Come join us for a storytime with Ms. Bernadette. Hear a story and browse and vote for your Beloved Books.
This month, we are reading
Winnie the Pooh
Amelia Bedelia
Curious George
About storytime presenter:
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.”
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:
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Register at:https://tinyurl.com/SMCPCJanGaymeNight
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
March 11 – The Serviceberry
April 8 – The Alchemist
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
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.
Stitch up some holiday magic! Join our fun and festive Holiday Crochet Workshop! Come and create charming, personalized gifts and decorations for yourself or your loved ones, whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your stitches. 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.