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.
Top Questions
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 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.
All Library locations have a ScanStation with the ability to send faxes.
Faxing domestically is free. International faxing is not available.
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!
Log in, opens a new window with your library card and select “browse by venue” to see what is currently available for OPL cardholders.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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, opens a new window, or schedule online, opens a new window.
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
- 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.