Frequently Asked Questions

In the upper right of any page on our site, you’ll see “Search the Catalog” and a search box. On a smaller screen or smart phone there will be a magnifying glass icon instead of a search box. The new website uses a "smart search." You can simply type in what you’re looking for, i.e. "new audio books by John Stanford" and press search. You can utilize filters on the next page to refine your search. These will be on the left hand side of your screen.

The login button does look different on the new site. Rather than “My Account,” the button is labeled “Log In / My OPL”. It still appears in the upper right corner of every page. You will need to  create a BiblioCommons account  to perform catalog functions on the new site—it’s quick, easy, and private, and BiblioCommons does not share your personal information.

Unfortunately, because borrowing history is accessed in real-time from the ILS, BiblioCommons's ability to add this search functionality is limited. They recommend patrons move titles from their Borrowing History to their Completed Shelf in batches (can be done page-by-page by selecting all). Patrons can then sort and search for titles within their Completed Shelf. We acknowledge that this can be a time-consuming process, but worth it!

Registration is important for patrons, the library and the service provider, BiblioCommons. For the patron:

• Registration allows you create an easy-to-remember username you can use to log in, so you don’t have to type your barcode every time you want to check your account. However, if you've memorized your barcode and want that to be your username it can be!
• Registration also allows you to get personalized recommendations and contribute ratings and reviews.

For your library and for BiblioCommons:

• It is good practice (and often a legal responsibility) to communicate what information is collected and how that information will be used. By registering, a patron signals that she or he understands these policies and grants permission to store and use personal information as noted.
• Registration also gives the library and BiblioCommons an opportunity to clearly address some key questions about how the service works, such as the responsibilities of the user, licensing arrangements for user content and other content on the site, safety issues, and the use of the site by children.

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:

• DMV License or ID from California or another state
• Student ID
• Bank check or statement with your name and address
• Current medical ID card
• Any piece of mail addressed to you
• Rent or mortgage agreement with your name and address
• Current credit or debit card
• Social Security card
• Passport from any country
• Matricula Consular ID
• Permanent resident card
• Photo ID transit card
• Other identification as approved by library staff in charge

Teens need one of the above, or a parent signature, or school books or homework with their name.

If you lose your library card, call us at (510) 238-3134 or tell us in person as soon as possible. We will deactivate that card so no one can find it and use it. 

To get a new card, come to any Oakland Public Library location. You will need to show an ID.

If you see an item you returned on your account, give us a call at (510) 238-3134.

We can try to find it on our shelves, give you extra time to look for it, or let you claim the item as returned.