• General Questions

    Library card holders can get $1.50 free print credit every day. You can activate your daily credit by sending a print job using your library card number and pin.

    Kanopy is a video streaming platform freely available with your library card. Find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, TV series, and educational videos such as "The Great Courses."

    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.

    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.  

    The Oakland LINK+ is a combined catalog of over 11 million items from 64 libraries throughout California and Nevada. With your Oakland Public Library card, you can request any LINK+ item that isn't available from OPL to be delivered to your local branch in about a week.   

    Just click on the LINK+ symbol in the Oakland Public Library catalog if you don't find what you want in our collection. 

    Then click "Request" for that item in the LINK+ catalog. 

    Fill in the requested information and choose the branch where you want to pick up the item. LINK+ will tell you if the item is available. 

    Most LINK+ requests arrive in less than a week. You will be told when it arrives at your branch. Need more help? Ask your librarian, call the LINK+ office at (510) 238-2124.

    You can also search the LINK+ Catalog directly. 

    You can visit your local library or school and use the internet there to submit your online application.

    Iff you have no other means to submit your application online, a paper application is available for you to download and mail in.

    OYPL 2025 Application Paper Version

    Contact us to send you one by snail mail:
    510-761-7636 or
    OYPL
    Teen Services, Oakland Public Library
    125 14th St.
    Oakland CA 94612

    All OPL locations have a ScanStation that can make black and white or color copies using the Scan-to-Print option

    Copies cost 15 cents a page for B/W, 50 cents a page for color.

    The Laureate represents Oakland and its youth at public and private events and is a model for other youth. They also share their experiences with the press and through blogs, videos, and social media.  

    The Laureate will have the opportunity to develop their own poet-leader project.

    Everyone who applies will be invited to enter into a community of young poets and youth advocates.

    The Enki Library is a shared, open-source eBook network. It allows California libraries to own and store eBooks. Enki lets libraries share access to unique local digitized content.

    To pay your library fines and fees online you must owe at least $1.01 to pay online.
    • Log in to your library account.
    • Go to Fees.
    • Click on Pay Fees. You will leave the Library's website and go to your record in the previous catalog.
    • Click on the amount you owe.
    • Click Pay Online.
    • Click Continue. You will leave the Library's website and go to the PayPal payment page. You can then make payments from your online account using a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card.
    PayPal encrypts data entered on its payment page. We do not keep this information. Please go to PayPal's Privacy Policy page to learn more about your privacy rights with PayPal.

    The databases are electronic resources on many topics including art, biography, business, current affairs, education, health, history, literature, science, and technology. Magazine and newspaper articles, encyclopedias, and quick reference sources, biographies, college catalogs, governmental statistics and electronic books are all available. The databases are paid for, or hosted by, the Oakland Public Library for use by its patrons. Oakland Public Library cardholders can access many of the databases remotely from their home or office computers 24 hours a day. Anyone can search the databases at any Oakland Public Library location.

    Submit an application for your selected meeting room

    We store your name, an email or phone number, date of birth, and address. We also keep your state ID number or other ID number so we can identify you if you lose your card.

    No. The $1.50 free print credit resets every day and does not roll over.

    Each user can use up to 10 Kanopy tickets a month. Tickets are based on the length and type of content. Next to the play button, you can see how many tickets a title will use and how long you will have access to it.

    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.

    Yes, you do. You cannot complete the application without a Google account.

    You can get one here: https://accounts.google.com/SignUp.

    In the application, please give us the email address you check most often; you do not have to use your Gmail address for your contact email. 

    There are five judges, representing a diverse group of experts from literacy, arts and educational organizations as well as local celebrity authors, artists and activists.

    Past judges have included:

    • U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera
    • poets and playwrights Chinaka Hodge and Aimee Suzara
    • community organizer and Poetry for the People alum Maria Poblet
    • NAACP image award nominee Arisa White
    • KQED Columnist Pendarvis Harshaw
    • award-winning writer MK Chavez
    • former Oakland City Councilmember Wilson Riles
    • Hip Hop for Change Founder and Executive Director Kahfre Jay
    • author, musician, educator, and community organizer Tyson Amir
    • pianist, emcee, producer, music historian, and teacher Kev Choice
    • poet, editor, and educator Maw Shein Win
    • founder and executive director of Nomadic Press, J.K. Fowler
    • former Oakland Youth Poets Laureate and Finalists
    • Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate
    • many other local authors and community leaders

    You can get to know out our most recent panel of judges.

    All Library locations have a ScanStation with the ability to send faxes.

    Faxing domestically is free. International faxing is not available.

    You are eligible to apply if:

    • you live in Oakland
    • you are between the ages of 13 and 18 on the day the application is due
    • you will be available to serve as Laureate for the program year, which means that you will live locally the whole year and won't be enrolled in college full-time during the whole  year (June - June)        

    Your checkout limit for OverDrive is 20 items.

    You SHOULD NOT pay fines on your lost interlibrary loan (ILL) or Link+ items. You should always call our ILL/Link+ office at (510) 238-2124 on charges on interlibrary loan or Link+ items. All other library fines and fees listed in your library account can be paid online.

    If you're looking for current, reliable information from a wide variety of resources, including research in specialized subject areas, then try using the Library's databases. The information in the databases is more reliable than much of the information that is available from searching the Internet with a search engine. Many of the databases are available 24 hours a day from any computer anywhere to Oakland Public Library Cardholders.

    Anyone who has an OPL library card can borrow a Hotspot! 

    If you do not have a library card, you can apply for one online or in person. 

    You create a PIN when you apply for a library card. Your PIN is a four-digit number.
     
     
    You can reset your PIN by logging into your BiblioCommons account and looking under My Settings.

    Your checkout history is not kept on your personal account. If an item is overdue, a record of the title will remain on your account. OPL staff will not release check-out history unless presented with a warrant or subpoena by law enforcement.
     
    OPL protects library user account information by placing it on a secure server. OPL keeps very limited records of your borrowing activities. Returned items stay on the item’s record for the rare occasions that we may need to contact you about the item.
     
    As a patron, you may choose to enable the “Borrowing History” option on your account. By selecting this option, you choose to give explicit consent to storing your check-out history from the opt-in date. Library staff DO NOT have access to the Borrowing History. You can opt out of this service and delete your Borrowing History at any time.

    No, free printing credit cannot be used for prints sent via email printing.

    Your account automatically resets with 10 tickets the first day of the month.

    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!

    Once the application is live and we are accepting submissions, you'll find it linked on all the OYPL pages on the website. 

    You can download the paper application as a PDF here now.

    You must complete all the required questions at one time and submit. There is no way to save your work.

    But after you submit, you will be sent a link enabling you to edit your application until the deadline. You will have to email us a new PDF of your poems, though.

    We recommend that you look at the questions on the application and then prepare and proofread your responses over time in a savable document. Then you can copy and paste your perfect responses into the online application and have your poems ready for uploading in PDF form.

    Unfortunately, OPL cannot receive faxes for you. 

    Log in with your library card and select “browse by venue” to see what is currently available for OPL cardholders

    You have the option of checking out e-Books and Audiobooks for either 7, 14, or 21 days. You can set up the default checkout time in the Account > Settings page.  

    No, payments made online are not refundable.
     
    For help, contact the library at (510) 238-3144 or e-mail us at eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org.

    No, the meeting room can only be used during the library’s open hours.

    There is no charge to borrow and use an OPL Wi-Fi Hotspot! 

    You can check out and use a mobile hotspot for free for 21 days.  If you lose the hotspot or damage it beyond repair, we will charge a $50 fee to your library account.

    You can renew your library card in person by  visiting any Oakland Public Library location,  or by calling (510) 238-3134. 

    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.

     
    Never write your PIN on your library card!
     
    More of our branches now have holds accessible for you to retrieve on your own. OPL offers an alias field option for patrons who want to be anonymous on their holds slips. This will print instead of your name. Ask library staff to create an alias for you.

    Main’s Feasibility Study is not a construction project. It will provide a long-range plan for the future of the Main Library and the library wide system operations.

    The current Main Library was built in 1950 (designed in the 1930s) and is vastly undersized for the size of the community and library system support services needed. A 2006 Master Facilities Plan (Plan) identified the need for a revitalized and expanded Main Library to better serve the residents of Oakland. The current Feasibility Study will update the 2006 Needs Assessment and update the recommendations based on the future service needs of Oakland’s increasing population and changing demographics. Learn more about the feasibility study.

    You can find this information under My OPL in the top right corner of every page. 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. On a smaller device it will appear as a dark blue bar in the upper right corner of the screen.

    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.

     

     

    Changes may be made to your entry before the deadline by using the “Edit Response” link in your confirmation email. 

    The pdf file of your poems cannot be changed.

    If you would like to apply with a different pdf document, before the deadline you can forward your confirmation email to oypl@oaklandlibrary.org with the document attached and explain that you would like to replace your poems.

    All library locations have a ScanStation.

    You can scan to a USB drive, email, fax, and more. These machines let you scan a book or a stack or documents easily.

    The Oakland Youth Poet Laureate and Oakland Vice Youth Poet Laureate will be announced in June at a public event with all the Finalists.

    Your application needs to include:

    • three original poems 
    • name and contact information for an adult sponsor 
    • an artist statement
    • optional: list of any awards, community service, or activism including previous participation in the OYPL program
    • name and contact information for your guardian/parent, unless you are 18 by the date the application is due

    Applications for the 2025 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate will be open from January 3 to February 3, 2025.

    If you have not printed the pass, you can cancel the reservation by going to Discover & Go and logging in.
     
    Once you are logged in, click on "account" in the middle of the toolbar at the top of the page. Click "cancel pass" under the appropriate reservation.
     
    Once you have printed the pass, the reservation cannot be canceled. If you reserve a pass and do not use it or cancel the reservation, the unused pass will count towards your limit. 

    Yes. If the item out has no existing holds, OverDrive's "renew" feature places an advanced hold for you so that you may check it out again immediately after the current checkout expires. Find detailed instructions on the OverDrive website.
     

    Your Library account will be credited immediately after your online payment is approved by your credit card company.

    No, the meeting room can only be used within your scheduled time.
     
    When booking the meeting room, please be sure to include time to set up, take down, and leave

    You can borrow LINK+ items for 21 days, with one renewal of 21 more days.

    You can borrow a hotspot for 21 days! 

    There are often many people waiting to borrow a hotspot, so please return the hotspot on time.  The hotspot will stop giving you access to the internet after the due date.  The hotspot will automatically renew if no one else is waiting to borrow it.  However, there is often a waiting list for hotspots.

    For children ages 0-7:
     
    The parents or legal guardians listed on the account can access and update the account. They also have access to the child's information.
     
    For more information, read our circulation policy.
     
    For children ages 8 and up:
     
    We cannot tell you what your child has checked out without your child there, unless a fee is due.

    Navigate to My Library Dashboard from the drop-down menu under your username, and then click Checked Out. Once you are on your Checked Out page, use the checkboxes to select the desired titles and then click Renew.

    Unfortunately, the Library does not offer notary services.

    However, we are sometimes able to offer related services through partnership events at Your Library, such as Lawyers in the Library, housing, or other social service support. You can also Book a Librarian for help in finding local notaries.

    There are two rounds of judging.

    The first round is scored anonymously. The judges read the three poems you submit with your application and score them based on the ContentCraft, and Voice.

    The poets who score the highest in the first round will move on to the second and final round of judging and be considered the year's OYPL Finalists.

    In the final round, the judges score these Finalists on Performance and Leadership, based on the letter of support, the artist statement, any awards and community service, and previous involvement in the OYPL program, as well as a mandatory in-person reading and interview with the panel of judges in April. 

    The Oakland Youth Poet Laureate will be the one poet who scores the highest total of both rounds. The Vice Laureate will have the second highest score.

    Your three poems need to be submitted in a single PDF that is not longer than 10 pages and that doesn't have your name on it. You will upload that PDF directly onto your online application.

    Your poems will be judged on content, craft, and voice. The first round of judging is anonymous, so you'll submit your poems without your name on them.

    You can print your pass by going back to Discover & Go and logging in. Once you are logged in, click on "account" in the middle of the toolbar at the top of the page. Click "view/print pass" under the appropriate reservation. Once you have viewed or printed the pass, the reservation cannot be canceled.

    Download attempts are limited by media type. You have 30 tries to download EPUD or PDF files, but only 3 tries to download Audiobook files.
     
    If you're streaming your items on the Libby app or in a web browser, you don't need to worry about this!

