As part of Theater Thursdays: International Cinémathèque, we continue our September screenings with a film that explores logic, language, and the loss of human feeling in a world ruled by reason. Through science fiction and film noir, it asks whether love and poetry can survive in a society governed by pure computation.

Alphaville follows secret agent Lemmy Caution as he infiltrates a distant city controlled by the all-powerful computer Alpha 60, where emotion is outlawed and words like "love" are being erased from language itself. As Lemmy searches for a missing agent and a way to free the city's inhabitants, the film examines free will, conformity, and what makes us human.

Join us for a discussion following the film.

Theater Thursdays: International Cinémathèque
Alphaville [R]
Thursday, September 10th, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through 🫶🏼 sign language. Together, learn signs & songs 🎶 through activities & play.

📝 Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.

🖍️ Theme: Outside

⭐ Intended for ages 0-3 years‍ ‍

📋 Registration required‍ ‍

📘 In the Cormack room‍ ‍

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

Sign up for the waitlist, invitations will be sent out as spots open.

Registration is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact childrens@downeyca.org with your inquiries

Join fellow board game enthusiast Mark Shocklee for an afternoon of fun and strategy at our Board Game Club! A wide variety of games will be available, including favorites like Codenames, Catan, Cascadia, King of Tokyo, and more! Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to board gaming, you’ll find something to enjoy.

Where: Cormack Room

Meets: 2nd Saturday of the month at 10am

For Ages 16+

Registration is required

Calling all chess enthusiasts! Every other Saturday, the Downey City Library will host the Adult Chess Club, led by local chess enthusiast Salman Mogaddedi and a team of passionate volunteers! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, come sharpen your skills, learn new strategies, and enjoy friendly competition. This is the perfect chance to challenge yourself, meet fellow chess lovers, and have fun!

When: Every Saturday, 11am - 2pm

Where: The Cormack Room

No Registration Required

For ages 18+

Ever had an idea on how to make a game better or want to see what games are like before they reach your shelf? If you've ever played a game and thought "This would be better if…" then you’ll love playtesting with Break My Game!

Join Kristina and Gregory Paul for a monthly playtesting event hosted in partnership with Break My Game, an organization dedicated to empowering game designers through in-depth feedback, educational resources, and a welcoming community. Whether you're a designer ready to put your prototype to the test or simply someone who loves playing and talking about games, this event is for you!

Where: The Cormack Room

Meets: 2nd Saturday of the month at 1:30 PM

For All Ages

Registration is required — sign up on Eventbrite

Family Encanto Night

Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with special guest Andrea Campos, New York Times bestselling illustrator and author!

Andrea will read from her new bilingual picture book 'Tis the Season for Tamales, lead a mini drawing and craft session for families to take home, and stay for photos with kids and families. Tamales will be served to share with attendees. Families can also meet and take photos with Mirabel from Encanto, who will be joining us for the evening.

Andrea Campos is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and author who loves encouraging play in people's lives. Her playful style has led her to work on marketing campaigns, books, toys, and most notably a bilingual children's book co-authored by Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon. This fall she makes her author-illustrator debut with 'Tis the Season for Tamales, a bilingual picture book celebrating the joy and magic of tamaladas. When she's not writing, illustrating, or designing colorful products, you can find Andrea speaking at events and conferences, inspiring kids and adults alike to follow their dreams.

Learn more at dreasdoodles.com or follow @dreasdoodles.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

6:00–7:30 p.m.

No Registration Required

All Ages

Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through 🫶🏼 sign language. Together, learn signs & songs 🎶 through activities & play.

📝 Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.

🖍️ Theme: At The Farm

⭐ Intended for ages 0-3 years‍ ‍

📋 Registration required‍ ‍

📘 In the Cormack room‍ ‍

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

Sign up for the waitlist, invitations will be sent out as spots open.

Registration is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact childrens@downeyca.org with your inquiries

Step into a world of storytelling, strategy, and shared adventure at the Downey City Library’s Tabletop RPG Club. Led by veteran Game Master Mark Shocklee, this ongoing program is designed for all experience levels, whether you're creating your first character or continuing a seasoned campaign.

Collaborate with fellow players, explore imaginative settings, and shape unforgettable stories together.

