The Oakland Public Library informs, inspires and delights our diverse community as a resource for information, knowledge, and artistic and literary expression, providing the best in traditional services, new technologies and innovative programs.

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland, and has been in existence since 1878. Our locations currently include 15 branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Tool Lending Library and the new African-American Museum and Library. We also offer many other special services for residents of Oakland and California.

We are supported by a lively Friends of the Library group and by the Library Advisory Commission, as well as by local Friends’ groups around the city.

Library service for children began in 1904 with the opening of the Main Library at 14th and Grove Streets, now the home of the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). A Children’s Room was established in that building that quickly became a center for activities and programs. Today, every Oakland Public Library branch has a children’s collection and specialized staff to assist children and families.

GRANTS AWARDED

In 2010, the Foundation provided support for books and materials for the East Oakland Community Library, a joint Oakland Public Schools/Oakland Public Library project.