    Yes, if it is issued by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover and has the company's logo on it.

    You must have a valid Oakland Public Library Card to access the databases remotely from your home or office computer. Get a library card here. The Oakland Public Library databases can be found by following the steps below:  
    From the Oakland Public Library Home Page  
    Go to Read, Listen, Watch and then select All Online Resources under ELibrary.
    Choose the online resource you would like to use. 
     
     
    After you select a database, you will be asked to type in your Library Card Number (the 14 digit number located under the barcode on the back of your library card, without the spaces) into the box. To search another database, you may use the browser back button to return to the database page.
     

    LINK+ is free, as long as your materials are returned on time. Like OPL items, LINK+ items do not collect late fees. However, there is a $115 fee for lost item and significantly damaged items.

    To turn on the hotspot, press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the display says “Welcome!”.

    If the hotspot will not turn on, it needs to be charged.

    In the Wi-Fi settings on your device, choose the hotspot name (Franklin T9) and enter the password Oaklandlibrary.  If this password does not work, press the power button three times and the new password will be displayed.

    The Wi-Fi is active when the signal strength and Wi-Fi indicator lights up.  The number of devices connected appears next to the Wi-Fi indicator.

    To turn off your hotspot, press and hold the power button until the display says “Goodbye!”.

    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.

    Yes! You can submit the application on behalf of a young person as long as you can provide complete information for the nominee(s), including 3 poems, name of an Adult Sponsor and accurate contact information.

    You may nominate up to 3 students.

    Please confirm their ability to complete the program year (June - June) should they advance to the final round.

    After completing the program year, The Laureate will receive an educational scholarship of $5,000, managed by Scholarship America.

    Each Finalist, including the Laureate, will receive a $500 prize at the beginning of the program year.

    In your artist statement, you get to introduce yourself in 250 words or less. Tell us who you are and what poetry means to you.

    If you advance to the final round, this information will be used to build your bio. 

    Yes. If you have lost your printed pass, you can go back and reprint it, following the instructions.

    Yes, you can have up to 12 holds on your account at a time.

    No. You have to pay from your online Library account.

    All residents of California can have a library card.
     
    Library cards are free.
     
    Apply online or at any OPL location.
     

    You will receive an e-mail to the e-mail address in your library record when your LINK+ item arrives. If you have not given an email address, you will receive a phone call. If you would like to get texts that your items have arrived via ShoutBomb, you can sign up separately here.

    The hotspot will let you access the internet anywhere in the United States with a 3G, 4G or LTE data network.

    MyPC is the third-party software we use to manage computer reservations and sessions. MyPC removes past reservation and session history overnight. After you log out, the next user has no way of accessing your information.

    Email oypl@oaklandlibrary.org or call the Oakland Public Library at (510) 761-7636.

    .

    Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the school or arts program of your choice.

    You must complete your full year as Poet Laureate to receive your award.

    The scholarship is managed through Scholarship America which also offers financial, cultural, and social support.

    If you advance to the final round, you will ask your adult sponsor to write you a letter of recommendation. You should choose someone who knows your writing, school performance, or community involvement

    Ask someone for this way in advance! If you make it to the final round, your letters of recommendation will be due in March.

    Yes.

    To print from a laptop, follow the instructions for  Mobile Printing Services.

    You will need to get your print job on the same day.

    There is not an overall limit to the number of passes a patron can use per year, but some venues do place restrictions on how often you can use their passes. The terms of use are set by the participating organizations. Each patron is limited to two active passes at a time.

    No. Online payments can only to be made with a Visa, Master, or Discover card.

    Some databases are more compatible with Internet Explorer than with Firefox, Chrome, or other browsers. Download and install the latest non-Beta version of your browser for greatest compatibility. Browsers should have cookies, Java, JavaScript, and frames enabled and caching turned on for optimal use of the databases. Check the individual database's help screen for other requirements.

    Your meeting room application can be submitted between two weeks and 90 days in advance of your requested reservation time.   

    LINK+ materials will be held at the branch for up to 7 days. 

    When the display says “Low Battery”, or if the hotspot will not turn on or stay powered on, the hotspot will need to be charged.

    Connect the included cable to the hotspot and plug it in into the electrical socket to start charging.  When the hotspot is powered off, it will take about three hours to fully charge.

    For more details about our wireless network, please review the Wireless Internet Policy.

    Oakland’s Youth Poet Laureate will be in the spotlight, and will receive support from Oakland Public Library staff in developing public speaking skills and in the role of city representative.  We'll be right there with you along the way!

    We will also connect you to other youth and writing organizations for opportunities and support.

    Scholarship America also offers financial, cultural, and social support.

    Some venues give us a limited number of passes. Once those have been used, no one can get a pass to that venue until more passes are provided to use by the venue. This varies venue to venue.

    Yes, you can return items early. Find the title in the app under Loans and click Return.

    No. Data entered on PayPal's payment page is encrypted by PayPal. The Library does not store it.
     
    To learn more about your privacy rights regarding how PayPal collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information, go to PayPal's Privacy Policy page.

    I enter my library card, but still can't get in. If you have a different phone number than our records show, you will not be allowed into the databases. Please make sure you inform the library when your address or phone number changes. Occasionally the database providers have technical problems. Try to access the database again later. Email us at eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org if you are still having issues.

    Check out the LINK+ items at your branch when you receive a notification that they have arrived. 

    You can return the hotspot to any Oakland Public Library location!

    Also, please return the hotspot fully charged and with all accessories.

    For more information about our website and databases, please review the Website Disclaimer.
     
    Some databases and e-content on our website need you to enter the barcode number from your Oakland Public Library card. We also use third-party services for eBook Help Reservations with SetMore and Online Summer Reading. None of these vendors have access to our records.
     

    The Vice Laureate will step into the Laureate role if the Laureate is unable to complete the year.

    You can apply if you are senior in high school and meet the age requirements as long as you will be living locally and not attending college full-time for the year after you graduate.

    If your library card is expired, you will not be able to access the OverDrive site. Your card expires every three years, and you can renew it by calling or visiting any of the Oakland Public Library locations.

    You may contact the Library at (510) 238-3144 or e-mail us at eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org.

     
    Some database publishers do not permit remote access to their databases. In some cases, the Library is not able to buy remote access due to budget constraints. Whenever possible, the Library offers remote access. 

    You can return LINK+ items at any OPL location.
     
    If you have any further questions, please ask your librarian or call the OPL LINK+ office at (510) 238-2124.

    We care about your privacy when you use an OPL Hotspot. 

    Because the OPL Hotspot program is an “opt-in” service, we want you to understand what information about internet usage is tracked or used:

    • We do not have access to or collect your internet usage data. We do not provide information to the ISP.
    • We do not allow the ISP to use ad-targeting programs (“supercookies”) to identify you or track your internet usage.
    • Data is never kept on the OPL Hotspot.

    RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. OPL puts RFID tags on materials so they can be read by checkout machines. It's how we check out your books!
     
    The only pieces of information stored on the RFID tag are:
    • the item barcode
    • a security bit that indicates if the item is in or out of the library.

    Our library cards do not use RFID technology or smart chips. We do not plan to use RFID for library cards.

    You may only apply if you currently live in Oakland (though you can attend school in other towns).

    You may be eligible to apply for the Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate program or the Berkeley Youth Poet Laureate program.

    While we aren’t able to expand the contest to other cities right now, we welcome interested agencies from other cities to contact us with questions.

    If you replace a lost library card, your OverDrive activity will automatically carry over to your new card.

    The databases are on the Internet. Click on the links to retrieve information. The periodical databases often have a link to "text" or "full text." Click on the link to retrieve the full text of the article. All databases have a help function. Look for a help button on most of the databases for tips on using the electronic resources.

    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.

    81st Avenue Branch

    • We Are All Rulers of Our Artistic Journey
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • Women of the Black Panther Party
    • Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture

    African American Museum and Library at Oakland

    • African American Musicians
    • Blooming Knowledge
    • Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
    • Oakland's Hip Hop 50

    Asian Branch

    • African American Musicians
    • Blooming Knowledge
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • Oakland's Hip Hop 50

    Brookfield Branch

    • Angela Reads
    • Blooming Knowledge
    • We Are All Rulers of our Artistic Journey
    • Oakland’s Hip Hop 50

    César E. Chávez Branch

    • Angela Reads
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
    • Blooming Knowledge

    Eastmont Branch

    • African American Musicians
    • Women of the Black Panther Party
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • The Transformation of Silence into Language

    Elmhurst Branch

    • Angela Reads
    • Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • Blooming Knowledge

    Golden Gate Branch

    • African American Musicians
    • Angela Reads
    • Blooming Knowledge
    • Oakland’s Hip Hop 50

    Lakeview Branch

    • Angela Reads
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • Blooming Knowledge
    • The Transformation of Silence into Language

    Martin Luther King Jr. Branch

    • Angela Reads
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • Women of the Black Panther Party
    • Oakland’s Hip Hop 50

    Melrose Branch

    • We Are All Rulers of Our Artistic Journey
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • Blooming Knowledge
    • Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture

    Montclair Branch

    • African American Musicians
    • Blooming Knowledge
    • Women of the Black Panther Party
    • Oakland’s Hip Hop 50

    Piedmont Avenue Branch

    • Angela Reads
    • Blooming Knowledge
    • The Transformation of Silence into Language
    • Spray Painting Oakland

    Rockridge Branch

    • We Are All Rulers of Our Artistic Journey
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • Oakland’s Hip Hop 50
    • Blooming Knowledge

    Temescal Branch

    • African American Musicians
    • Blooming Knowledge
    • The Transformation of Silence into Language
    • Women of the Black Panther Party

    West Oakland

    • We Are All Rulers of Our Artistic Journey
    • Spray Painting Oakland
    • Women of the Black Panther Party
    • Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture

    There is a maximum of 75 items that can be checked out at the same time and a maximum of 15 holds.

    Video games and toys are limited to two checkouts at a time. Wi-fi hotspots are limited to one at a time.

    No more than ten tools at a time can be checked out from the Tool Lending Library. 

    You can keep most library items for three (3) weeks. You can only keep tools and test prep books for one (1) week.

    Anyone who lives in California.

     

    Cards are available while supplies last!

    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

    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. 

    • Oakland Public Library cards are good at any branch of the OPL system. 
    • There is no charge for new or replacement cards.
    • Students who have lost their cards do not need to apply again. They will need to confirm their address, phone number, and date of birth.
    • Encourage your students to return any books they may have at home!

    You can verify your current Teacher Status with any of the following:

    • School or institution ID
    • School or institution paystub
    • CA family childcare home license
    • Affidavit of Private School
    • Letter of acknowledgement of homeschooling from a local school district (Oakland, Piedmont, or Emeryville)

    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.

    OPL is fine free, so no one has to worry about late fines.

    If items are lost or damaged, fees will be added to the Teacher Card. You won't be able to use your Teacher Card if it has more than $50 in fees.

    • Borrow print books for six weeks instead of three
    • Up to 30 holds at a time, instead of 15
     
    Teacher cards cannot be used to borrow Link+ or interlibrary loan items, or items for personal use. 
     
    eBooks and other digital materials cannot checked out for longer than usual with a Teacher Card.

    Any individual who currently works as a:

    • teacher
    • educator
    • administrator
    • librarian
    • childcare provider
    • afterschool program provider

    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.

    Each year we have a panel of five judges representing a diverse group of experts from literacy, arts, and educational organizations as well as local celebrity authors, artists, and activists.

    If you are interested in being a future judge, have a relationship to Oakland, believe strongly in youth voices, and like to read and listen to poetry, please fill out our Judging Interest Form and tell us more!

    OPL program locations are wheelchair accessible. To request disability-related accommodations or to request American Sign Language (ASL), or other forms of interpretation, please call the event contact, or 510-238-3254 (TTY) at least five (5) working days before the event. Please refrain from wearing scented products as a courtesy to attendees with chemical sensitivities. //

    Las sucursales con eventos de OPL tienen accesibilidad para sillas de ruedas. Para solicitar adaptaciones relacionadas con discapacidades o para solicitar lenguaje de señas americano (ASL) u otras formas de interpretación por favor de comunicarse al contacto del evento o al (510) 238-3254 (TTY) al menos cinco (5) días laborales antes del evento. Por favor absténgase de usar productos perfumados como cortesía a los asistentes con sensibilidades químicas. //

    OPL 活動地點可供輪椅通行。如想要求為殘疾人士提供服務, 或美國手語 (ASL)服務,或其他語言翻譯服務,請至少在五 (5) 個工作天前致電(510) 238-3254 (TTY) 。 為考慮對化學品敏感的與會者的需求,參加活動時請勿佩戴有氣味的產品。

    We make it easy to get online with an Oakland Public Library (OPL) Hotspot. If you have a Library card, you can check out a hotspot for free from any Library location. Since they are so popular, we recommend you put a hold on an OPL Hotspot. Then use it to connect your tablet, laptop or other Wi-Fi-enabled device to the Internet. You can borrow an OPL Hotspot for 21 days.

