Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library
🏢 Berkeley Public Library · BERKELEY, California
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library
Named for civil rights leader and NAACP West Coast director Tarea Hall Pittman (1903–1991), this south Berkeley branch pairs full library services with the Berkeley Tool Lending Library under one solar-powered roof.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 1901 Russell St., BERKELEY, CA 94703
Phone: 5109816260
Website: berkeleypubliclibrary.org
📖 About Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library
<p>The Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch honors a pioneering Bay Area civil rights advocate who served as President of the California Council of Negro Women and directed the NAACP's West Coast Region. Beyond its namesake's legacy, the branch is notable for co-locating with the Berkeley Tool Lending Library — the nation's oldest public tool lending library — at 1901 Russell St. The building runs on solar energy and features a large flexible meeting room used for community art walks, digital literacy workshops, and wellness dance classes. It is one of only two BPL branches open on Sundays and is walkable from the Ashby BART station.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Named for civil rights leader Tarea Hall Pittman (1903–1991), NAACP West Coast director
- Co-located with the Berkeley Tool Lending Library — the nation's oldest public tool lending library
- Solar-powered facility with sustainable infrastructure
- Open Sundays 10 AM–6 PM — one of only two BPL branches with Sunday hours
- Large flexible meeting room; walkable from Ashby BART station
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tarea Hall Pittman and why is this branch named for her?
Tarea Hall Pittman (1903–1991) was a pioneering Bay Area civil rights and social welfare leader. Born in Bakersfield, California, she served as President of the California Council of Negro Women and as director of the NAACP's West Coast Region. The South Branch was renamed in her honor to recognize her lasting impact on the Berkeley community.
Is the Tool Lending Library at the same location as the South Branch?
Yes. The Berkeley Tool Lending Library shares the address at 1901 Russell St. and is considered one of the nation's oldest public tool lending programs. It has its own hours and phone number (510-981-6101); check berkeleypubliclibrary.org for its current schedule.
Does the South Branch have meeting space available?
Yes. The branch has a large, flexible meeting room suitable for community events, workshops, and gatherings. It has hosted art walks, digital literacy workshops, and wellness dance classes. Contact the branch at 510-981-6260 to inquire about availability.