Friday, Jan. 10

• 1 to 3 p.m. Year of the Rat Craft Project. Learn to make a rat or mouse-themed craft in time to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Bring scissors, stapler, clear tape and two or three decorative beads. Free admission. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave., Dining Room 2. (Info, register: 747-7506, jkrause@alamedaca.gov)

Saturday, Jan. 11

• 2 p.m. Chinese Brush Painting Workshop. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Chinese brush painting. Local artist Pauline Tsui will teach basic techniques for painting seasonal flowers, fruits and small animals. Adults and teens, ages 16 and older. All materials provided. Limited space, pre-registration required. Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St.  (Info, register: 747-7713, refdesk@alamedaca.gov)
• 6 p.m. Meet the Author. Discussion and book signing with Kate Williams, author of young adult novel The Babysitter’s Coven. Crafts, photo booth, books available for purchase and free refreshments. Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St. (Info, register: 747-7713, refdesk@alamedaca.gov)
• 6 to 9 p.m. The Writing is on the Wall. Exhibit opening celebration. Featuring provocative works of art from Salma Arastu, Najib Joe Hakim and collected poems and letters from the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Meet the artists, light refreshments. Free admission. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Info: 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org)

Sunday, Jan. 12

• 9 a.m. to noon. Alameda Wildlife Reserve Cleanup Party. Help prepare Alameda Point for the return of the endangered least terns in April. Tasks include weeding, picking up trash and placing nest markers and “chick chalets.” (Info, directions: 521-4402, pg3187@gmail.com)

Monday, Jan. 13

• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Leonardo’s Knots. Caroline Cocciardi, author and documentary filmmaker, explores little-known aspects of Leonardo da Vinci’s artworks. CSUEB Scholar-OLLI program sponsored by the Mastick Senior Center Advisory Board. Free admission. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave., Dining Room 2. (Info, register: 747-7506, jkrause@alamedaca.gov)
• 6:30 p.m. “Make & Take Workshop: Early Literacy Tools To Go.” The library will show how to make learning fun for the little ones at this workshop for adults. Take home literacy tips, activities, book suggestions and more. Anyone who cares for young kids welcome. Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St.  (Info, register: 747-7713, refdesk@alamedaca.gov)
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. Screening of documentary Symphony of the Soil. Film explores relationship between soil, water, the atmosphere, plants and animals. Discussion of carbon farming follows film. Free admission, popcorn. Bring reusable containers for refreshments. Alameda Backyard Growers monthly meeting. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2315 Blanding Ave. (Info: 865-5060, www.alamedabackyardgrowers.org)

Tuesday, Jan. 14

• 1 p.m. “Choosing an Assisted Living Community.” Understand assisted-living facts and cost. Learn tips on how to vet facilities by checking state transparency records. Free admission. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave., Room D. (Info, register: 747-7506, jkrause@alamedaca.gov)

Wednesday, Jan. 15

• 1 p.m. “Organizing the Stuff.” Learn ways to organize, prioritize and release life’s accumulation of belongings with sociologist and psychologist Tina Cole Kreitz. Fee: $5. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave., Dining Room 2. (Info, register: 747-7506, jkrause@alamedaca.gov)
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. “Computer Basics: Windows 10 Basics and File Management.” Computer workshop covering file management and organization. Hands-on experience moving files on computers and an introduction to the Windows 10 operating system. Bring a personal computer if desired. Limited space, registration is required. Computer Lab, Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St. (Info, register: 747-7713, refdesk@alamedaca.gov)
• 6 p.m. “Cultivating the Urban Forest.” As part of its climate action and resiliency efforts, Alameda is updating its 2010 Street Tree Plan. A vibrant urban forest can help protect from the impacts of climate change, sequester carbon, increase property values and promote social equity. Stafford Room, Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St. (Info: 415-235-1356, ruth.abbe@gmail.com)

Thursday, Jan. 16

• 3:30 p.m. “D.I.Y. Dry-Erase Boards for Teens.” Make a dry-erase board using picture frames, washi tape and scrapbook paper. All supplies provided. For teens only. Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St. (Info, register: 747-7713, refdesk@alamedaca.gov)