    The OPL Hotspot is easy to use and gives you a wireless connection to the internet. Just turn it on, and you are ready to connect up to 15 devices. With the OPL Hotspot, you can use your device to do research on the internet, shop at your favorite website, download movies and music from the Library – and more.

    Su PIN se tendría que haber configurado cuando solicitó su credencial de la biblioteca. Si usted no tiene un PIN o ha olvidado su PIN y necesita restablecerlo, puede hacerlo llamando o asistiendo a cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. 

    Discover & Go no funcionará con una credencial de la biblioteca caducada. Su credencial caduca cada tres años, y puede renovarla llamando o asistiendo a cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. También puede enviar un email a eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org desde su correo electrónico registrado y proporcionar su nombre completo, número de la credencial de la biblioteca, dirección actual y número de teléfono. 

    Inicie sesión con su credencial de la biblioteca y seleccione "browse by venue" (buscar por lugar) para ver lo qué hay disponible actualmente para los titulares de credenciales de la OPL. 

    Si no ha impreso el pase, puede cancelar la reservación entrando a Discover & Go e iniciando sesión. 

     Una vez que haya iniciado sesión, haga clic en "account" (cuenta) en el centro de la barra de herramientas que está en la parte superior de la página. Haga clic en "cancel pass" (cancelar pase) bajo la reservación correspondiente. 

     Una vez que haya impreso el pase, no podrá cancelar la reservación. Si reserva un pase y no lo utiliza o cancela la reservación, el pase no utilizado será contabilizado dentro de su límite. 

    Puede imprimir su pase volviendo a entrar en Discover & Go e iniciando sesión. Una vez que haya iniciado sesión, haga clic en "account" (cuenta) en el centro de la barra de herramientas que está en la parte superior de la página. Haga clic en "view/print pass" (ver/imprimir pase) bajo la reservación correspondiente. Una vez que haya visto o haya impreso el pase, no podrá cancelar la reservación. 

    Sí. Si ha perdido su pase impreso, puede volver a imprimirlo, siguiendo las instrucciones de la pregunta que aparece a continuación. 

    No hay un límite general para el número de pases que un usuario puede utilizar al año, pero algunos lugares imponen restricciones sobre la frecuencia con la que se pueden emplear sus pases. Las organizaciones participantes establecen las condiciones de uso. Cada usuario está limitado a dos pases activos a la vez. 

    Algunos lugares nos dan un número limitado de pases. Una vez que se han utilizado, nadie puede obtener un pase para ese lugar hasta que el lugar proporcione más pases para su uso. Esto varía de un lugar a otro. 

    Comuníquese con el personal de cualquier biblioteca o envíenos un correo electrónico para obtener ayuda. 

    Todas las sucursales de la OPL tienen fotocopiadoras en blanco y negro disponibles. Las copias cuestan 15 centavos por página. 

    Lamentablemente, ninguna de nuestras sedes dispone de fotocopiadoras a color. 

    Las siguientes sucusales de la OPL tienen un escáner que permite enviar faxes.

    El envío de faxes al nivel nacional es gratuito. El envío de faxes internacionalmente no está disponible.

    Lamentablemente, la OPL no puede recibir faxes por usted. 

    Las siguientes sucursales tienen una estación de autoservicio para escanear: 

    • Museo y Biblioteca de la Cultura Afroestadounidense de Oakland (AAMLO) 
    • Sucursal de 81st Avenue 
    • Sucursal Chávez 
    • Sucursal Dimond 
    • Sucursal Eastmont 
    • Sucursal Elmhurst 
    • Sucursal Rockridge 
    • Sucursal West Oakland 
    • Biblioteca Principal 

    Puede escanear a una memoria USB, un email, un fax y mucho más. Estas máquinas le permiten escanear un libro o una pila de documentos fácilmente. 

    Las siguientes sucursales tienen un escáner de superficie plana:  

    • Sucursal Brookfield 
    • Sucursal Golden Gate 
    • Sucursal Melrose 
    • Sucursal Temescal 

     Lamentablemente, la Biblioteca no ofrece servicios notariales. 

    MyPC es el software de terceros que empleamos para administrar las reservas y sesiones de la computadora. MyPC elimina las reservas anteriores y el historial de sesiones durante la noche. Después de que usted cierre su sesión, el siguiente usuario no podrá acceder a su información. 

    Para obtener más detalles sobre nuestra red inalámbrica, revise la Política de Internet Inalámbrico. 

    Buenas noticias: ¡en cualquier lugar! Todas las ubicaciones de la OPL ofrecen una red wifi para que la utilice con cualquier dispositivo.  

    También puede pedir prestado un Hotspot de wifi de la OPL para llevárselo a casa. 

    Si su hijo pierde u olvida devolver los libros o materiales que tomó prestados, ¡aún así puede usar la biblioteca! 

    La Biblioteca Pública de Oakland es libre de multas. No cobramos cargos por demoras.  

    Si su hijo no devuelve un artículo 60 días después de su vencimiento, recibirá una factura para reemplazarlo. Si usted tiene el artículo y puede devolverlo en ese momento, no tiene que pagar nada. 

    Si no puede devolver el artículo y le es difícil pagar la factura, comuníquese con cualquier personal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. Nos aseguraremos de que su hijo pueda seguir utilizando la biblioteca. 

    Para niños de 0 a 7 años de edad: 

    Los padres o tutores legales que figuran en la cuenta pueden acceder y actualizar la cuenta. También tienen acceso a la información del niño. 

    Para obtener información adicional, lea aquí. 

    Para niños de 8 años en adelante: 

    No podemos decirle lo que su hijo ha retirado sin que él esté presente, a menos que se deba pagar un cargo. 

    Su historial de préstamos no se guarda en su cuenta personal. Si un artículo no se devuelve a tiempo, un registro del título permanecerá en su cuenta. El personal de la OPL no divulgará su historial de préstamos a menos que se presente una orden judicial o una citación del personal de seguridad pública. 

     La OPL protege la información de la cuenta de usuario de la biblioteca colocándola en un servidor seguro. La OPL mantiene registros muy limitados de sus actividades de préstamo. Los artículos devueltos se mantienen en el registro del artículo para las ocasiones excepcionales en las que podamos necesitar comunicarnos con usted sobre el artículo. 

     Como usuario, puede optar por habilitar la opción "Historial de Lectura" en su cuenta. Al hacerlo, elige dar su consentimiento explícito para almacenar su historial de préstamos desde la fecha en que habilita la opción. El personal de la biblioteca NO tiene acceso al Historial de Lectura. Puede optar por no participar en este servicio y eliminar su Historial de Lectura en cualquier momento. 

    RFID significa "identificación por radiofrecuencia". La OPL coloca etiquetas RFID en los materiales para que las máquinas de las cajas puedan leerlas. ¡Así es como registramos el retiro sus libros! 

     Los únicos datos almacenados en la etiqueta RFID son: 

    • el código de barras del artículo 
    • un bit de seguridad que indica si el artículo está dentro o fuera de la biblioteca. 

    Nuestras credenciales de la biblioteca no utilizan tecnología RFID ni chips inteligentes. No planeamos utilizar RFID para las credenciales de la biblioteca. 

    Usted crea un PIN cuando solicita una credencial de la biblioteca. Su PIN es un número de cuatro dígitos. 

     Si no tiene un PIN o necesita restablecerlo, llame o asista a cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. 

    Las credenciales de la biblioteca expiran cada 3 años. Puede renovar su credencial llamando, enviando un correo electrónico o asistiendo a cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland (OPL). Tendrá que darnos su dirección actual. 

     No podrá tomar prestados materiales de la OPL ni de LINK+ mientras su credencial esté vencida. 

    Dentro de las siguientes sucursales, se encuentran baños públicos: 

    • Sucursal de 81st Avenue 
    • Museo y Biblioteca de la Cultura Afroestadounidense de Oakland (AAMLO) 
    • Sucursal Brookfield 
    • Sucursal Chávez 
    • Sucursal Dimond 
    • Sucursal Eastmont 
    • Sucursal Golden Gate 
    • Biblioteca Principal 
    • Sucursal Martin Luther King, Jr. 
    • Sucursal Melrose 
    • Sucursal Piedmont 
    • Sucursal Rockridge 
    • Sucursal Temescal 
    • Sucursal West Oakland 

    En las siguientes sucursales, el personal puede proporcionar indicaciones para llegar a los baños públicos que están cerca de la biblioteca: 

    • Sucursal Asian 
    • Sucursal Elmhurst 
    • Sucursal Lakeview 
    • Biblioteca de Préstamo de Herramientas 

    Los baños para todos los géneros se encuentran en las siguientes sedes: 

    • Sucursal Dimond 
    • Sucursal Eastmont 
    • Sucursal Golden Gate 
    • Biblioteca Principal 
    • Sucursal Martin Luther King, Jr. 
    • Sucursal Melrose 
    • Sucursal Montclair 
    • Sucursal Piedmont 
    • Sucursal Rockridge 
    • Sucursal Temescal 

    La Sucursal de 81st Avenue tiene un baño para todos los géneros y cuatro baños para géneros específicos. 

    Las siguientes sedes tienen baños para Hombres y Mujeres: 

    • Museo y Biblioteca de la Cultura Afroestadounidense de Oakland (AAMLO) 
    • Sucursal Brookfield 
    • Sucursal Chávez 
    • Sucursal West Oakland 

    En los siguientes lugares, el personal puede proporcionar indicaciones para llegar a los baños públicos cercanos, que son específicos para cada género: 

    • Sucursal Asian 
    • Sucursal Lakeview 

    En los siguientes lugares, el personal puede proporcionar indicaciones para llegar a los baños públicos cercanos, que son para todos los géneros: 

    • Sucursal Elmhurst 
    • Biblioteca de Préstamo de Herramientas 

    ¡Busque en el catálogo!  

    También puede descargar las aplicaciones para OverDrive y hoopla. Puede buscar títulos de audiolibros en esas aplicaciones. 

    Puede pedir prestados hasta 6 títulos mensuales en total, en cualquier tipo de formato. Por ejemplo, puede pedir prestadas 5 novelas gráficas y 1 audiolibros, 4 películas y 2 libros electrónicos, etc. 

    No, ¡los títulos que aparecen en hoopla siempre están disponibles! Nunca tendrá que hacer una reserva, y tampoco hay listas de espera. Todos los contenidos siempre están disponibles para que los vea en directo o los descargue. 

    Los Servicios Extendidos para Personas con Discapacidades incluyen lo siguiente: 

    • Más tiempo con los materiales. Puede conservar los materiales durante seis semanas, en vez de solo tres. También puede renovar los materiales seis veces, en vez de solo tres. 
    • Más reservas. Puede hacer 30 reservas a la vez, no solo 15. 
    • Respuestas a domicilio. Le enviaremos por correo o por fax a su domicilio las respuestas a las preguntas de "referencia rápida". 
    • Podemos enviarle videos descriptivos a cualquier sucursal, y puede tomarlos prestados durante seis semanas. 

    Si usted es una persona que tiene una discapacidad, pregunte al personal de la biblioteca acerca de cómo obtener los Servicios Extendidos. 

    Si no puede asistir a la Biblioteca en persona, contacte a Mana Tominaga, Coordinadora de Servicios Extendidos, llamando al (510) 238-6611 o enviando un correo electrónico a mtominaga@oaklandlibrary.org. 

    Si no puede asistir a la biblioteca debido a una discapacidad y quiere solicitar Servicios Extendidos, póngase en contacto con Mana Tominaga, Coordinadora de Servicios Extendidos, llamando al (510) 238-6611 o enviando un correo electrónico a mtominaga@oaklandlibrary.org. 

    Puede utilizar la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland desde cualquier lugar donde tenga conexión a Internet. ¡Puede registrarse para obtener una credencial de la biblioteca en línea y así descargar o ver libros y películas digitales en directo, ver nuestros programas en línea, obtener recomendaciones de libros y mucho más desde su casa! 

