The Bay Area Book Festival, held in downtown Berkeley on Sunday, June 1st, went swimmingly for organizers and vendors alike! The event took place along Allston Way & Harold Way, which meant that much of it unfolded directly in front of Mangalam Research Center and Center for Creative Inquiry’s new building. There were big crowds throughout the day. 

CCI took this opportunity to host a soft launch of its new space on Harold Way, setting up tables that it shared with its sister organization, Mangalam Press. Jack Petranker, senior teacher at CCI, led two 20 minute full presence mindfulness sessions during the festival, opening CCI’s doors to the public for the first time. More than two dozen people attended each session.

The interest expressed by community members and newcomers of all ages confirmed that CCI could offer the Berkeley community a thriving space for exploring mindfulness, full presence, and creativity. We are excited to take what we have learned from the Book Festival and apply it to our offerings going forward. 

Thank you to everyone involved in the Book Festival, those who participated and took materials home with them, and those who took the time to get to know more about us. We look forward to becoming a part of Downtown Berkeley’s growing community.