📅 Every other Wednesday

⏰ 5:00 – 7:30 PM

🔞 Ages 18+

Registration is required. Registration will open 2 weeks prior to the date

Family Bingo Night is here! Bring the whole crew for a fun-filled evening of bingo, laughter, and community. All ages welcome for a quick 30 minutes of classic bingo fun, complete with prizes and good times.

6:00 – 6:30 PM

All Ages

No Registration Required

Welcome to Creciendo Contigo, a warm, café-style gathering where caregivers can connect, share, and learn together! Each monthly session explores a specific stage of early childhood development, giving you practical insights and a supportive community of fellow parents and caregivers right here in Downey.

• Session 1: September 18 - Developmental ages0–6 months

• Session 2: October 16 – Developmental Ages 6–12 months

• Session 3: November 20 – Developmental Ages 1–2 years

• Session 4: December 18 – Developmental Ages 2–3 years

• Session 5: January 15 – Developmental Age 3–5 years

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM

Location: Cormack Room

This Program is intended forparents and caregivers of young children

Activities will be provided for library littles

RSVP Required. Click on the form below.

Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through 🫶🏼 sign language. Together, learn signs & songs 🎶 through activities & play.

📝 Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.

🖍️ Theme: At The Farm

⭐ Intended for ages 0-3 years‍ ‍

📋 Registration required‍ ‍

📘 In the Cormack room‍ ‍

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

Sign up for the waitlist, invitations will be sent out as spots open.

Registration is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact childrens@downeyca.org with your inquiries

Calling all chess enthusiasts! Every other Saturday, the Downey City Library will host the Adult Chess Club, led by local chess enthusiast Salman Mogaddedi and a team of passionate volunteers! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, come sharpen your skills, learn new strategies, and enjoy friendly competition. This is the perfect chance to challenge yourself, meet fellow chess lovers, and have fun!

When: Every Saturday, 11am - 2pm

Where: The Cormack Room

No Registration Required

For ages 18+

Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through 🫶🏼 sign language. Together, learn signs & songs 🎶 through activities & play.

📝 Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.

🖍️ Theme: Safety

⭐ Intended for ages 0-3 years‍ ‍

📋 Registration required‍ ‍

📘 In the Cormack room‍ ‍

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

Sign up for the waitlist, invitations will be sent out as spots open.

Registration is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact childrens@downeyca.org with your inquiries

As part of Theater Thursdays: Double Feature, we conclude our September screenings with a film that explores identity, free will, and the courage to question reality. Set in a meticulously constructed world, it reminds us that authentic living requires the willingness to face the unknown.

The Truman Show follows an ordinary man who slowly discovers that his entire life has been staged as a television show, secretly broadcast to the world since birth. Beneath its satire is a story about autonomy, self-discovery, and what it truly means to be free.

Join us for a discussion following the film.

Theater Thursdays: Double Feature
The Truman Show [PG]
Thursday, September 24th, 2026
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Closing our September Double Feature, American Psycho shifts from earnest self-discovery to biting satire, asking what happens when identity becomes nothing more than a performance of status and surface. Together with The Truman Show, these films examine the masks we wear and the terrifying gap between appearance and authentic selfhood.

American Psycho follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy Wall Street executive whose polished exterior conceals a growing, murderous void beneath. Through its dark satire, the film explores identity, consumerism, and the emptiness of a life built entirely on image.

Join us for a discussion following this unsettling cinematic experience.

Theater Thursdays: Double Feature
American Psycho [R]
Thursday, September 24th, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through 🫶🏼 sign language. Together, learn signs & songs 🎶 through activities & play.

📝 Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.

🖍️ Theme: Safety

⭐ Intended for ages 0-3 years‍ ‍

📋 Registration required‍ ‍

📘 In the Cormack room‍ ‍

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

Sign up for the waitlist, invitations will be sent out as spots open.

Registration is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact childrens@downeyca.org with your inquiries

It’s Game Day! Hosted by So Cal Game Connection representative Mark Shocklee, this monthly gathering welcomes players of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned gamers.

Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of a game they would like to play, though a variety of games will also be available to share. Popular board games include Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and Terraforming Mars. Card game favorites include Flip 7, Century: Spice Road, and Splendor.