    Los baños para todos los géneros se encuentran en las siguientes sedes: 

    • Sucursal Dimond 
    • Sucursal Eastmont 
    • Sucursal Golden Gate 
    • Biblioteca Principal 
    • Sucursal Martin Luther King, Jr. 
    • Sucursal Melrose 
    • Sucursal Montclair 
    • Sucursal Piedmont 
    • Sucursal Rockridge 
    • Sucursal Temescal 

    La Sucursal de 81st Avenue tiene un baño para todos los géneros y cuatro baños para géneros específicos. 

    Las siguientes sedes tienen baños para Hombres y Mujeres: 

    • Museo y Biblioteca de la Cultura Afroestadounidense de Oakland (AAMLO) 
    • Sucursal Brookfield 
    • Sucursal Chávez 
    • Sucursal West Oakland 

    En los siguientes lugares, el personal puede proporcionar indicaciones para llegar a los baños públicos cercanos, que son específicos para cada género: 

    • Sucursal Asian 
    • Sucursal Lakeview 

    En los siguientes lugares, el personal puede proporcionar indicaciones para llegar a los baños públicos cercanos, que son para todos los géneros: 

    • Sucursal Elmhurst 
    • Biblioteca de Préstamo de Herramientas 

    Sí. Para imprimir desde un portátil, vaya a servicios de impresión móvil y seleccione la sucursal de la que desea obtener el trabajo de impresión. Siga las instrucciones. Usted tendrá que recoger su trabajo de impresión el mismo día. 

    Antes de enviar una solicitud, póngase en contacto con el coordinador de programación para verificar la disponibilidad de salas. Envíe una solicitud y un pago al coordinador de programación para la ubicación de la sala de reuniones seleccionada. 

    Puede ponerse en contacto con el coordinador de programación de la ubicación de la biblioteca o con el administrador de sucursal consultando la lista.   

    No, la sala de reuniones solo se puede utilizar durante el horario de apertura de la biblioteca.   

    No, la sala de reuniones solo se puede usar dentro de la hora programada. Al reservar la sala de reuniones, asegúrese de incluir tiempo para configurar, recoger y salir. 

    Puede enviar su solicitud en línea o en persona. La información de la sala de reuniones está aquí.   

    Su solicitud de sala de reuniones y el pago se pueden presentar entre dos semanas y tres meses antes de la hora de reserva solicitada.  

    Las tarifas de las salas de reuniones se pueden ver aquí. 

    A la mayoría de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro se les cobra una tarifa reducida de $15 / hr por reservar salas de reuniones. Consulte la lista de tarifas de la sala de reuniones para obtener más información. 

    Realice pagos en efectivo, cheque, giro postal, tarjeta de crédito o débito. Por favor, haga su pago a nombre de la "Oakland Public Library". Los pagos con tarjeta de crédito o débito solo se pueden hacer en línea con una tarjeta válida de la biblioteca pública de Oakland a través de su cuenta. 

    Desafortunadamente, las reservas de salas de reuniones no son reembolsables. 

    Por favor, póngase en contacto con la biblioteca donde desea reunirse. La capacidad de una habitación se puede encontrar aquí. 

    La capacidad de una habitación se puede encontrar aquí. 

    No. Cualquier configuración o limpieza necesaria para un evento debe ser realizada por su grupo dentro de su tiempo reservado. 

    Algunas salas de reuniones tienen pantallas, pero los grupos deben traer su propio equipo, incluidos los proyectores. 

    Sí, todas las salas de reuniones tienen mesas y sillas. 

    Sí, se puede comer en la sala de reuniones. Alcohol no está permitido. Los grupos deben deshacerse de toda la basura antes de irse. 

    Los grupos pueden traer comida preparada. Las salas de reuniones no ofrecen equipos de cocina ni suministros de cocina. 

    Las tarjetas de la biblioteca expiran cada 3 años. Puede renovar su tarjeta llamando, enviando un correo electrónico o visitando cualquier ubicación de la biblioteca pública de Oakland. Usted tendrá que darnos su dirección actual. No podrá pedir prestados materiales de OPL o LINK+ mientras su tarjeta esté vencida. 

    Puede pedir prestados la mayoría de los artículos LINK+ por 21 días, con una renovación de 21 días más.  Los períodos de préstamo de medios digitales LINK+ varían dependiendo de la biblioteca de préstamo. Asegúrese de comprobar la fecha de caducidad. Algunas bibliotecas permiten renovaciones de materiales digitales y otras no.  

    LINK+ es gratuito, siempre y cuando sus materiales sean devueltos a tiempo. Al igual que los artículos OPL, los artículos LINK+ no cobran cargos por mora. Sin embargo, hay una tarifa de $115 por artículos perdidos.     

    Recibirá un correo electrónico a la dirección de correo electrónico en su registro de biblioteca cuando llegue su artículo LINK+. 

    Los materiales de LINK+ se mantendrán en la sucursal por hasta 7 días.     

    Puede tomar prestado los artículos de LINK+ en tu sucursal cuando recibas una notificación de que han llegado.   

    Puede devolver artículos de LINK+ en cualquier ubicación. Si tiene más preguntas, por favor pregunte a su bibliotecario o llame a la oficina de OPL LINK+ al (510) 238-2124. 

    Si su hijo/a pierde u olvida devolver los libros o materiales que tomó prestados, ¡aún puede usar la biblioteca! No cobramos cargos por demoras. Si su hijo/a no devuelve un artículo 60 días después de su vencimiento, recibirá una factura para reemplazarlo. Si tiene el artículo y puede devolverlo entonces, no tiene que pagar. 

    Se crea un PIN al solicitar una tarjeta de biblioteca. Su PIN es un número de cuatro dígitos. Si no tiene un PIN o necesita restablecerlo, llame o visite cualquier ubicación de la biblioteca pública de Oakland. 

    Las tarjetas de la biblioteca expiran cada 3 años. Puede renovar su tarjeta llamando, enviando un correo electrónico o visitando cualquier ubicación de la biblioteca pública de Oakland. Usted tendrá que darnos su dirección actual. No podrá pedir prestados materiales de OPL o LINK+ mientras su tarjeta esté vencida. 

    Todos los residentes de California pueden tener una tarjeta de la biblioteca.    

    Las tarjetas de la biblioteca son gratuitas.    

    Solicite en línea o en cualquier ubicación de OPL. 

    Cualquier residente de California es elegible para obtener una tarjeta de la biblioteca pública de Oakland.  

    Los adultos tendrán que mostrar una identificación para obtener una tarjeta de la biblioteca. Puede usar: 

    • Licencia o identificación del DMV de California u otro estado  
    • Identificación de estudiante 
    • Cheque bancario o estado de cuenta con su nombre y dirección 
    • Tarjeta de identificación médica actual  
    • Cualquier pieza de correo dirigida a usted  
    • Contrato de alquiler o hipoteca con su nombre y dirección  
    • Tarjeta de crédito o débito actual  
    • Tarjeta de seguro social  
    • Pasaporte de cualquier país  
    • Matrícula Identificación consular  
    • Tarjeta de residente permanente  
    • Tarjeta de tránsito de identificación con foto  
    • Otra identificación aprobada por el personal de la biblioteca a cargo 

    Llame al (510) 238-3134. Podemos averiguar lo que está mal.     

    Un punto de acceso Wi-Fi portátil es un dispositivo móvil de bolsillo. ¡Utiliza Wi-Fi para conectar sus dispositivos a Internet sin tener que enchufar nada! 

    ¡Ejemplos de dispositivos que podría usar con un punto de acceso Wi-Fi son Chromebooks, iPad y otras tabletas, computadoras portátiles y teléfonos inteligentes! 

    ¡Cualquiera que tenga una tarjeta de biblioteca OPL puede pedir prestado un Hotspot! 

    Si no tiene una tarjeta de la biblioteca, puede solicitarla en línea o en persona. 

    ¡No hay ningún cargo por pedir prestado y usar un punto de acceso Wi-Fi de OPL! 

    Puede prestar y utilizar un punto de acceso móvil de forma gratuita durante 21 días. Si pierde el hotspot o lo daña sin posibilidad de reparación, le cobraremos una tarifa de $ 50 a su cuenta de la biblioteca. 

    ¡Puede pedir prestado un hotspot durante 21 días! 

    A menudo hay muchas personas  en lista de espera para obtener un hotspot, así que devuélvalo a tiempo. El hotspot dejará de darle acceso a Internet después de la fecha de vencimiento. El hotspot se renovará automáticamente si nadie más está esperando para pedirlo prestado. Sin embargo es muy frecuente una lista de espera para nuestros hotspots. 

    ¡Puede devolver el hotspot en cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland! 

    Además, devuelva el punto de acceso completamente cargado y con todos los accesorios.  

    Para encender el hotspot, mantenga presionado el botón de encendido durante 3-5 segundos hasta que la pantalla diga "Welcome!”. 

    Si el punto de acceso no enciende, es necesario cargarlo. 

    En la configuración de Wi-Fi de su dispositivo, elija el nombre del punto de acceso (Franklin T9) e ingrese la contraseña Oaklandlibrary. Si esta contraseña no funciona, presione el botón de encendido tres veces y se mostrará la nueva contraseña. 

    El Wi-Fi está activo cuando la intensidad de la señal y el indicador de Wi-Fi se encienden. La cantidad de dispositivos conectados aparece junto al indicador de Wi-Fi. 

    Para apagar su punto de acceso, mantenga presionado el botón de encendido hasta que la pantalla diga "Goodbye!” 

    Cuando la pantalla dice "Batería baja", o si el hotspot no se enciende o no permanece encendido, será necesario cargar el hotspot. 

    Conecte el cable incluido al hotspot y conéctelo a la toma de corriente para comenzar a cargar. Cuando el punto de acceso está apagado, tardará unas tres horas en cargarse por completo. 

    El hotspot le permitirá acceder a Internet en cualquier lugar de los Estados Unidos con una red de datos 3G, 4G o LTE. 

    Nos preocupamos por su privacidad cuando utiliza un Hotspot de OPL. 

    Debido a que el programa OPL Hotspot es un servicio "opt-in", queremos que comprenda que información sobre el uso de Internet se rastrea o utiliza: 

    • No tenemos acceso ni recopilamos sus datos de uso de Internet. No proporcionamos información al ISP. 
    • No permitimos que el ISP utilice programas de orientación de anuncios ("supercookies") para identificarlo o rastrear su uso de Internet. 
    • Los datos nunca se guardan en el Hotspot de OPL. 

    Buenas noticias, ¡en cualquier lugar! Cada sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland ofrecen una red WiFi para que la use con cualquier dispositivo. 

    También puede pedir prestado un punto de acceso WiFi de OPL de para llevar a casa. 

    Si. 

    Para imprimir desde una computadora portátil, vaya a Servicios de impresión móvil y seleccione la sucursal de la biblioteca desde la que desea obtener su trabajo de impresión. Siga las instrucciones. 

    Deberá recuperar su trabajo de impresión el mismo día. 

    Las impresoras de la biblioteca conservan los datos del trabajo de impresión durante 24 horas, después de lo cual eliminan los datos del trabajo de impresión. 

    El personal puede volver a imprimir por usted; esto es solo para su conveniencia y solo cuando usted lo solicite. 

    Haga clic aquí para obtener instrucciones de impresión móvil. 

    La sucursal 81st Avenue y la biblioteca Main (biblioteca central) tienen impresión a color. Cuesta 50 centavos la página. 

    Su límite de préstamo para OverDrive es de 15 artículos. 

    Tiene la opción de consultar libros electrónicos y audiolibros durante 7, 14 o 21 días. Puede configurar el tiempo de préstamo predeterminada en la página Cuenta> Configuración. 

    Si. Si el artículo no tiene reservas existentes, en la función "renovar" de OverDrive coloque una reserva avanzada para que pueda volver a retirarlo inmediatamente después de que expire el préstamo actual. Encuentre instrucciones detalladas en el sitio web de OverDrive. 

    Los intentos de descarga están limitados por el tipo de documento. 

    Tiene 30 intentos para descargar archivos EPUD o PDF, pero solo 3 intentos para descargar archivos de audiolibros. 

     Si está transmitiendo en la aplicación Libby o en un navegador web, ¡no necesita preocuparse por esto! 

    Sí, puede tener hasta 15 reservaciones en su cuenta a la vez. 

    Sí, puede devolver los artículos antes de tiempo. Busque el título en la aplicación en Préstamos y haga clic en Devolver. 

    Si su tarjeta de la biblioteca está vencida, no podrá acceder al sitio de OverDrive. Su tarjeta vence cada tres años y puede renovarla llamando o visitando cualquiera de las sucursales de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. 

