What am I grateful for? I'll tell you.
Two of my favorite books in the Oakland Public Library children's collection are Thank You by Felicia Walker and Giving Thanks: a Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp. The gratitude expressed is with different words and for different things, but it is real and heartfelt. It occurs to me that this is a good time of the year for giving thanks.
So, here goes. Thank you to the
Share your favorite Oakland nonfiction stories!
A few months ago I highlighted fiction set in Oakland. Several readers suggested I do another posting featuring Oakland nonfiction, so here it is! Oakland is home to many talented writers of both fiction and nonfiction. I've listed a sampling of nonfiction titles here. Have a favorite nonfiction Oakland book that you don't see listed here? Add it to the list and share your experience of reading the book.
Your library offers a variety of play for your child, rain or no rain.
As fall weather sets in and we get news of that rare thing called rain, it gets harder to plan for outdoor play with your child. How about stopping at your library?
Check out our kids events listings for storytimes for your baby, toddler, or preschooler...or just come in play with them in our picture book areas, where you'll find comfy floor space and toys near the picture books. Ask the librarian for a new book to read with your child--though it's good for them to hear their favorites over and over, it's also good for them to hear you having fun with a story.
We also offer all kinds of out-of-school activities for your school-age child, from art to
Check out these amazing items, all found in library books and around the library.
It's been awhile since my first "Found" post, and it seems like the right time to show off some more library treasures. All of these items were found around the Oakland Public Library by library staff - many of them in books, but some just in the building.
Which one is your favorite? I like to picture the people who left these items behind, and to make up stories in my head about what each of these might mean. Any ideas?
Hey - who knows! Maybe you'll even find something you've been missing!
Start now and you'll have the perfect holiday craft or treat for everyone on your list. Here's a roundup of new and notable craft, baking and maker-type books.
A list of our Children’s Librarians’ favorite new books for kids.
Look in the “new” area of your local library to find these and other fresh, excellent books for kids. Let us know in the comments if we missed any of your faves!
Listen to some short and lovely life stories from some of our library users.
For a couple of years, KALW 91.7FM’s Hear Here radio producers have been asking OPL patrons to share their personal stories on tape. From Golden Gate to Temescal, César Chávez and 81st Avenue, our patrons have shared stories about the trials they’ve faced and the happiness that they’ve found. Hear Here is designed to illuminate life in San Francisco and Oakland, drawing out the common threads that tie us together.
In the last two weeks, two new stories have popped up on the KALW site that have come from our own library patrons. The first features Visalia Stanley at the 81st Avenue Branch Library. Click through to listen to her tale of how she found a way to feed herself during tough times. For the
Four titles on Evil: The Sociopath Next Door, The Psychopath Test, Confessions of a Sociopath, and Dark Nature: A Natural History of Evil
Today is the 135th birthday of the Oakland Public Library!
Today is the 135th birthday of the Oakland Public Library!
You can learn a little about the history of the Oakland Public Library on our website, and you can learn A LOT in the Oakland History Room. So, I learned that although the library existed even earlier, it was founded as a municipal entity on November 7, 1878 and was the second public library system in California. I also learned that the first librarian, Ina Coolbrith was not only the first California Poet Laureate, she was also a MAJOR cat lover.
With the help of the wonderful librarians who know the Oakland History Room inside and out I was able to find some of the oldest library-related things we still have hanging around, and I
Part of an ongoing series of cartoon blog posts on OPL readers.
Part of an ongoing series of cartoon blog posts on OPL readers.