Use your library card to borrow physical materials, eBooks, and audiobooks, as well as access online learning and research resources. It also lets you reserve a computer, print documents, and make copies.
Oakland Public Library's card is available to residents of California.
Online-issued library cards must be verified with valid ID within 30 days. Please visit any Oakland Public Library branch to complete your verification.
Check out our limited-edition card with the Oakland Root!
Pick up your limited-edition card at all Oakland Public Library locations while supplies last starting May 18th, 2026.
Apply Now!
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Related FAQs
Library Card FAQs
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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.
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.
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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.
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Your Oakland Public Library card expires every 3 years. You may renew your card online, opens a new window or at one of our branches, opens a new window.
eCards with "Online" patron type cannot be renewed online. Please visit any Oakland Public Library location, opens a new window 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., opens a new window
FAQs
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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。
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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.
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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!
Add a Designated Borrower to have someone check out Library items for you!
Designated Borrowers cannot:
- Update or access information on your account
- Use a library computer with your account
Ask staff at any location to add a designated borrower for you.
Renew your card online! You can also visit any OPL location or call (510) 238-3134.
You will need to give us your current address.
Download a Printable Card Application
Teachers & Educator Resources
Teachers & Educators