    Si reemplaza su tarjeta de biblioteca perdida, su actividad de  OverDrive se transferirá automáticamente a su nueva tarjeta. 

    Intente la página de ayuda de OverDrive help page  o envíenos un correo electrónico a eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org 

    Incluya la mayor cantidad posible de la siguiente información:  

    • Su número de tarjeta de biblioteca 
    •  Título que estás intentando usar  
    • ¿Qué sucedió?  
    • ¿Qué mensajes de error recibiste?  
    • ¿Qué software estás usando?  
    • ¿Qué sistema operativo estás usando? (Mac, Windows 7, iOS v4.2, etc.)  
    • ¿Qué tipo de dispositivo estás usando? (iPhone, Android, etc.)  

    Si su hijo pierde o se olvida de devolver los libros o materiales que pidió prestados, ¡aún puede usar la biblioteca! 

    La Biblioteca Pública de Oakland no cobra multas. No cobramos cargos por pagos atrasados. 

    Si su hijo no devuelve un artículo 60 días después de su fecha de vencimiento, recibirá una factura para reemplazarlo. Si tiene el artículo y puede devolverlo, no tiene que pagar. Si no puede devolver el artículo y la factura es muy alta, hable con el personal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. Nos aseguraremos de que su hijo pueda seguir usando la biblioteca. 

    Las tarjetas de la biblioteca se vencen cada 3 años. Puede renovar su tarjeta llamando, enviando un correo electrónico o visitando cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. Deberá darnos su dirección actual. 

     No podrá pedir prestados materiales de OPL o LINK + mientras su tarjeta esté vencida. 

    Si ve un artículo que devolvió en su cuenta, llámenos al (510) 238-3134. 

    Podemos intentar encontrarlo en nuestros estantes, darle más tiempo para buscarlo o dejar que reclame el artículo como devuelto. 

    Si pierde su tarjeta de la biblioteca, llámenos al (510) 238-3134 o infórmenos en persona lo antes posible. Desactivaremos esa tarjeta para que nadie pueda encontrarla y usarla. 

    Para obtener una nueva tarjeta, venga a cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. Deberá mostrar una identificación. 

    Los adultos deberán mostrar una identificación para obtener una tarjeta de la biblioteca. 

    Puedes usar: 

    • Licencia de conducir o identificación del DMV de California o de cualquier otro estado 
    •  Identificación de Estudiante 
    • Cheque bancario o estado de cuenta con su nombre y dirección 
    • Tarjeta de identificación médica  
    • Cualquier correo dirigido a usted 
    • Contrato de alquiler o hipoteca con su nombre y dirección 
    • Tarjeta de crédito o débito actual 
    • Tarjeta de seguro Social 
    • Pasaporte de cualquier país 
    • Matricula Consular ID 
    • Tarjeta de residencia permanente 
    • Tarjeta de identificación con foto de tránsito 
    • Otra identificación aprobada por el personal de la biblioteca a cargo 

    Llame al (510) 238-3134. Podemos averiguar qué está mal. 

    Inicie sesión en su cuenta aquí 

    * Busque en el catálogo utilizando el cuadro de búsqueda que se encuentra en la pantalla o hacer clic en el botón "Inicio del Catálogo" (Catalog Home) 

    * Una vez que encuentre el material, haga clic en el botón "Reservar" (Place a Hold) . Si no se ve el botón "Reservar", el material no se puede poner en reserva. 

    * Elija la ubicación donde le gustaría recoger el material usando el menú desplegable. 

    * Haga clic en Someter (Submit) 

    Si el estado del material es "Ver estante" (check shelf), el material estará disponible para recoger en la ubicación que eligió dentro de una semana. 

    Si todas las copias están prestadas o el material aún está en orden, se lo colocará en una lista de espera. 

    Se le notificará por correo electrónico o por teléfono cuando el material esté listo para recoger. 

    No, la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland no solicita el género en nuestras solicitudes de tarjetas de biblioteca. 

    Ofrecemos ayuda con libros electrónicos por teléfono: de lunes a viernes, de 10am a 3pm. Para programar una cita, deje un mensaje al (510) 238-3134, envíe un correo electrónico a preguntas@oaklandlibrary.org, o abra una nueva ventana o programe la cita en línea.

    Puede pedir prestados hasta 6 títulos en total al mes, incluidos todos los formatos. Por ejemplo, puede pedir prestado 5 novelas gráficas y 1 audiolibros; 4 películas y 2 libros electrónicos; etc.

    No, ¡los títulos de Hoopla siempre están disponibles! Nunca necesitará hacer una reserva y no hay listas de espera. Todo los materiales están siempre disponibles para transmitir o descargar. 

    Los Friends of the Oakland Public Library (FOPL) aceptan donaciones de libros con cita previa en la tienda The Bookmark localizado en Old Oakland. 

    Las ganancias de The Bookmark van a las Bibliotecas Públicas de Oakland. 

    Conozca la política de donaciones de FOPL y programe una cita aquí. 

    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.

    Su PIN se tendría que haber configurado cuando solicitó su credencial de la biblioteca. Si usted no tiene un PIN o ha olvidado su PIN y necesita restablecerlo, puede hacerlo llamando o asistiendo a cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. 

    Discover & Go no funcionará con una credencial de la biblioteca caducada. Su credencial caduca cada tres años, y puede renovarla llamando o asistiendo a cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. También puede enviar un email a eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org desde su correo electrónico registrado y proporcionar su nombre completo, número de la credencial de la biblioteca, dirección actual y número de teléfono. 

    Inicie sesión con su credencial de la biblioteca y seleccione "browse by venue" (buscar por lugar) para ver lo qué hay disponible actualmente para los titulares de credenciales de la OPL. 

    Si no ha impreso el pase, puede cancelar la reservación entrando a Discover & Go e iniciando sesión. 

     Una vez que haya iniciado sesión, haga clic en "account" (cuenta) en el centro de la barra de herramientas que está en la parte superior de la página. Haga clic en "cancel pass" (cancelar pase) bajo la reservación correspondiente. 

     Una vez que haya impreso el pase, no podrá cancelar la reservación. Si reserva un pase y no lo utiliza o cancela la reservación, el pase no utilizado será contabilizado dentro de su límite. 

    Puede imprimir su pase volviendo a entrar en Discover & Go e iniciando sesión. Una vez que haya iniciado sesión, haga clic en "account" (cuenta) en el centro de la barra de herramientas que está en la parte superior de la página. Haga clic en "view/print pass" (ver/imprimir pase) bajo la reservación correspondiente. Una vez que haya visto o haya impreso el pase, no podrá cancelar la reservación. 

    Sí. Si ha perdido su pase impreso, puede volver a imprimirlo, siguiendo las instrucciones de la pregunta que aparece a continuación. 

    No hay un límite general para el número de pases que un usuario puede utilizar al año, pero algunos lugares imponen restricciones sobre la frecuencia con la que se pueden emplear sus pases. Las organizaciones participantes establecen las condiciones de uso. Cada usuario está limitado a dos pases activos a la vez. 

    Algunos lugares nos dan un número limitado de pases. Una vez que se han utilizado, nadie puede obtener un pase para ese lugar hasta que el lugar proporcione más pases para su uso. Esto varía de un lugar a otro. 

    Comuníquese con el personal de cualquier biblioteca o envíenos un correo electrónico para obtener ayuda. 

    Todas las sucursales de la OPL tienen fotocopiadoras en blanco y negro disponibles. Las copias cuestan 15 centavos por página. 

    Lamentablemente, ninguna de nuestras sedes dispone de fotocopiadoras a color. 

    Lamentablemente, la OPL no puede recibir faxes por usted. 

    Las siguientes sucursales tienen una estación de autoservicio para escanear: 

    • Museo y Biblioteca de la Cultura Afroestadounidense de Oakland (AAMLO) 
    • Sucursal de 81st Avenue 
    • Sucursal Chávez 
    • Sucursal Dimond 
    • Sucursal Eastmont 
    • Sucursal Elmhurst 
    • Sucursal Rockridge 
    • Sucursal West Oakland 
    • Biblioteca Principal 

    Puede escanear a una memoria USB, un email, un fax y mucho más. Estas máquinas le permiten escanear un libro o una pila de documentos fácilmente. 

    Las siguientes sucursales tienen un escáner de superficie plana:  

    • Sucursal Brookfield 
    • Sucursal Golden Gate 
    • Sucursal Melrose 
    • Sucursal Temescal 

     Lamentablemente, la Biblioteca no ofrece servicios notariales. 

    MyPC es el software de terceros que empleamos para administrar las reservas y sesiones de la computadora. MyPC elimina las reservas anteriores y el historial de sesiones durante la noche. Después de que usted cierre su sesión, el siguiente usuario no podrá acceder a su información. 

    Para obtener más detalles sobre nuestra red inalámbrica, revise la Política de Internet Inalámbrico. 

    Buenas noticias: ¡en cualquier lugar! Todas las ubicaciones de la OPL ofrecen una red wifi para que la utilice con cualquier dispositivo.  

    También puede pedir prestado un Hotspot de wifi de la OPL para llevárselo a casa. 

     

    Si su hijo pierde u olvida devolver los libros o materiales que tomó prestados, ¡aún así puede usar la biblioteca! 

    La Biblioteca Pública de Oakland es libre de multas. No cobramos cargos por demoras.  

    Si su hijo no devuelve un artículo 60 días después de su vencimiento, recibirá una factura para reemplazarlo. Si usted tiene el artículo y puede devolverlo en ese momento, no tiene que pagar nada. 

    Si no puede devolver el artículo y le es difícil pagar la factura, comuníquese con cualquier personal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. Nos aseguraremos de que su hijo pueda seguir utilizando la biblioteca. 

    Para niños de 0 a 7 años de edad: 

     Los padres o tutores legales que figuran en la cuenta pueden acceder y actualizar la cuenta. También tienen acceso a la información del niño. 

     Para obtener información adicional, lea aquí. 

     Para niños de 8 años en adelante: 

     No podemos decirle lo que su hijo ha retirado sin que él esté presente, a menos que se deba pagar un cargo. 

    Su historial de préstamos no se guarda en su cuenta personal. Si un artículo no se devuelve a tiempo, un registro del título permanecerá en su cuenta. El personal de la OPL no divulgará su historial de préstamos a menos que se presente una orden judicial o una citación del personal de seguridad pública. 

     La OPL protege la información de la cuenta de usuario de la biblioteca colocándola en un servidor seguro. La OPL mantiene registros muy limitados de sus actividades de préstamo. Los artículos devueltos se mantienen en el registro del artículo para las ocasiones excepcionales en las que podamos necesitar comunicarnos con usted sobre el artículo. 

     Como usuario, puede optar por habilitar la opción "Historial de Lectura" en su cuenta. Al hacerlo, elige dar su consentimiento explícito para almacenar su historial de préstamos desde la fecha en que habilita la opción. El personal de la biblioteca NO tiene acceso al Historial de Lectura. Puede optar por no participar en este servicio y eliminar su Historial de Lectura en cualquier momento. 

    RFID significa "identificación por radiofrecuencia". La OPL coloca etiquetas RFID en los materiales para que las máquinas de las cajas puedan leerlas. ¡Así es como registramos el retiro sus libros! 

     Los únicos datos almacenados en la etiqueta RFID son: 

    • el código de barras del artículo 
    • un bit de seguridad que indica si el artículo está dentro o fuera de la biblioteca. 

    Nuestras credenciales de la biblioteca no utilizan tecnología RFID ni chips inteligentes. No planeamos utilizar RFID para las credenciales de la biblioteca. 

    Usted crea un PIN cuando solicita una credencial de la biblioteca. Su PIN es un número de cuatro dígitos. 

     Si no tiene un PIN o necesita restablecerlo, llame o asista a cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. 

    Las credenciales de la biblioteca expiran cada 3 años. Puede renovar su credencial llamando, enviando un correo electrónico o asistiendo a cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland (OPL). Tendrá que darnos su dirección actual. 

     No podrá tomar prestados materiales de la OPL ni de LINK+ mientras su credencial esté vencida.

