Oakland Public Library Homepage

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What's New?

What's Happening

Masks are required for people 6 years of age or older inside all City of Oakland facilities per Oakland City Council.Masks are now required for people 6 years of age or older inside all City of Oakland facilities per Oakland City Council.

Events @ OPL

All events are open to the public and completely free of charge.

An Evening with Rosa Clemente

Mar 29th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Online Event
Join us for an evening of thought-provoking discussion with Rosa Clemente.

Upcoming Events

For Adults

Holidays and Closures

  • César Chávez Day
    Friday, March 31, 2023
    Closed All Day
  • Memorial Day
    Monday, May 29, 2023
    Closed All Day
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day
    Monday, June 19, 2023
    Closed All Day
  • Independence Day
    Tuesday, July 4, 2023
    Closed All Day
  • Labor Day
    Monday, September 4, 2023
    Closed All Day
  • Admissions Day
    Saturday, September 9, 2023
    Closed All Day
  • Veterans Day
    Saturday, November 11, 2023
    Closed All Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
    Thursday, November 23, 2023
    Closed All Day
  • Day after Thanksgiving
    Friday, November 24, 2023
    Closed All Day
  • Christmas Day
    Monday, December 25, 2023
    Closed All Day

Holidays shown are for Main Library. Holidays will usually be the same at all locations, but check your branch to be sure.

For Teens

Teens, 12 and up, we've got you covered with gaming, crafts, leadership opportunities and so much more.

For Kids

Find books, events, toys, learning tools, and more resources for all ages.

Special Collections

Our special collections include the Oakland History Center, African American Museum and Library at Oakland, and the Oakland Tool Lending Library.

Oakland History Center

Learn about the history of Oakland by visiting the Oakland History Center in person or online.
Jay Payton interviews performers on the bandstand of The Jay Payton Show

African American Museum and Library at Oakland

Dedicated to the discovery, preservation, interpretation and sharing of historical and cultural experiences of African Americans in CA.

Oakland Tool Lending Library

The Oakland Tool Lending Library has over 5,000 tools for you to borrow.

OPL News

Exhibit: The Black Press in Oakland

Mar 01, 2023
Oakland, CA – In celebration of Black Culture Fest, the newest exhibit at the Oakland History Center tells the story of the Black Press in…

OPL on the Kelly Clarkson Show: Found in the Library

Oakland Librarian Reunites Reader With Long-Lost Childhood Photos Found In Library Book

OPL in NY Times: A Love Letter to Libraries, Long Overdue

Some beautiful pictures from OPL were included in this New York Times' article celebrating modern libraries.

Friends of the Oakland Public Library

 Our mission is to advance the role of the Oakland Public Library as a vital community resource. With funds raised through memberships, opens a new window, donations, opens a new window, and proceeds from our Old Oakland bookstore, The Bookmark, opens a new window, the Friends of the OPL has provided grants to support our diverse Oakland library communities for 70+ years.

Please join us, opens a new window in this critical work!

brown skinned child in bright blue shirt reaches for a kid's book titled: "la llama llama rojo pijama"
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