Whether you're looking to learn a new game, teach one you love, or simply meet other local gamers, this is a great opportunity to connect with the gaming community. There is no fee to participate.

📅 When: Every 4th Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

⭐ Ages: 18+

📍 Where: Downey City Library

📝 Registration: Sign up for the next date through Meetup by clicking the button below

Calling all chess enthusiasts! Every other Saturday, the Downey City Library will host the Adult Chess Club, led by local chess enthusiast Salman Mogaddedi and a team of passionate volunteers! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, come sharpen your skills, learn new strategies, and enjoy friendly competition. This is the perfect chance to challenge yourself, meet fellow chess lovers, and have fun!

When: Every Saturday, 11am - 2pm

Where: The Cormack Room

No Registration Required

For ages 18+

🎲✨ Once the games come out, anything can happen! Strategy, luck, teamwork, and plenty of laughs come together in a night full of modern favorites and classic games.

⭐ Intended for all ages

📋 FREE - No registration required

📗 In the Childrens Area

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

¡Acompáñanos al Club de Lectura en Español! ¿Te gusta leer y compartir tus ideas? La Biblioteca de la Ciudad de Downey te invita cordialmente a participar en nuestro próximo encuentro del Club de Lectura en Español. Este programa está dirigido a personas adultas (18+) que hablen y lean en español, y quieran compartir un momento agradable entre lectores. Disfrutaremos de aperitivos y crearemos un ambiente acogedor para intercambiar opiniones, ideas y reflexiones sobre los temas que aborda la novela. Invita a un amigo, familiar, vecino o compañero — ¡todos son bienvenidos a esta conversación llena de cultura y comunidad!

En esta sesión estaremos conversando sobre el libro: En un Rincon del Alma de Antonia J. Corrales

Fecha: Martes, 29 de septiembre

Hora: 6:00 p.m.

Lugar: Biblioteca de la Ciudad de Downey

¡No faltes! ¡Será una charla enriquecedora y divertida

Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through 🫶🏼 sign language. Together, learn signs & songs 🎶 through activities & play.

📝 Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.

🖍️ Theme: At the Zoo

⭐ Intended for ages 0-3 years‍ ‍

📋 Registration required‍ ‍

📘 In the Cormack room‍ ‍

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

Sign up for the waitlist, invitations will be sent out as spots open.

Registration is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact childrens@downeyca.org with your inquiries

Step into a world of storytelling, strategy, and shared adventure at the Downey City Library’s Tabletop RPG Club. Led by veteran Game Master Mark Shocklee, this ongoing program is designed for all experience levels, whether you're creating your first character or continuing a seasoned campaign.

Collaborate with fellow players, explore imaginative settings, and shape unforgettable stories together.

📅 Every other Wednesday

⏰ 5:00 – 7:30 PM

🔞 Ages 18+

Registration is required. Registration will open 2 weeks prior to the date

Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through 🫶🏼 sign language. Together, learn signs & songs 🎶 through activities & play.

📝 Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.

🖍️ Theme: At the Zoo

⭐ Intended for ages 0-3 years‍ ‍

📋 Registration required‍ ‍

📘 In the Cormack room‍ ‍

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

Sign up for the waitlist, invitations will be sent out as spots open.

Registration is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact childrens@downeyca.org with your inquiries

Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through 🫶🏼 sign language. Together, learn signs & songs 🎶 through activities & play.

📝 Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.

🖍️ Theme: Birthday Party

⭐ Intended for ages 0-3 years‍ ‍

📋 Registration required‍ ‍

📘 In the Cormack room‍ ‍

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

Sign up for the waitlist, invitations will be sent out as spots open.

Registration is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact childrens@downeyca.org with your inquiries

Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through 🫶🏼 sign language. Together, learn signs & songs 🎶 through activities & play.

📝 Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.

🖍️ Theme: Birthday Party

⭐ Intended for ages 0-3 years‍ ‍

📋 Registration required‍ ‍

📘 In the Cormack room‍ ‍

🔍 Caregiver supervision required

Sign up for the waitlist, invitations will be sent out as spots open.