    Dentro de las siguientes sucursales, se encuentran baños públicos: 

    • Sucursal de 81st Avenue 
    • Museo y Biblioteca de la Cultura Afroestadounidense de Oakland (AAMLO) 
    • Sucursal Brookfield 
    • Sucursal Chávez 
    • Sucursal Dimond 
    • Sucursal Eastmont 
    • Sucursal Golden Gate 
    • Biblioteca Principal 
    • Sucursal Martin Luther King, Jr. 
    • Sucursal Melrose 
    • Sucursal Piedmont 
    • Sucursal Rockridge 
    • Sucursal Temescal 
    • Sucursal West Oakland 

    En las siguientes sucursales, el personal puede proporcionar indicaciones para llegar a los baños públicos que están cerca de la biblioteca: 

    • Sucursal Asian 
    • Sucursal Elmhurst 
    • Sucursal Lakeview 
    • Biblioteca de Préstamo de Herramientas 

    Ofrecemos asistencia por teléfono con los audiolibros electrónicos: De lunes a viernes, de 10 a. m. a 3 p. m. Para realizar una cita, deje un mensaje al (510) 238-3134 o envíe un correo electrónico a eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org.

    ¡Busque en el catálogo!  

    También puede descargar las aplicaciones para OverDrive y hoopla. Puede buscar títulos de audiolibros en esas aplicaciones. 

    Puede pedir prestados hasta 10 títulos mensuales en total, en cualquier tipo de formato. Por ejemplo, puede pedir prestadas 5 novelas gráficas y 5 audiolibros, 2 películas y 8 libros electrónicos, etc. 

    No, ¡los títulos que aparecen en hoopla siempre están disponibles! Nunca tendrá que hacer una reserva, y tampoco hay listas de espera. Todos los contenidos siempre están disponibles para que los vea en directo o los descargue. 

    Los Servicios Extendidos para Personas con Discapacidades incluyen lo siguiente: 

    • Más tiempo con los materiales. Puede conservar los materiales durante seis semanas, en vez de solo tres. También puede renovar los materiales seis veces, en vez de solo tres. 
    • Más reservas. Puede hacer 30 reservas a la vez, no solo 15. 
    • Respuestas a domicilio. Le enviaremos por correo o por fax a su domicilio las respuestas a las preguntas de "referencia rápida". 
    • Podemos enviarle videos descriptivos a cualquier sucursal, y puede tomarlos prestados durante seis semanas. 

    Si usted es una persona que tiene una discapacidad, pregunte al personal de la biblioteca acerca de cómo obtener los Servicios Extendidos. 

    Si no puede asistir a la Biblioteca en persona, contacte a Mana Tominaga, Coordinadora de Servicios Extendidos, llamando al (510) 238-6611 o enviando un correo electrónico a mtominaga@oaklandlibrary.org. 

    Si no puede asistir a la biblioteca debido a una discapacidad y quiere solicitar Servicios Extendidos, póngase en contacto con Mana Tominaga, Coordinadora de Servicios Extendidos, llamando al (510) 238-6611 o enviando un correo electrónico a mtominaga@oaklandlibrary.org. 

    Puede utilizar la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland desde cualquier lugar donde tenga conexión a Internet. ¡Puede registrarse para obtener una credencial de la biblioteca en línea y así descargar o ver libros y películas digitales en directo, ver nuestros programas en línea, obtener recomendaciones de libros y mucho más desde su casa! 

    ¿Qué sucursales tienen baños para todos los géneros? 

    Los baños para todos los géneros se encuentran en las siguientes sedes: 

    • Sucursal Dimond 
    • Sucursal Eastmont 
    • Sucursal Golden Gate 
    • Biblioteca Principal 
    • Sucursal Martin Luther King, Jr. 
    • Sucursal Melrose 
    • Sucursal Montclair 
    • Sucursal Piedmont 
    • Sucursal Rockridge 
    • Sucursal Temescal 

    La Sucursal de 81st Avenue tiene un baño para todos los géneros y cuatro baños para géneros específicos. 

    Las siguientes sedes tienen baños para Hombres y Mujeres: 

    • Museo y Biblioteca de la Cultura Afroestadounidense de Oakland (AAMLO) 
    • Sucursal Brookfield 
    • Sucursal Chávez 
    • Sucursal West Oakland 

    En los siguientes lugares, el personal puede proporcionar indicaciones para llegar a los baños públicos cercanos, que son específicos para cada género: 

    • Sucursal Asian 
    • Sucursal Lakeview 

    En los siguientes lugares, el personal puede proporcionar indicaciones para llegar a los baños públicos cercanos, que son para todos los géneros: 

    • Sucursal Elmhurst 
    • Biblioteca de Préstamo de Herramientas 

    Great news--anywhere! Every OPL location offers a WiFi network for you to use with any device. 

    You can also borrow an OPL WiFi Hotspot to take home.

    All branches have a color printer available for public use.

    OPL does not share your personal information with anyone unless presented with a warrant or subpoena by law enforcement.

    OPL offers two email based services: eAnswers for reference questions and Book Me for personalized reading recommendations.

    We need your email address to respond, as well as any relevant information necessary to give you a response. We do not share your identity or email address.

    We do collect usage statistics for these services.

    All Oakland city employee email correspondence is governed by local laws.

    No, the Oakland Public Library does not ask for gender on our library card applications.

    Library printers keep your print job data for 24 hours, after which it deletes the print job data.

    Staff can re-print for you; this is for your convenience only, and only when requested by you.

    Bathrooms are for all genders at these locations:

    • Dimond Branch
    • Eastmont Branch
    • Elmhurst Branch
    • Golden Gate Branch
    • Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch
    • Melrose Branch
    • Montclair Branch
    • Piedmont Branch
    • Rockridge Branch
    • Temescal Branch

    81st Avenue Branch has one all gender bathroom and four gender-specific bathrooms.

    Main Library has all gender bathrooms on the basement level and gender-specific bathrooms on the mezzanine.

    These locations have Men's and Women's bathrooms:

    • African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO)
    • Brookfield Branch
    • Chávez Branch
    • West Oakland Branch

    At these locations, staff can provide directions to nearby public bathrooms, which are gender-specific:

    • Asian Branch
    • Lakeview Branch

    At the Tool Lending Library, staff can provide directions to nearby public bathrooms, which are for all genders.

    No - titles in hoopla are always available! You will never need to place a hold, and there are no waiting lists. All content is always available to stream or download.

    You can borrow up to 6 total titles a month, including all formats. For example, you could borrow 5 graphic novels and 1 audiobooks; 2 movies and 4 ebooks; etc.

    Search the catalog! 

    You can also download the apps for OverDrive and hoopla. You can search for audiobook titles in those apps.

    Finalists will be notified in early March. At that time, they are asked to provide a letter of support from an adult sponsor.

    On April 12, 2025, all Finalists will participate in a mandatory in-person judging round where they are judged on Performance and Leadership.

    Finalists are all the applicants who advance to the final round of judging. Finalists have opportunities to meet experienced writers and perform at public events throughout the year and beyond.

    Each Finalist, including the Laureate, will receive a $500 prize after participating in the announcement event in June.

    We will announce the new Oakland Youth Poet Laureate and Vice Youth Poet Laureate in June at an event where all Finalists perform.

    To be fair, we cannot consider applications from family members of current judges, funders, and program sponsors who have significant influence over the contest criteria or outcome. If someone in your family is actively working on this year’s contest, you are not eligible.

    This “conflict of interest” policy applies only to those partners who are “coordinating, influencing or judging” the year of competition that you would be applying for. 

    If you are unsure if this applies to you, reach out and we'll be glad to talk to you about it.

    Everyone who applies will be invited to enter into a community of young poets and youth advocates.

    No. In a Lawyers in the Library appointment, lawyers can answer questions on most legal topics.

    If you need a lawyer to represent you, you will be referred to other agencies. 

    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:

    • More time with materials. You can keep materials for six weeks, not just three. You can also renew materials six times, not just three.
    • More holds. You can place 30 holds at a time, not just 15.
    • Answers at your home. We will mail or fax answers to "ready reference" questions to your home.

    We offer eBook help by phone, Monday-Fridays, 10am-3pm. To schedule an appointment, please visit our online scheduler (requires an email address) or call (510) 238-3134.

    We offer eAudiobook help by phone: Monday – Friday, 10am–3pm. To make an appointment, leave a message at (510) 238-3134, e-mail eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org, or schedule online.

    Public bathrooms are available inside these locations:

    • 81st Avenue Branch
    • African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO)
    • Brookfield Branch
    • Chávez Branch
    • Dimond Branch
    • Eastmont Branch
    • Golden Gate Branch
    • Main Library
    • Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch
    • Melrose Branch
    • Piedmont Branch
    • Rockridge Branch
    • Temescal Branch
    • West Oakland Branch

    At these locations, staff can provide directions to public bathrooms near the library:

    • Asian Branch
    • Elmhurst Branch
    • Lakeview Branch
    • Tool Lending Library

    Yes, Lawyers in the Library is a free program. The program is staffed by volunteer lawyers.

    The Friends of the Oakland Public Library (FOPL) accept book donations by appointment at The Bookmark in Old Oakland.

    Proceeds from The Bookmark go to Oakland Public Libraries.

    Learn about FOPL's donation policy and make an appointment here.

     
    • Sign in to your account here.
    • Search the catalog by using the search box that you see on the screen or by clicking the Catalog Home button.
    • Once you find the item, click the Place a Hold button. If there is no Place a Hold button visible, you are looking at an item that cannot be placed on hold.
    • Choose the location where you would like to pick the item up from the top drop-down menu.
    • Click Submit.

    If the item status is "Check Shelf," it will be sent to your pickup location and will be available within a week.

    If all copies are checked out or the item is still on order, you will be placed on a hold list.

    You will be notified by e-mail or phone when the item is ready to be picked up.

    Only a small supply of State and Federal tax forms has been made available to OPL by the Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service. Please check with your local branch to find out if they have the form(s) you need.
     
    If you need federal tax forms, you can get them from the IRS website at www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs or call 800-829-3676.
     
    If you need California tax forms you can get them from www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/ or call 800-338-0505.

     
     
    Include as much of the following information as you can:
     
    • Your library card number 
    • Title you're trying to use
    • What happened?
    • What error messages did you get? 
    • What software you are using?
    • What Operating System you are using? (Mac, Windows 7, iOS v4.2, etc)
    • What kind of device you are using? (iPhone, Android, etc.)

    When you find a document that you want to incorporate into a research paper or thesis, you may want its bibliographic information for the bibliography section of your paper. Complete citation information can be obtained from the document's entry in the database result list. Some databases provide a sample citation format. See this site from Duke University for examples of formats from any of four style manuals: APA, Chicago, MLA, and Turabian. 

    Yes. Many of the databases have an e-mail button so you can send articles to yourself or a friend.

    Yes, you can print from most databases.

    If you are only able to get a citation or abstract, print it or write it down so you can look for the journal issue you need at the Library.
     
    Check the Library Catalog to see if the Library owns the journal.
     
    If the Library does not own it, call the Magazine and Newspaper Department at (510) 238-3176 for suggestions on where else to look.

    Meeting rooms do not offer cooking equipment or kitchen supplies.

    All meeting rooms (except for Lakeview) allow eating.

    Yes, all meeting rooms have tables and chairs.

    Some meeting rooms have screens, but groups must bring their own equipment, including projectors.

    No. Any set up or clean up needed for an event must be done by your group within your reserved time.

    A room’s capacity can be found here.

    Please contact the library where you wish to meet. A room’s capacity can be found by here.
  • Website Navigation

    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!

    You can find this information under My OPL in the top right corner of every page. 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. On a smaller device it will appear as a dark blue bar in the upper right corner of the screen.

    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.

     

     

    Navigate to My Library Dashboard from the drop-down menu under your username, and then click Checked Out. Once you are on your Checked Out page, use the checkboxes to select the desired titles and then click Renew.

    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.
  • Español

    Sí. Para imprimir desde un portátil, vaya a servicios de impresión móvil y seleccione la sucursal de la que desea obtener el trabajo de impresión. Siga las instrucciones. Usted tendrá que recoger su trabajo de impresión el mismo día. 

