FRIENDS OF HAYWARD LIBRARY

It’s part of Hayward

My self and my family started going to the library in 1985, been raised as a foster child the library was the only safe place for me to be after school, after I had my own kids I took them every Wednesday and some times on Saturdays this library brings us a lot of memories I feel sad but at the same time happy because new generation are going to be able to enjoyed it like we did, from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you Hayward public library.

I’m a friend of Hayward library because I’ve been involved with Homework support center and I won the Hayward Public Library Poetry Contest as the Grand Prize winner. Thanks.

My two daughter’s are now 48 & 46 years old. I used to take them to Weeks Park library for story time. They loved it.

Eleanor Malone

My two daughter’s are now 48 & 46 years old. I used to take them to Weeks Park library for story time. They loved it.

Eleanor Malone

My mother, Mary B. Mikkelson, volunteered in the literacy program at the Hayward Library for more than 25 years. I believe that she started volunteering after teaching first grade at Cox school in Oakland. She really enjoyed being around her fellow volunteers and helping adults learning to read for the first time. She and my father, Dr. V.E. Mikkelson, raised us six girls to have a lifelong love affair with books.


When we were growing up in Grants Pass, Oregon my mother would take us to the library once a week to hear a story being read by a librarian. I can still remember the delicious crack the brand new book would make as its pages were turned. Once we moved to West Linn, Oregon, my mother would take us to the library once a week to pick out books to read. Nancy Drew books were among my favorites; I could easily read three books a week, sometimes under the covers with a flashlight if I was supposed to be asleep.


My mother inherited the books from her parents’ library after they died. I was amazed to discover that my grandparents owned books written about or by early African Americans when I was a college student at Pomona College asking to take independent study courses African-American history and literature. When my mom and dad died, we inherited those books, plus other books our parents had bought for themselves. I remember my father giving me the very first books he learned to read with back in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the 1920s, which I still have (somewhere…) My sisters and I kept many of these books, but others we donated to the Hayward Library and to the library in San Anselmo, where I live now.


When my dad died, mom bought a brick in his name at the Hayward Library. My mother died in February of 2016 and I recently donated $1000 for a plaque in my parents’ name in the new library, which will have its grand opening in July of this year. I only recently read the history of the Hayward Library, which is pretty amazing! Thank you for inviting me to write why I am pleased to be a friend of the Hayward Library.

I’m a friend of the Hayward Library because I enjoy all things in print; learning; and networking on an intellectual and social level and the library events bring it all together. Thank you for the wonderful memories and looking forward to new adventures in the new location and look! Ame M.

The Hayward Public Library has played an important role in the education of my children and grandchildren. For the last 30 years we have visited the library and have always found interesting books and materials that contribute to enhance our intellectual skills.

The library staff has always been helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. Thanks so much for your work and for teaching everyone, children and adults, the love of reading and the value of books.



Gloria Prada and Family

The library has been the place in Hayward that has provided me the opportunity to experience all the wonders of the world through books and videos.

I live in Hayward. Also, libraries are full of knowledge and knowledge is power.

For several years, I was a volunteer for the Homework Help program. Frequently tables and chairs had to be set up and taken down because the room was reserved for another use. Sometimes the space would be cut in two by a temporary wall. We almost never had enough room as the program grew ever more popular. Now, with our new library, we have dedicated space. Hurrah!

I was born in Hayward I am 12 years old my mom Isabel Lozoya takes me to Hayward library since I was a child I like to go, every Wednesday I go out with Tutoria with Mrs. Emy and I am happy for our new library

I’m a friend of Hayward library I was born in Hayward I am 12 years old my mom Isabel Lozoya takes me to Hayward library since I was a child I like to go, every Wednesday with Tutor Ms Emy and I am happy for our new library

Books ! The printed word !

I was an employee there for 32 years and I am excited to see Hayward continue to provide superior service to their public and to have a worldclass green facility.

My childhood was spending after school hours and weekends at both Hayward public libraries with siblings and friends. 😊 #secondhome

I love books!

I believe libraries make good and well-informed citizens.

Libraries help build a well-informed and intellectually-healthy citizenry. Hayward leads the way with the most modern library in the state, if not the country.

I really like how the library is open to every person in our city and how it levels the playing field with internet for all who need it.

Because reading is fundamental and opens minds to a whole new word!

We live in Hayward and think a good public library is key for a City like ours. We’re excited about the state of the art facilities and think it’s a great investment for City $$$.

I’m a lifelong library patron since childhood.

I’m a friend of the Hayward library because it supports the education and entertainment of all members of our community.

Allowing public access to books and educational activities at the local library shaped me while growing up. Now I want that and more for my children