Welcome to jubilant June at the Oakland Public Library! This month we're celebrating, LGBTQIA+ pride, Juneteenth, Caribbean Heritage Month, and Immigrant Heritage Month.
Also, free, family-focused programming and the summer reading challenge for Summer at OPL has officially started! From May 23rd to August 2, complete 20 days of activities and win a prize and be entered to win one of our really cool grand prizes!
We host hundreds of programs every month at our 18 locations, so here's a quick snapshot:
Oakland Roots Soccer Camps
June 20, 2026 at 81st Ave Branch
June 6, 2026 at Main Library
We're celebrating Oakland pride and summer fun with The Oakland Roots! Families are welcome to play and learn at our Oakland Roots soccer camps at the 81st Ave Branch and the Main Library. There's only four time and registration is filling up fast! Secure your spot today.
Juneteenth Pre-Cookout
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Main Library
June 7th we're hosting a Juneteenth Pre-Cookout with family, friends, spades, and BBQ. DJ Black Woman will be curating the vibes. Don't miss it!
Little Explorers Petting Zoo
(Various dates and locations)
Bring the kids to meet farm animals like sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, and bunnies at the little explorers petting zoo! Available on various dates and locations throughout June.
Marigold Growing Contest
(Various dates and locations)
Can you grow the tallest cempasúchil (marigold)? The Marigold Growing Contest is back! Sign up to receive a baby marigold and compete to see how tall it grows.
Painting With Nature
June 11, 2026 at Melrose Branch
The Lawrence Hall of Science is hosting a scientific craft program at the Ceasar E Chavez Branch. Learn how Mesocamericans created vibrant paints out of natural components.
OYPL announcement
Friday, June 5, 2026
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Oakstop Broadway
Join us for this exciting event to celebrate our 15th Oakland Youth Poet Laureate! We will announce the 2026 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate and Vice Oakland Youth Poet Laureate. Emceed by the incomparable artist and educator, EJ Walls.
Featuring performances by our 2026 Finalists:
- Diego Aguilar-Rivera
- Isaiah Kahn
- Serafina Mackintosh
- Mia Meza
- Lina Norris-Raman
- Isabel Shen
and Honorary Finalists:
- Lola Christ
- Luan Nguyen
LGBTQIA+ Reading Lists
On the cusp of AAPI Heritage Month and LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, we want to highlight this list of phenomenal books from both identities. Find more Pride booklists here.
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with these YA reads featuring LGBTQ+ protagonists.
Add a comment to: June 2026