Two shows, a book sale, children’s programs for Black History Month, and a lecture on love
Want to shop a sale? Learn something new? Catch a show? Today we’re highlighting a selection of events from the Alameda Post community calendar that promise fun right here on the island. From Thursday, February 6, through Saturday, February 8, shop amazing deals at the annual Friends of the Alameda Free Library Used Book Sale. On Friday, February 7, the Library is kicking off a month of children’s programs for Black History Month with Paper Story Quilt, an event for ages six and up that includes a craft. That night, Faction Brewing is hosting the Alameda’s Angels Valentines Drag Show. On Saturday, February 8, catch a one-night-only performance of Flight Lessons: A Folk Opera at Rhythmix Cultural Works. And mark your calendars for Thursday, February 13, for the latest Profs & Pints® lecture at Faction Brewing, Love Lessons from Animal Research.
Friends of the Alameda Free Library Used Book Sale
Thursday, February 6 – Saturday, February 8
There’s still time! Friends of the Alameda Free Library’s annual Used Book Sale started on Wednesday, February 5, and runs through Saturday, February 8. Head over to the Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, for some new reading material at a great price.
Shop the Used Book Sale on Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Books for Friends, a subgroup of the Friends of the Alameda Free Library, will be offering a buy-one-get-one-free discount.
Friends of the Alameda Free Library was founded in 1974 and has been supporting the library ever since through fundraising efforts and volunteer opportunities. The nonprofit backs a number of library programs, including the Alameda Reads literacy program and art docent lectures. Check out their website for more information and ways to get involved.
Black History Month Program: Paper Story Quilt
Friday, February 7
The Alameda Free Library is hosting the first of its 2025 Black History Month events for kids on Friday, February 7, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Kids ages six and up are invited to Paper Story Quilt at the Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, to kick off the month of events.
Mark your calendars for each of the special programs:
- Paper Story Quilt | Friday, February 7, 3:30 p.m. – Learn about Faith Ringgold, a painter, writer, sculptor, quilter, and activist. Kids can create their own paper story quilt based on Ringgold’s book Tar Beach.
- DIY Planetarium | Thursday, February 13, 3:30 p.m. – Learn about American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Participants are invited to make their own planetarium.
- Circle of Flowers | Friday, February 21, 3:30 p.m. – Learn about Alma Woodsey Thomas, an artist and teacher based in Washington D.C. Kids will be able to paint their own Circle of Flowers artwork.
Registration is required to participate in these events.To sign up, contact the Children’s Desk by phone at 510-747-7705 or email [email protected].
Alameda’s Angels Valentines Drag Show
Friday, February 7
Get ready for cold drinks, good vibes, and fabulous entertainment at Alameda’s Angels Valentines Drag Show on Friday, February 7, 7 to 10 p.m., at Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street.
Host Summer Lynn Spears will be joined by drag queens from around the Bay Area for this dazzling night full of beautiful costumes and energetic performances. The La Santa Torta food truck will offer mouth-watering tacos, tortas, desserts, and more for purchase. All ages are welcome to attend this special event, and adults age 21 and older are welcome to enjoy the variety of beers on tap (and in cans) at Faction.
Festivities begin at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance online to secure a spot. General admission is $10 per person, and group rates for tables are available as well.
Flight Lessons: A Folk Opera
Saturday, February 8
One night only! Join Rhythmix Cultural Work for Flight Lessons: A Folk Opera by Deborah Crooks. The show takes off at 7 p.m. at 2513 Blanding Avenue.
“Based on a true story about the Peregrine Falcons and humans living at the convergence of wild and urban habitats on Oakland’s Fruitvale Bridge, Flight Lessons explores themes of home, migration, adaptation and the limits of the man-made environment,” author Deborah Crooks explains. The folk opera is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas and recently received a Puffin Foundation Grant.
Read more about the performance and reserve your ticket on the Rhythmix website. General admission is $32 per person, and Angel tickets, which help support the full cost of production, are $44. Discount group packages are available as well. A service fee of $4 applies to individual tickets, and a service fee of $3.50 applies to each group ticket.
Profs & Pints®: Love Lessons from Animal Research
Thursday, February 13
What happens in the brain when we fall in love? Join Dr. Karen L. Bales for a fascinating lecture, Love Lessons from Animal Research to find out. Dr Bales is a professor of psychology and scholar of the neurobiology, physiology, and behavior of animals that socially bond. She’ll be sharing her findings at Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, on Thursday, February 13, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
“You wouldn’t expect titi monkeys to sit down next to you and give you relationship advice, but nonetheless you can learn a lot from them when it comes to affairs of the heart,” notes the event description. “Just ask Professor Karen Bales, whose research includes setting up ‘speed dating’ experiments involving them.” Explore social events like falling in love, first impressions, popularity, and partner loss from the lens of animal research—and see what it can teach us about ourselves.
This lecture is presented by Profs & Pints®, an organization with a mission to bring “college faculty members into bars, cafés, company offices, and other off-campus venues to share their knowledge.” Tickets are available for advance purchase online for $13.50 plus a processing fee, or may be purchased at the door for $17, $15 for students with a student ID.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Reach her at [email protected].