  • Accessibility

    OPL program locations are wheelchair accessible. To request disability-related accommodations or to request American Sign Language (ASL), or other forms of interpretation, please call the event contact, or 510-238-3254 (TTY) at least five (5) working days before the event. Please refrain from wearing scented products as a courtesy to attendees with chemical sensitivities. //

    Las sucursales con eventos de OPL tienen accesibilidad para sillas de ruedas. Para solicitar adaptaciones relacionadas con discapacidades o para solicitar lenguaje de señas americano (ASL) u otras formas de interpretación por favor de comunicarse al contacto del evento o al (510) 238-3254 (TTY) al menos cinco (5) días laborales antes del evento. Por favor absténgase de usar productos perfumados como cortesía a los asistentes con sensibilidades químicas. //

    OPL 活動地點可供輪椅通行。如想要求為殘疾人士提供服務, 或美國手語 (ASL)服務,或其他語言翻譯服務,請至少在五 (5) 個工作天前致電(510) 238-3254 (TTY) 。 為考慮對化學品敏感的與會者的需求,參加活動時請勿佩戴有氣味的產品。

    Bathrooms are for all genders at these locations:

    • Dimond Branch
    • Eastmont Branch
    • Elmhurst Branch
    • Golden Gate Branch
    • Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch
    • Melrose Branch
    • Montclair Branch
    • Piedmont Branch
    • Rockridge Branch
    • Temescal Branch

    81st Avenue Branch has one all gender bathroom and four gender-specific bathrooms.

    Main Library has all gender bathrooms on the basement level and gender-specific bathrooms on the mezzanine.

    These locations have Men's and Women's bathrooms:

    • African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO)
    • Brookfield Branch
    • Chávez Branch
    • West Oakland Branch

    At these locations, staff can provide directions to nearby public bathrooms, which are gender-specific:

    • Asian Branch
    • Lakeview Branch

    At the Tool Lending Library, staff can provide directions to nearby public bathrooms, which are for all genders.

    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:

    • More time with materials. You can keep materials for six weeks, not just three. You can also renew materials six times, not just three.
    • More holds. You can place 30 holds at a time, not just 15.
    • Answers at your home. We will mail or fax answers to "ready reference" questions to your home.
  • Bathrooms

    Bathrooms are for all genders at these locations:

    • Dimond Branch
    • Eastmont Branch
    • Elmhurst Branch
    • Golden Gate Branch
    • Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch
    • Melrose Branch
    • Montclair Branch
    • Piedmont Branch
    • Rockridge Branch
    • Temescal Branch

    81st Avenue Branch has one all gender bathroom and four gender-specific bathrooms.

    Main Library has all gender bathrooms on the basement level and gender-specific bathrooms on the mezzanine.

    These locations have Men's and Women's bathrooms:

    • African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO)
    • Brookfield Branch
    • Chávez Branch
    • West Oakland Branch

    At these locations, staff can provide directions to nearby public bathrooms, which are gender-specific:

    • Asian Branch
    • Lakeview Branch

    At the Tool Lending Library, staff can provide directions to nearby public bathrooms, which are for all genders.

    Public bathrooms are available inside these locations:

    • 81st Avenue Branch
    • African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO)
    • Brookfield Branch
    • Chávez Branch
    • Dimond Branch
    • Eastmont Branch
    • Golden Gate Branch
    • Main Library
    • Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch
    • Melrose Branch
    • Piedmont Branch
    • Rockridge Branch
    • Temescal Branch
    • West Oakland Branch

    At these locations, staff can provide directions to public bathrooms near the library:

    • Asian Branch
    • Elmhurst Branch
    • Lakeview Branch
    • Tool Lending Library
  • Borrow

    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.

    You create a PIN when you apply for a library card. Your PIN is a four-digit number.
     
     
    You can reset your PIN by logging into your BiblioCommons account and looking under My Settings.

    Your checkout history is not kept on your personal account. If an item is overdue, a record of the title will remain on your account. OPL staff will not release check-out history unless presented with a warrant or subpoena by law enforcement.
     
    OPL protects library user account information by placing it on a secure server. OPL keeps very limited records of your borrowing activities. Returned items stay on the item’s record for the rare occasions that we may need to contact you about the item.
     
    As a patron, you may choose to enable the “Borrowing History” option on your account. By selecting this option, you choose to give explicit consent to storing your check-out history from the opt-in date. Library staff DO NOT have access to the Borrowing History. You can opt out of this service and delete your Borrowing History at any time.

    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!

    You can renew your library card in person by  visiting any Oakland Public Library location,  or by calling (510) 238-3134. 

    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.

    For children ages 0-7:
     
    The parents or legal guardians listed on the account can access and update the account. They also have access to the child's information.
     
    For more information, read our circulation policy.
     
    For children ages 8 and up:
     
    We cannot tell you what your child has checked out without your child there, unless a fee is due.

    Navigate to My Library Dashboard from the drop-down menu under your username, and then click Checked Out. Once you are on your Checked Out page, use the checkboxes to select the desired titles and then click Renew.

    RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. OPL puts RFID tags on materials so they can be read by checkout machines. It's how we check out your books!
     
    The only pieces of information stored on the RFID tag are:
    • the item barcode
    • a security bit that indicates if the item is in or out of the library.

    Our library cards do not use RFID technology or smart chips. We do not plan to use RFID for library cards.

    There is a maximum of 75 items that can be checked out at the same time and a maximum of 15 holds.

    Video games and toys are limited to two checkouts at a time. Wi-fi hotspots are limited to one at a time.

    No more than ten tools at a time can be checked out from the Tool Lending Library. 

    You can keep most library items for three (3) weeks. You can only keep tools and test prep books for one (1) week.

  • Computers & Internet at the Library

    MyPC is the third-party software we use to manage computer reservations and sessions. MyPC removes past reservation and session history overnight. After you log out, the next user has no way of accessing your information.

    For more details about our wireless network, please review the Wireless Internet Policy.

    Great news--anywhere! Every OPL location offers a WiFi network for you to use with any device. 

    You can also borrow an OPL WiFi Hotspot to take home.

  • Copy, Fax, Scan

    All OPL locations have a ScanStation that can make black and white or color copies using the Scan-to-Print option

    Copies cost 15 cents a page for B/W, 50 cents a page for color.

    All Library locations have a ScanStation with the ability to send faxes.

    Faxing domestically is free. International faxing is not available.

    Unfortunately, OPL cannot receive faxes for you. 

    All library locations have a ScanStation.

    You can scan to a USB drive, email, fax, and more. These machines let you scan a book or a stack or documents easily.

    Unfortunately, the Library does not offer notary services.

    However, we are sometimes able to offer related services through partnership events at Your Library, such as Lawyers in the Library, housing, or other social service support. You can also Book a Librarian for help in finding local notaries.

  • Discover & Go

    Log in with your library card and select “browse by venue” to see what is currently available for OPL cardholders

    If you have not printed the pass, you can cancel the reservation by going to Discover & Go and logging in.
     
    Once you are logged in, click on "account" in the middle of the toolbar at the top of the page. Click "cancel pass" under the appropriate reservation.
     
    Once you have printed the pass, the reservation cannot be canceled. If you reserve a pass and do not use it or cancel the reservation, the unused pass will count towards your limit. 

    You can print your pass by going back to Discover & Go and logging in. Once you are logged in, click on "account" in the middle of the toolbar at the top of the page. Click "view/print pass" under the appropriate reservation. Once you have viewed or printed the pass, the reservation cannot be canceled.

    Yes. If you have lost your printed pass, you can go back and reprint it, following the instructions.

    There is not an overall limit to the number of passes a patron can use per year, but some venues do place restrictions on how often you can use their passes. The terms of use are set by the participating organizations. Each patron is limited to two active passes at a time.

    Some venues give us a limited number of passes. Once those have been used, no one can get a pass to that venue until more passes are provided to use by the venue. This varies venue to venue.
  • The Friends of the Oakland Public Library (FOPL) accept book donations by appointment at The Bookmark in Old Oakland.

    Proceeds from The Bookmark go to Oakland Public Libraries.

    Learn about FOPL's donation policy and make an appointment here.

  • Gender Identity

    No, the Oakland Public Library does not ask for gender on our library card applications.

    Bathrooms are for all genders at these locations:

    • Dimond Branch
    • Eastmont Branch
    • Elmhurst Branch
    • Golden Gate Branch
    • Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch
    • Melrose Branch
    • Montclair Branch
    • Piedmont Branch
    • Rockridge Branch
    • Temescal Branch

    81st Avenue Branch has one all gender bathroom and four gender-specific bathrooms.

    Main Library has all gender bathrooms on the basement level and gender-specific bathrooms on the mezzanine.

    These locations have Men's and Women's bathrooms:

    • African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO)
    • Brookfield Branch
    • Chávez Branch
    • West Oakland Branch

    At these locations, staff can provide directions to nearby public bathrooms, which are gender-specific:

    • Asian Branch
    • Lakeview Branch

    At the Tool Lending Library, staff can provide directions to nearby public bathrooms, which are for all genders.

  • Holds

    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.

    There is a maximum of 75 items that can be checked out at the same time and a maximum of 15 holds.

    Video games and toys are limited to two checkouts at a time. Wi-fi hotspots are limited to one at a time.

    No more than ten tools at a time can be checked out from the Tool Lending Library. 

     
    • Sign in to your account here.
    • Search the catalog by using the search box that you see on the screen or by clicking the Catalog Home button.
    • Once you find the item, click the Place a Hold button. If there is no Place a Hold button visible, you are looking at an item that cannot be placed on hold.
    • Choose the location where you would like to pick the item up from the top drop-down menu.
    • Click Submit.

    If the item status is "Check Shelf," it will be sent to your pickup location and will be available within a week.

    If all copies are checked out or the item is still on order, you will be placed on a hold list.

    You will be notified by e-mail or phone when the item is ready to be picked up.

  • Kanopy

    Kanopy is a video streaming platform freely available with your library card. Find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, TV series, and educational videos such as "The Great Courses."

    Each user can use up to 10 Kanopy tickets a month. Tickets are based on the length and type of content. Next to the play button, you can see how many tickets a title will use and how long you will have access to it.

    Your account automatically resets with 10 tickets the first day of the month.

  • Lawyers in the Library

    No. In a Lawyers in the Library appointment, lawyers can answer questions on most legal topics.

    If you need a lawyer to represent you, you will be referred to other agencies. 

    Yes, Lawyers in the Library is a free program. The program is staffed by volunteer lawyers.
  • Library Cards

    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.  

    You create a PIN when you apply for a library card. Your PIN is a four-digit number.
     
     
    You can reset your PIN by logging into your BiblioCommons account and looking under My Settings.

    You can renew your library card in person by  visiting any Oakland Public Library location,  or by calling (510) 238-3134. 

    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.

    All residents of California can have a library card.
     
    Library cards are free.
     
    Apply online or at any OPL location.
     

    Anyone who lives in California.

     

    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.

    No, the Oakland Public Library does not ask for gender on our library card applications.

  • LINK+

    The Oakland LINK+ is a combined catalog of over 11 million items from 64 libraries throughout California and Nevada. With your Oakland Public Library card, you can request any LINK+ item that isn't available from OPL to be delivered to your local branch in about a week.   

    Just click on the LINK+ symbol in the Oakland Public Library catalog if you don't find what you want in our collection. 

    Then click "Request" for that item in the LINK+ catalog. 

    Fill in the requested information and choose the branch where you want to pick up the item. LINK+ will tell you if the item is available. 

    Most LINK+ requests arrive in less than a week. You will be told when it arrives at your branch. Need more help? Ask your librarian, call the LINK+ office at (510) 238-2124.

    You can also search the LINK+ Catalog directly. 

    You create a PIN when you apply for a library card. Your PIN is a four-digit number.
     
     
    You can reset your PIN by logging into your BiblioCommons account and looking under My Settings.

    You can renew your library card in person by  visiting any Oakland Public Library location,  or by calling (510) 238-3134. 

    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 borrow LINK+ items for 21 days, with one renewal of 21 more days.

    LINK+ is free, as long as your materials are returned on time. Like OPL items, LINK+ items do not collect late fees. However, there is a $115 fee for lost item and significantly damaged items.

    You will receive an e-mail to the e-mail address in your library record when your LINK+ item arrives. If you have not given an email address, you will receive a phone call. If you would like to get texts that your items have arrived via ShoutBomb, you can sign up separately here.

    LINK+ materials will be held at the branch for up to 7 days. 

    Check out the LINK+ items at your branch when you receive a notification that they have arrived. 

    You can return LINK+ items at any OPL location.
     
    If you have any further questions, please ask your librarian or call the OPL LINK+ office at (510) 238-2124.
  • Meeting Rooms

    Submit an application for your selected meeting room

    No, the meeting room can only be used during the library’s open hours.

    No, the meeting room can only be used within your scheduled time.
     
    When booking the meeting room, please be sure to include time to set up, take down, and leave

    Your meeting room application can be submitted between two weeks and 90 days in advance of your requested reservation time.   

    Meeting rooms do not offer cooking equipment or kitchen supplies.

    All meeting rooms (except for Lakeview) allow eating.

