July 6, 2026 | Library Exhibit Is Up — Through August 1!

Friends and neighbors:

FOFW’s new exhibit chronicling the history of both the long-lost original Fountain at The Circle and the current fountain, entering its 30th year of existence, is now installed in the stairway and lobby of the original main branch of the Berkeley Public Library on Kittredge Street.

The display first covers the events that led to the construction and eventual demise of the original fountain and nearby walkway, which were formally dedicated in 1911, but deteriorated over the years until a terrible crash destroyed the fountain in 1957.  It then tells the story of how neighbors banded together to raise funds and civic and community involvement to install a new fountain and restore Fountain Walk and other historical elements.

A highlight of the exhibit is a full-size model of one of the grizzly bear cubs that adorn the fountain. There is also a link to “Fountain Walk,” a little-known but sublime solo piano recording by Berkeley pianist William Beatty. You can also find it by clicking on this link.

Please visit our display over the next few weeks. And let us know your thoughts and memories of the fountain and the walk, from the past 30 years or before. Email us at fountainandwalk@gmail.com.

— Board of Directors, Friends of the Fountain and Walk