diorama

Join us for the second All the News That's Fit to Build: Local News Dioramas exhibit and contest in 2026!

How to join the fun: 

Find a newspaper article about an event that happened in Oakland or the East Bay. 

  • Your article can be about anything, as long as it happened in Oakland or the East Bay!
  • Be sure your article is from a newspaper, not a blog or website.
  • All dioramas are in the running for amazing prizes donated by local businesses.
  • This year we're also offering extra prizes for four special categories:
    • Choose an article related an Oakland event in 1951 for the 1951 Award, in honor of the Main Library's 75th Birthday.
    • Choose an article related to the Black Panthers in Oakland for the Black Power Award, in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party.
    • Choose an article related to Latinx communities in Oakland for the Latinx Heritage Award, in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Cesar Chavez Branch Library.
    • All entries by creators ages 12 and under are eligible for the Kid Creator Award.
  • We’re here to help you search! 
    • Come to the Search for Treasure in Old Newspapers program for an in-depth training on newspaper search methods, 2-3:30 P.M. on April 18
    • Drop in to our Thursday evening Article Search Office Hours for individual assistance, 5:30-7:30 P.M. April 23 through June 18
    • Stop by the Oakland History Center (OHC) or Magazines & Newspapers Department on the second floor of the Main Library with questions any time the library is open
    • Call (510-238-3222) or email (ohc@oaklandlibrary.org) with any questions  

Make a diorama inspired by the article!

  • Make it small!
    • Maximum height 6 inches, maximum base size 11 x 8 inches.
  • Make sure all pieces are securely attached. Not sure if it's secure? Turn it upside down! Give it a shake!
  • Do not use batteries, liquids, or any materials that are scented, hazardous, or perishable.
  • Your article is part of the exhibit! Bring a printout or copy labeled with the name of the newspaper and the publication date.
  • Want to craft with us? Come to the Main Library's craft night on Wednesday, May 20! 

Bring your diorama to the library between Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, July 5. 

  • Drop off in the Oakland History Center or the Magazines & Newspapers Department - both on the 2nd floor. 
  • Your article is part of the exhibit! Bring a printout or copy labeled with the name of the newspaper and the publication date.
  • Be prepared to fill out a short entry form. 
  • We cannot accept entries by mail. 
  • Don't wait until the last minute! We have limited edition OPL tote bags for the first 15 people who bring in their dioramas.  

See the exhibit on the second floor between July 17 - October 3.

  • Dioramas will be photographed for an online exhibit, which will be viewable on this page.

Come to the Celebration of Dioramas on October 3 for an awards ceremony and more! 

After the celebration:

  • Dioramas will not become a permanent part of the library’s collection, and can be picked up between October 3 (after 3:30) and October 18.

 

 

Missed the 2025 exhibit? You can still see all the dioramas online!

  • Revisit your favorite dioramas from 2025 and read the articles that inspired them in our online exhibit.

 

2025 DIORAMA WINNERS

All of the dioramas were wonderful, but our judges thought these were the best! 

 

QUESTIONS?

Contact (or stop by) OHC or M&N on the 2nd floor of the Main Library

 

OHC: 510-238-3222 

M&N: 510-238-3176 

 eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org

 

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