If you applied for your library card online you will have immediate access to your library card number and can use that to access most electronic resources, and to reserve and use computers in the library.
Your card will expire in 30 days.
You can not check out physical books until you verify your card and upgrade to a full access card. You must verify your library card in person with valid identification at one of our library branches before the expiration date.
If you applied for and received a library card online it will expire in 30 days.
To have full borrowing privileges and update your card you need to verify the card using valid photo identification. Visit any Oakland Public Library location to complete the verification process.
All full access library cards expire every 3 years.
You can renew your library card online, by emailing us, by calling (510) 238-3134, or by visiting any Oakland Public Library location.
For residents of Emeryville, or Piedmont the process is different, please contact us .
Anyone who lives in California.
You do not need to live in Oakland or have a permanent address. You do not need to be a US citizen or permanent resident.
You can have a library card at any age!
Call (510) 238-3134. We can figure out what's wrong.
Adults will need to show an ID to get a library card. You can use:
Teens need one of the above, or a parent signature, or school books or homework with their name.
No, the Oakland Public Library does not ask for gender on our library card applications.
Any California resident is eligible to get an Oakland Public Library card.
Main Library and Dimond Branch will hold all nine (9) winning designs. We recommend you reach out to branches before visiting them to ensure that your desired designs are still in stock.
Cards are available while supplies last!
Only the Main Library and Dimond Branch will have all 9 cards.
Other OPL branches will have four (4) designs--please contact your local branch to see which designs they have on stock.
While you can collect different designs for Your Library card, only one (1) card/barcode number is allowed per patron to check out books, use digital resources etc.
You can upgrade your current library card to a Limited-Edition library card. Or, you can request to keep your current library card, while collecting the limited-edition card(s) of your choice.
If you currently do not have Your Library card or an account, you must sign up for one (it's free!) to receive a Limited-Edition library card, and/or to start collecting other designs. Email us at eAnswers@oaklandlibrary.org for support in accessing new or different library card designs.
Cards will be available on February 5, 2024
You can add a designated borrower to have someone check out for you. Ask staff at any location to add this to your account.
If you are not able to come to the library because of a disability and want to apply for Extended Services, contact staff at any location.
You can use the Oakland Public Library from anywhere you have internet access. You can sign up for a library card online, then download or stream digital books and movies, watch our online programs, get book recommendations, and so much more from home!
If you are a person with a disability, please ask library staff about getting Extended Services.
If you can't come to a Library in person to pick up your library card, contact Mana Tominaga, Extended Services Coordinator, at (510) 238-6611 or mtominaga@oaklandlibrary.org.
Extended Services for People with Disabilities includes the following:
When you request a class visit, please upload a class roster with your students' full names and birth dates. A staff member will follow up with you on next steps.
You can verify your current Teacher Status with any of the following:
There's no separate application for a Teacher Card. Fill out a regular library card application and visit the library or contact us to request teacher card status.
Teacher cards must be renewed every two years by showing proof of continued work as an educator.
Any individual who currently works as a:
at a school, childcare facility, adult educational facility, or afterschool program in the cities of Oakland, Emeryville, or Piedmont.
You will need a paystub or other proof of employment.
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