Brookfield Branch will be hosting an Opening Celebration & Ribbon Cutting on 8/29 from 11:00AM to 5:00PM. See you there!
Contacts
For general inquiries, contact Calvin Hao, Architect: CHao@oaklandlibrary.org.
For media inquiries, contact Tarshel Beards, Manager of Community Relations: TBeards@oaklandlibrary.org.
Current Projects
Hoover Branch
The Hoover-Foster neighborhood of West Oakland was historically served by various reading rooms and two separate branch libraries that are all closed now. A feasibility study was conducted to explore and evaluate the potential development of a new Hoover Branch Library. The Hoover Branch Library will support the Oakland Public Library’s mission to provide services to Oakland residents and patrons of all ages, races and abilities that enhance the equitable disbursement of Library services, programs, staffing, facilities, technology and resources in order to decrease disparities in life outcomes of marginalized communities and to facilitate equity of opportunity.
Brookfield Branch
Central to Ira Jinkins Park in Oakland’s Brookfield neighborhood, the Brookfield Branch is well loved and has long offered bilingual book collections and a public computer lab. The facility is located alongside the East Oakland Senior Center, a center dedicated to providing life sustaining activities, recreation and social fellowship. The Brookfield Branch renovation included critical electrical infrastructure improvements that benefit both the library and the East Oakland Senior Center, which share the facility. These upgrades strengthen the long-term reliability of the shared building while supporting the essential services both facilities provide to the community.
Modernized Interior: Interior improvements include new flooring, paint, windows, lighting, restrooms, and interior and exterior doors.
Inclusive Facilities: Existing restrooms will be converted into single-user, all gender facilities. The parking lot has been repaved and reconfigured to provide additional accessible parking spaces.
Energy Efficiency: The existing heating system will be replaced with an energy efficient electric heat pump.
Enhanced Children’s Area: The Children’s Area will be renovated, and a new outdoor programming space will be created to support children’s activities, gardening, and community programs.
Updated Furnishings: The project also includes new library furnishings, such as seating, a circulation desk, flexible shelving, a drinking fountain, and upgraded electrical service with modern switchboards.
Exterior Improvements: include new sliding windows, gutters, downspouts, and exterior paint.
This project was supported in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. Bond Measure KK, generously approved by City of Oakland voters, also funded this project.
Completed Projects
Fruitvale Branch
Mural at the entrance at the Fruitvale Branch by Artist Xochitl Guerrero.
Before
After
This project was made possible by a generous grant from the Friends of the Oakland Public Library.
Support the Library
The Friends of the Oakland Public Library's mission is to advance the role of the OPL as a vital community resource. With funds raised through memberships, donations, and proceeds from our downtown Oakland bookstore, The Bookmark, the Friends of the OPL has provided grants to support our diverse Oakland library communities for almost 75 years.