Registration is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact childrens@downeyca.org with your inquiries

Calling all chess enthusiasts! Every other Saturday, the Downey City Library will host the Adult Chess Club, led by local chess enthusiast Salman Mogaddedi and a team of passionate volunteers! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, come sharpen your skills, learn new strategies, and enjoy friendly competition. This is the perfect chance to challenge yourself, meet fellow chess lovers, and have fun!

When: Every Saturday, 11am - 2pm

Where: The Cormack Room

No Registration Required

For ages 18+

Our October TEUM Book Club selection is <The second chance convenience store> by Ho-yeon Kim.

The Korean word "틈" can mean a "brief period" or "moment". "틈" can also refer to an "opportunity" or "chance," suggesting a window or opening in circumstances that allows for action or change.

Space is limited - Sign up today! you’ll be contacted once a copy is available.

Turn the page, savor the moment!

🍙Date : Saturday, October 10 2026

🕰️Time : 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

🏪Location : The Lab

🫶Age : 18 and up

Step into a world of storytelling, strategy, and shared adventure at the Downey City Library’s Tabletop RPG Club. Led by veteran Game Master Mark Shocklee, this ongoing program is designed for all experience levels, whether you're creating your first character or continuing a seasoned campaign.

Collaborate with fellow players, explore imaginative settings, and shape unforgettable stories together.

📅 Every other Wednesday

⏰ 5:00 – 7:30 PM

🔞 Ages 18+

Registration is required. Registration will open 2 weeks prior to the date

Welcome to Creciendo Contigo, a warm, café-style gathering where caregivers can connect, share, and learn together! Each monthly session explores a specific stage of early childhood development, giving you practical insights and a supportive community of fellow parents and caregivers right here in Downey.

• Session 1: September 18 - Developmental ages0–6 months

• Session 2: October 16 – Developmental Ages 6–12 months

• Session 3: November 20 – Developmental Ages 1–2 years

• Session 4: December 18 – Developmental Ages 2–3 years

• Session 5: January 15 – Developmental Age 3–5 years

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM

Location: Cormack Room

This Program is intended forparents and caregivers of young children

Activities will be provided for library littles

RSVP Required. Click on the form below.

Welcome to Creciendo Contigo, a warm, café-style gathering where caregivers can connect, share, and learn together! Each monthly session explores a specific stage of early childhood development, giving you practical insights and a supportive community of fellow parents and caregivers right here in Downey.

• Session 1: September 18 - Developmental ages0–6 months

• Session 2: October 16 – Developmental Ages 6–12 months

• Session 3: November 20 – Developmental Ages 1–2 years

• Session 4: December 18 – Developmental Ages 2–3 years

• Session 5: January 15 – Developmental Age 3–5 years

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM

Location: Cormack Room

This Program is intended forparents and caregivers of young children

Activities will be provided for library littles

RSVP Required. Click on the form below.

Welcome to Creciendo Contigo, a warm, café-style gathering where caregivers can connect, share, and learn together! Each monthly session explores a specific stage of early childhood development, giving you practical insights and a supportive community of fellow parents and caregivers right here in Downey.

• Session 1: September 18 - Developmental ages0–6 months

• Session 2: October 16 – Developmental Ages 6–12 months

• Session 3: November 20 – Developmental Ages 1–2 years

• Session 4: December 18 – Developmental Ages 2–3 years

• Session 5: January 15 – Developmental Age 3–5 years

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM

Location: Cormack Room

This Program is intended forparents and caregivers of young children

Activities will be provided for library littles

RSVP Required. Click on the form below.

Welcome to Creciendo Contigo, a warm, café-style gathering where caregivers can connect, share, and learn together! Each monthly session explores a specific stage of early childhood development, giving you practical insights and a supportive community of fellow parents and caregivers right here in Downey.

• Session 1: September 18 - Developmental ages0–6 months

• Session 2: October 16 – Developmental Ages 6–12 months

• Session 3: November 20 – Developmental Ages 1–2 years

• Session 4: December 18 – Developmental Ages 2–3 years

• Session 5: January 15 – Developmental Age 3–5 years

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM

Location: Cormack Room

This Program is intended forparents and caregivers of young children

Activities will be provided for library littles

RSVP Required. Click on the form below.