    Yes, all meeting rooms have tables and chairs.

    Some meeting rooms have screens, but groups must bring their own equipment, including projectors.

    No. Any set up or clean up needed for an event must be done by your group within your reserved time.

    A room’s capacity can be found here.

    Please contact the library where you wish to meet. A room’s capacity can be found by here.
  • Oakland Youth Poet Laureate

  • Online Resources

    The Enki Library is a shared, open-source eBook network. It allows California libraries to own and store eBooks. Enki lets libraries share access to unique local digitized content.

    The databases are electronic resources on many topics including art, biography, business, current affairs, education, health, history, literature, science, and technology. Magazine and newspaper articles, encyclopedias, and quick reference sources, biographies, college catalogs, governmental statistics and electronic books are all available. The databases are paid for, or hosted by, the Oakland Public Library for use by its patrons. Oakland Public Library cardholders can access many of the databases remotely from their home or office computers 24 hours a day. Anyone can search the databases at any Oakland Public Library location.

    You SHOULD NOT pay fines on your lost interlibrary loan (ILL) or Link+ items. You should always call our ILL/Link+ office at (510) 238-2124 on charges on interlibrary loan or Link+ items. All other library fines and fees listed in your library account can be paid online.

    If you're looking for current, reliable information from a wide variety of resources, including research in specialized subject areas, then try using the Library's databases. The information in the databases is more reliable than much of the information that is available from searching the Internet with a search engine. Many of the databases are available 24 hours a day from any computer anywhere to Oakland Public Library Cardholders.

    You must have a valid Oakland Public Library Card to access the databases remotely from your home or office computer. Get a library card here. The Oakland Public Library databases can be found by following the steps below:  
    From the Oakland Public Library Home Page  
    Go to Read, Listen, Watch and then select All Online Resources under ELibrary.
    Choose the online resource you would like to use. 
     
     
    After you select a database, you will be asked to type in your Library Card Number (the 14 digit number located under the barcode on the back of your library card, without the spaces) into the box. To search another database, you may use the browser back button to return to the database page.
     

    All residents of California can have a library card.
     
    Library cards are free.
     
    Apply online or at any OPL location.
     

    Some databases are more compatible with Internet Explorer than with Firefox, Chrome, or other browsers. Download and install the latest non-Beta version of your browser for greatest compatibility. Browsers should have cookies, Java, JavaScript, and frames enabled and caching turned on for optimal use of the databases. Check the individual database's help screen for other requirements.

    I enter my library card, but still can't get in. If you have a different phone number than our records show, you will not be allowed into the databases. Please make sure you inform the library when your address or phone number changes. Occasionally the database providers have technical problems. Try to access the database again later. Email us at eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org if you are still having issues.

    For more information about our website and databases, please review the Website Disclaimer.
     
    Some databases and e-content on our website need you to enter the barcode number from your Oakland Public Library card. We also use third-party services for eBook Help Reservations with SetMore and Online Summer Reading. None of these vendors have access to our records.
     

     
    Some database publishers do not permit remote access to their databases. In some cases, the Library is not able to buy remote access due to budget constraints. Whenever possible, the Library offers remote access. 

    The databases are on the Internet. Click on the links to retrieve information. The periodical databases often have a link to "text" or "full text." Click on the link to retrieve the full text of the article. All databases have a help function. Look for a help button on most of the databases for tips on using the electronic resources.

    When you find a document that you want to incorporate into a research paper or thesis, you may want its bibliographic information for the bibliography section of your paper. Complete citation information can be obtained from the document's entry in the database result list. Some databases provide a sample citation format. See this site from Duke University for examples of formats from any of four style manuals: APA, Chicago, MLA, and Turabian. 

    Yes. Many of the databases have an e-mail button so you can send articles to yourself or a friend.

    Yes, you can print from most databases.

    If you are only able to get a citation or abstract, print it or write it down so you can look for the journal issue you need at the Library.
     
    Check the Library Catalog to see if the Library owns the journal.
     
    If the Library does not own it, call the Magazine and Newspaper Department at (510) 238-3176 for suggestions on where else to look.
  • Pay

    To pay your library fines and fees online you must owe at least $1.01 to pay online.
    • Log in to your library account.
    • Go to Fees.
    • Click on Pay Fees. You will leave the Library's website and go to your record in the previous catalog.
    • Click on the amount you owe.
    • Click Pay Online.
    • Click Continue. You will leave the Library's website and go to the PayPal payment page. You can then make payments from your online account using a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card.
    PayPal encrypts data entered on its payment page. We do not keep this information. Please go to PayPal's Privacy Policy page to learn more about your privacy rights with PayPal.

    No, payments made online are not refundable.
     
    For help, contact the library at (510) 238-3144 or e-mail us at eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org.

    Your Library account will be credited immediately after your online payment is approved by your credit card company.

    Yes, if it is issued by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover and has the company's logo on it.

    No. You have to pay from your online Library account.

    No. Online payments can only to be made with a Visa, Master, or Discover card.

    No. Data entered on PayPal's payment page is encrypted by PayPal. The Library does not store it.
     
    To learn more about your privacy rights regarding how PayPal collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information, go to PayPal's Privacy Policy page.

    You may contact the Library at (510) 238-3144 or e-mail us at eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org.
  • Print

    Library card holders can get $1.50 free print credit every day. You can activate your daily credit by sending a print job using your library card number and pin.

    No. The $1.50 free print credit resets every day and does not roll over.

    No, free printing credit cannot be used for prints sent via email printing.

    Yes.

    To print from a laptop, follow the instructions for  Mobile Printing Services.

    You will need to get your print job on the same day.

    All branches have a color printer available for public use.

    Library printers keep your print job data for 24 hours, after which it deletes the print job data.

    Staff can re-print for you; this is for your convenience only, and only when requested by you.

  • Privacy

    We store your name, an email or phone number, date of birth, and address. We also keep your state ID number or other ID number so we can identify you if you lose your card.

    Your checkout history is not kept on your personal account. If an item is overdue, a record of the title will remain on your account. OPL staff will not release check-out history unless presented with a warrant or subpoena by law enforcement.
     
    OPL protects library user account information by placing it on a secure server. OPL keeps very limited records of your borrowing activities. Returned items stay on the item’s record for the rare occasions that we may need to contact you about the item.
     
    As a patron, you may choose to enable the “Borrowing History” option on your account. By selecting this option, you choose to give explicit consent to storing your check-out history from the opt-in date. Library staff DO NOT have access to the Borrowing History. You can opt out of this service and delete your Borrowing History at any time.

     
    Never write your PIN on your library card!
     
    More of our branches now have holds accessible for you to retrieve on your own. OPL offers an alias field option for patrons who want to be anonymous on their holds slips. This will print instead of your name. Ask library staff to create an alias for you.

    For children ages 0-7:
     
    The parents or legal guardians listed on the account can access and update the account. They also have access to the child's information.
     
    For more information, read our circulation policy.
     
    For children ages 8 and up:
     
    We cannot tell you what your child has checked out without your child there, unless a fee is due.

    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.

    MyPC is the third-party software we use to manage computer reservations and sessions. MyPC removes past reservation and session history overnight. After you log out, the next user has no way of accessing your information.

    For more details about our wireless network, please review the Wireless Internet Policy.

    No. Data entered on PayPal's payment page is encrypted by PayPal. The Library does not store it.
     
    To learn more about your privacy rights regarding how PayPal collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information, go to PayPal's Privacy Policy page.

    For more information about our website and databases, please review the Website Disclaimer.
     
    Some databases and e-content on our website need you to enter the barcode number from your Oakland Public Library card. We also use third-party services for eBook Help Reservations with SetMore and Online Summer Reading. None of these vendors have access to our records.
     

    We care about your privacy when you use an OPL Hotspot. 

    Because the OPL Hotspot program is an “opt-in” service, we want you to understand what information about internet usage is tracked or used:

    • We do not have access to or collect your internet usage data. We do not provide information to the ISP.
    • We do not allow the ISP to use ad-targeting programs (“supercookies”) to identify you or track your internet usage.
    • Data is never kept on the OPL Hotspot.

    RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. OPL puts RFID tags on materials so they can be read by checkout machines. It's how we check out your books!
     
    The only pieces of information stored on the RFID tag are:
    • the item barcode
    • a security bit that indicates if the item is in or out of the library.

    Our library cards do not use RFID technology or smart chips. We do not plan to use RFID for library cards.

    OPL does not share your personal information with anyone unless presented with a warrant or subpoena by law enforcement.

    OPL offers two email based services: eAnswers for reference questions and Book Me for personalized reading recommendations.

    We need your email address to respond, as well as any relevant information necessary to give you a response. We do not share your identity or email address.

    We do collect usage statistics for these services.

    All Oakland city employee email correspondence is governed by local laws.

    Library printers keep your print job data for 24 hours, after which it deletes the print job data.

    Staff can re-print for you; this is for your convenience only, and only when requested by you.

  • Tax Help

    Only a small supply of State and Federal tax forms has been made available to OPL by the Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service. Please check with your local branch to find out if they have the form(s) you need.
     
    If you need federal tax forms, you can get them from the IRS website at www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs or call 800-829-3676.
     
    If you need California tax forms you can get them from www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/ or call 800-338-0505.
  • WiFi Hotspots

    Anyone who has an OPL library card can borrow a Hotspot! 

    If you do not have a library card, you can apply for one online or in person. 

    There is no charge to borrow and use an OPL Wi-Fi Hotspot! 

    You can check out and use a mobile hotspot for free for 21 days.  If you lose the hotspot or damage it beyond repair, we will charge a $50 fee to your library account.

    You can borrow a hotspot for 21 days! 

    There are often many people waiting to borrow a hotspot, so please return the hotspot on time.  The hotspot will stop giving you access to the internet after the due date.  The hotspot will automatically renew if no one else is waiting to borrow it.  However, there is often a waiting list for hotspots.

    To turn on the hotspot, press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the display says “Welcome!”.

    If the hotspot will not turn on, it needs to be charged.

    In the Wi-Fi settings on your device, choose the hotspot name (Franklin T9) and enter the password Oaklandlibrary.  If this password does not work, press the power button three times and the new password will be displayed.

    The Wi-Fi is active when the signal strength and Wi-Fi indicator lights up.  The number of devices connected appears next to the Wi-Fi indicator.

    To turn off your hotspot, press and hold the power button until the display says “Goodbye!”.

    The hotspot will let you access the internet anywhere in the United States with a 3G, 4G or LTE data network.

    When the display says “Low Battery”, or if the hotspot will not turn on or stay powered on, the hotspot will need to be charged.

    Connect the included cable to the hotspot and plug it in into the electrical socket to start charging.  When the hotspot is powered off, it will take about three hours to fully charge.

    You can return the hotspot to any Oakland Public Library location!

    Also, please return the hotspot fully charged and with all accessories.

    We care about your privacy when you use an OPL Hotspot. 

    Because the OPL Hotspot program is an “opt-in” service, we want you to understand what information about internet usage is tracked or used:

    • We do not have access to or collect your internet usage data. We do not provide information to the ISP.
    • We do not allow the ISP to use ad-targeting programs (“supercookies”) to identify you or track your internet usage.
    • Data is never kept on the OPL Hotspot.

    We make it easy to get online with an Oakland Public Library (OPL) Hotspot. If you have a Library card, you can check out a hotspot for free from any Library location. Since they are so popular, we recommend you put a hold on an OPL Hotspot. Then use it to connect your tablet, laptop or other Wi-Fi-enabled device to the Internet. You can borrow an OPL Hotspot for 21 days.

    The OPL Hotspot is easy to use and gives you a wireless connection to the internet. Just turn it on, and you are ready to connect up to 15 devices. With the OPL Hotspot, you can use your device to do research on the internet, shop at your favorite website, download movies and music from the Library – and more.

    Great news--anywhere! Every OPL location offers a WiFi network for you to use with any device. 

    You can also borrow an OPL WiFi Hotspot to take home.

  • Main Library Remodel

    Main’s Feasibility Study is not a construction project. It will provide a long-range plan for the future of the Main Library and the library wide system operations.

    The current Main Library was built in 1950 (designed in the 1930s) and is vastly undersized for the size of the community and library system support services needed. A 2006 Master Facilities Plan (Plan) identified the need for a revitalized and expanded Main Library to better serve the residents of Oakland. The current Feasibility Study will update the 2006 Needs Assessment and update the recommendations based on the future service needs of Oakland’s increasing population and changing demographics. Learn more about the feasibility study.