Kids Rule at OPL.
OPL Summer
Summer at OPL
Register to participate in OPL’s annual summer program, attend our many events, log you reading, and earn your chance to win prizes.
Oakland History is Black History at Children's Fairyland
Hands-On with Children's Books
Pop-up, lift-the-flap, and other interactive books get kids involved in the reading experience!
Family Programs
Hey Families
Father Circle
Hey fathers and father-figures! Come join us on the first and third Wednesdays to talk about fatherhood, the best hood. All are welcome.
Oakland History is Black History at Children's Fairyland
Children's Fairyland is celebrating Black History Month with a spectacular visual display.
MOCHA Art Series
FREE weekly Art Workshops for children and families led by teachers from the Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA). For ages 5-15 and caregivers.
Nairobi Barnes Announced as 2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate
Jun 03, 2023
Nairobi Barnes, 18 years old, has been named the 2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, winning a $5000 scholarship.
Ideas for Family Fun
Read ideas for engaging activities your whole family can do together.
Family Activities
Kids' Reading Lists
Wondering what books to choose for your kids? Try these OPL staff favorites!
Getting Excited for Summer
Get ready for summer and OPL Summer Reading with these OPL picture books.
Gardening Books for Kids
Stop by an OPL seed library to get seeds and books, and watch your garden grow!
New Children's Books
Homework Help
OPL's online resources for kids will get you through any report.
Hey, Kids!
Storytime at OPL
Baby Bounce
Baby Bounce
This storytime is designed for the littlest of library visitors and is very interactive. After storytime, it's playtime!
Toddler Storytime
Toddler Storytime
At toddler storytime you'll find songs, active rhymes, and stories especially for kids 18 months to 3 years-old.
Preschool Storytime
Preschool Storytime
Our preschool storytimes are perfect for children who are 3 to 5. We'll read books, sing songs, and play together. Expect lots of smiles!
Family Storytime
Family Storytime
Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.
Developing your child's literacy skills
Talk
- Respond to what your child says. If your toddler says “truck,” you can say, “We saw a truck today.” You can respond to babbling or even silence.
- Talk in the language most comfortable for you. Babies’ growing brains can easily learn more than one language.
Play
- If you read books about animals, make the animal sounds.
- Let your child play with books. Try making a tower and knocking it down.
Sing
- Sing the A-B-C song, nursery rhymes, funny songs or any songs you like.
- Clap to the rhythm.
- Sing songs in any language.
Read
- It’s okay to read just a little bit of a book.
- Try board books. They have hard pages your baby can throw, bite, and hit.
- Your toddler can flip the pages and play with the book.
Newsletter
Subscribe to get updates on what’s going on for kids at OPL.