottle Workshop

Written by Raquel on .

“Message in a Bottle” is an interactive writing/visual arts experience where participants enjoy the wonders of self-expression. You will write a message based on David’s prompts. Then Ellen will guide you in creating an artistically decorated bottle and inserting your written piece to complete the message in a bottle that only you could create!

This FREE event is perfect for a parent-child (10 years and older) bonding experience, but feel free to show up alone and make new friends.

Registration Required. 

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