Want to learn or brush up on your French? Temescal Branch Library, 5205 Telegraph Ave., will be offering French for beginners starting from 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 21 and continuing two Fridays each month through December. An experienced French teacher will introduce the language and culture through songs, poems, grammar and conversation.

As the nights get longer, it's time to get your costume on and head out for some Halloween haunts. Move over Count Dracula, because the Bat Lady is bringing her bat ambassadors on a tour of our branches through Oct. 25. The Batopia program promises to share the truth about bats -- that these frightening figures are actually our friends.

What is Halloween without a scary story? The library has all the spine-tingling tales you need to get in a good spooky mood. Come check out a special Halloween storytime and the rare annual appearance by our very own Three Witches of Oakland Public Library. Our Three Witches' storytimes, suitable for kids 6 and up, start on Monday, Oct. 24, 7 pm at Montclair Branch and continue through the week at Dimond Branch, Main Children's Room, and Golden Gate Branch.

Robin Goodfellow returns with Halloween Crafts at the Dimond Branch Library on October 28, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Kids, ages 6 and up, are welcome.

See our Web site for a full listing of these and other events at oaklandlibrary.org. Or pick up our new calendar. Inside, you'll find details about the Lakeview Library's Open House Party, a Yoga for Knees booksigning and demonstration, two-minute fairy tale shows and more!