• General Questions

    Machine sign-ups are available in person on the day of use. We do not take phone reservations.

    Please bring: 

    • Fabrics
    • Specialty thread or colors
    • Additional notions like buttons
    • Cardstock
    • Vinyl/HTVs
    • Your pattern/design


    Note: Cricut Design Space is free to use for creating designs. When using the Cricut Maker, please check that your design is marked as free.

    Sign-ups are for 30 minutes or 1 hour depending on the machine. Session length depends on machine availability and whether there is a queue.

    All materials in the Open Art Lab are for in-library use only.

    We supply basic tools: 

    • Scissors/rotary cutter
    • Seam guide 
    • Black/white threads
    • Standard needles
    • Cutting mat and Cricut Mat
    • Chalk/Frixion pen
    • Iron and Ironing board
    • Tape measure 

     

    No experience is required. We are happy to guide you through the basics of using the machines.

    Yes, we recommend pre-washing fabrics for any clothing projects before using the machines.

    • When entering the lab, you will be asked for your name and what machine you would like to use. 
    • You will not get preference choice on which machine brand you get to use; the list is dependent on who is first on the list and moves down. 
    • We are limited in the amount of help we can provide and the level of expertise of each helper. 
    • All users must adhere to Oakland Public Library’s Guidelines for behavior.

    If you’re interested in donating new or gently used supplies, please contact the Main Library at 510-238-3134 and ask for Nabilla or Jean.

  • 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.
     
    If you do not have a PIN, call or visit any Oakland Public Library location. 
     
    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!

    Your Oakland Public Library card expires every 3 years. You may renew your card online or at one of our branches.

    eCards with "Online" patron type cannot be renewed online. Please visit any Oakland Public Library location to verify your card with a valid identification to upgrade to a full access library card.

    Residents of Oakland, Emeryville, or Piedmont can also verify by phone or email.

    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.

    The library does periodically offer free notary services. Check our events calendar to find the next available date.

  • Discover & Go

    Your Oakland Public Library card expires every 3 years. You may renew your card online or at one of our branches.

    eCards with "Online" patron type cannot be renewed online. Please visit any Oakland Public Library location to verify your card with a valid identification to upgrade to a full access library card.

    Residents of Oakland, Emeryville, or Piedmont can also verify by phone or email.

    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.

  • 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.
     
    If you do not have a PIN, call or visit any Oakland Public Library location. 
     
    You can reset your PIN by logging into your BiblioCommons account and looking under My Settings.

    Your Oakland Public Library card expires every 3 years. You may renew your card online or at one of our branches.

    eCards with "Online" patron type cannot be renewed online. Please visit any Oakland Public Library location to verify your card with a valid identification to upgrade to a full access library card.

    Residents of Oakland, Emeryville, or Piedmont can also verify by phone or email.

    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) 238-3134.

    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.
     
    If you do not have a PIN, call or visit any Oakland Public Library location. 
     
    You can reset your PIN by logging into your BiblioCommons account and looking under My Settings.

    Your Oakland Public Library card expires every 3 years. You may renew your card online or at one of our branches.

    eCards with "Online" patron type cannot be renewed online. Please visit any Oakland Public Library location to verify your card with a valid identification to upgrade to a full access library card.

    Residents of Oakland, Emeryville, or Piedmont can also verify by phone or email.

    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) 238-3134.

  • 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.

    Change your PIN often.
     
    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

    You may print your tax forms through our print portal. Call 510-238-3134 if you need more 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 or call 800-829-3676.

    If you need California tax forms, you can get them online 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.