Welcome to a nebulous November at the Oakland Public Library, a kind of limbo between the apple cinnamon spice of winter holidays and the wicked welcoming of spooky season. The weather is getting colder and cloudier as we enter the wet season here in the Bay Area. In anticipation of the El Niño winter storm, we're talking emergency preparedness as a community.
We'll also be honoring Native American Heritage Month, Diwali, Trans Day of Remembrance, and reflecting on what we're grateful on Turkey Day.
It's also voting season! Please take time to submit your ballot at drop box or visit the Main Library or another polling location on November 3rd to vote in-person.
We have hundreds of free community events every month so here's a quick snapshot of what's to come.
Celebrate Diwali: Stories, Dance, & Light
(various locations and dates)
Experience the Festival of Lights through Indian classical dance, storytelling, music, and hands-on learning with Laya Arts Collective! Perfect for families and audiences of all ages!
Find more Diwali celebrations at the library!
Haunted History Bike Ride
Meet us on the lawn of the Camron-Stanford House (across the street from the Main Library) for a haunting jaunt to Mountain View Cemetery. We will convene at 10am and leave around 10:15am, stopping along the way for a few bone-chilling tales of Oakland history. The pace will be mellow and the route is short, but you must be able to support yourself along the way. Registration required!
Kids Crochet Club
Are your small children asking about in your crochet projects? This crochet club just for kids is perfect for them! All experience levels welcome, bring your own project or use the supplies provided. For children in 3rd to 6th grade.
Father Circle
Hey fathers and father-figures! Come join us on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays to talk about fatherhood. All are welcome, including your kids.
Sewing Machine Basics for Teens
Learn to use a sewing machine! In this monthly drop-in program, we'll guide you through the basics of using a Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine. Perfect for the complete beginner or anyone needing a refresher. Join us in the Main Library TeenZone from 3:30-5:00pm on 1st Thursdays. For teens ages 12-18. All materials provided. No previous experience required. First come, first served!
Hitched and Financially Fit
Marriage brings more than a change in relationship status, it can bring important financial and legal changes, too. Learn what to expect, what to plan for, and how to navigate the transition from “me” to “we” with confidence. Coffee, tea and light refreshments provided.
This annotated bibliography features 23 adult books exploring Native American and Indigenous issues, including history, sovereignty, colonization, cultural identity, environmental justice, political activism, and contemporary experiences. Through historical research, memoirs, personal narratives, and fiction, these works highlight the resilience, contributions, and ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities in the United States, with particular attention to California Native peoples.
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