Remember Me: American Carved Stone Books from the Ian Berke Collection, curated by Mindell Dubansky, is a fascinating exploration of the realm where book-like objects and folk art intersect. San Francisco collector Ian Berke began collecting these intriguing artifacts during a chance encounter at an antique show in New England in 2007. Fascinated by a […]
Ever wonder what materials are used to make the book you are reading? Come see American Bookbinders Museum latest exhibit and explore the different categories of materials and their various uses.
Various Venues in Downtown Berkeley Top Authors * Critical Conversations * Writers’ Day Outdoor Fair/Literary Marketplace (Sunday only) Free Admission
Join us, either in person or on Zoom, to socialize with BAIPA members and learn what’s happening with print-on-demand publishing and distribution in 2024.
AI is here to stay. Now what? Confused about the basics? What kinds of tools are out there? How could you be using it… and should you? Join us as our panelists share their expertise and help authors navigate these technical and ethical challenges.
Secret Nook presents an exploration of malls through prose, poetry, and a lightweight lesson from an expert. Enjoy an evening filled with literature and sensory experiences at a beloved bar and bookstore. FREE Secret Nook is an experiential reading series based in Oakland. Each event is a happening that explores one theme from many perspectives. Follow […]
See a slice of the Archive and commune with typography lovers during the largest design festival on the West Coast. Where does your design inspiration come from? Maybe it’s time to get off the internet and into the library! Letterform Archive holds one of the world’s best collections of graphic design and typography artifacts. On […]
with Eve Scarborough, Jada Simone Haynes, Mikhail of Hearts To celebrate Pride month, the Archive features a selection of work by Queer*+ designers, curated by members of the Collections Team. To celebrate Pride month and the ongoing struggles for equity, this salon will showcase insights and perspectives of Eve Scarborough, Jada Simone Haynes, and Mikhail […]
Welcome to From the Bench, SFCB's series of short studio tours with friends near and far. From favorite tools to works in progress, you never know what you'll learn about from these amazing artists. This month we'll chat with Insiya Dhatt, a book artist based in San Francisco. Insiya, drawing inspiration from Rajasthan’s deserts and […]
with Francisco Roca Learn about the young graphic artist who designed book covers that would become a sensation in ’60s era Argentina, Latin America, and Spain. In 1962, young graphic artist Juan Ángel Cotta died in a car crash. His ongoing work project at the time, 103 covers for Los Libros del Mirasol —one of South […]
These events are FREE and include authors, workshops, book readings, dance performances, arts, and craft activities, and exhibitors.
We'll gather at 10:30 am to set intentions, then write together in silence for 90 minutes. Afterward, we'll regroup to check in with each other to see how we did. Coffee and tea available. You are also welcome to bring snacks. FREE
We are redirecting the attention of our Women in Leadership & Design (WILD) community through a vision boarding party during SF Design Week. Vision boarding is an inspiring creative tool for focusing one’s attention on a better, more intentional future — a major part of both SFDW’s and WILD’s reasons for being. When we give […]
From a book’s “spine” to its “appendix,” bibliographers use a language of the body that reveals our intimate connection with books. Yet books do more than describe bodies—they embody a frontline of colonization in which Indigenous authors battle the public perception and reception of Indigenous peoples. Starting with John Rollin Ridge’s The Life and Adventures […]
Molly McClain tells the remarkable story of Ellen Browning Scripps (1836–1932), an American newspaperwoman, feminist, suffragist, abolitionist, and social reformer. She used her fortune to support women’s education, the labor movement, and public access to science, the arts, and education. Born in London, Scripps grew up in rural poverty on the Illinois prairie. She went […]
Nurturing great relationships with authors is essential for long-term retention and the profitability of your business. Ensuring authors receive accurate royalties in a timely fashion is a key element. In this webinar industry veteran David Marlin will delve into practical strategies and actionable tips, empowering publishers to build lasting relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and success. […]
In Santa Monica Pier: America’s Last Great Pleasure Pier! historian James Harris tells the dramatic story of survival for this Southern California icon—fighting Mother Nature, politics and changing times. This rich history makes Santa Monica Pier more than a landmark, more than a pleasure pier or a must see on the West Coast. For a […]
Litquake and KQED Live present a night with SongWriter, a podcast that turns stories into songs (featured guests have included Questlove, Joyce Carol Oates, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, Roxane Gay, and Craig Finn of The Hold Steady). In this special live recording event, bestselling author Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief, The Library Book) will share […]
Our annual celebration of James Joyce’s Ulysses goes online with an encore of our 2020 Bloomsday film featuring a montage of readings, performance, song and celebration. We have guest artists from the Bay Area, New York and Ireland to bring selections from Joyce’s epic novel to life with interpretations traditional, contemporary and experimental! Click to watch below.
with Saad Khan Explore historical print media from Iran and Pakistan. Join us on an interesting trip through the world of old print media from Iran and Pakistan. This lecture will explore Farsi and Urdu magazines, movie posters, typography, and the importance of preserving neglected cultural materials in the face of rapidly changing technologies. Letterform […]
Maybe you can’t judge a book by its cover, but in a bookstore we judge most of them first by their spines. With most new books—not the ones lying out on tables or prominently displayed with their covers out, but the ones lining the shelves—the spine is all we see. The beautiful, dramatic cover, upon […]
Tom White asks, “How does someone go from Rocket Science to Graphic Design?” While many aspects of graphic design necessitate creativity and an artistic approach, he bases his work and execution around a more scientific mindset. But he's not talking about AI! According to White, a great professor once said, “Graphic designers are problem solvers,” […]
Join us for top-quality education and best practices; featured thought leaders; and special programming for library professionals looking to further develop their libraries, communities, and careers!
Join SFCB in celebrating the hard work and creativity of 2024's Small Plates artists Thad Higa, Kate Laster, and Amber Wolf! Annually, SFCB invites three Bay Area artists to produce a limited edition artist book for the Small Plates imprint program. Since the program's inception in 2008, local artists have produced 51 different editions, all of which represent […]
Step into history and celebrate the birth of America with your whole family at the Printing Museum! In the Heritage Theater at 11am and 1pm, a trio of Founding Fellows — Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson & Betsy Ross — will share fascinating stories about their role in the creation of our great nation. Franklin will […]
Are you looking for a literary agent? Have you sent out your query only to receive a polite rejection letter wishing you well on your publishing journey? Here’s the reason: Literary agents are overwhelmed. Some receive 1500+ queries a month. But there’s an even bigger reason as to why you are not getting the traction you […]