Oakland, CA – The Oakland Public Library is excited to kick off its 2025 summer programs on Saturday, May 24, offering a wide range of fun, educational, and creative activities for all ages. From science experiments, magic shows, cooking classes, crafting or gardening, the library has something for everyone this summer.
Children Summer Reading (0-14)
Children who complete 20 days of reading over the summer can select a free book and enter to win additional prizes. Families are invited to take part in summer programs that keep young readers engaged, entertained and motivated.
Teen Summer Program (12-18)
Teens can win prizes doing what they enjoy-- reading, attending library events, playing games, writing online reviews, volunteering, and spending time with friends. Prizes include a Nintendo Switch Lite, a Chromebook, a sewing machine, a synthesizer, and more.
Adult Summer Program (18 and Older)
Adults can also participate by reading, reviewing books or movies, or completing other activities for chances to win raffle prizes. Those who complete 20 days of reading or activities will receive a gift certificate to the Bookmark Bookstore. Additional prizes include grocery gift cards, a laptop and passes to local attractions.
How to sign up
To participate, register starting Saturday, May 24 at any OPL location or online at oaklandlibrary.org/summer
In addition, OPL is offering Lunch at the Library again for 2025. Free lunch will be available for youth ages 18 and under, weekdays from May 27 through Aug. 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lunch will not be served on June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 4 (Independence Day).
Participating library branches are:
- 81st Avenue
- César E. Chávez
- Eastmont
- Elmhurst
- Main Library
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Melrose
Oakland Public Library would like to thank our donors for supporting Summer Programming.
Prize donors
- Bay Football Club
- The Bookmark Bookstore,
- Chabot Space and Science Center
- Children's Fairyland
- Folkmanis Puppets
- Lake Merritt Boating Center
- The Larry E. Reid Sports Center Pool
- The MADE (The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment)
- Oakland Feather River Family Camp
- Oakland Ballers
- Oakland Roots SC
- The Oakland Zoo
- Ross Dress for Less
- San Francisco Bay Ferry
- The Warriors Community Foundation
Supporters of Children’s Summer Reading Program
- Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation
- The Friends of the Oakland Public Library
- The Friends of the Rockridge Library
- William G. Gilmore Foundation
- Hellman Foundation Fund
- Matson Foundation
- The Bernard Osher Foundation
- The Harry L. and Helen M. Rust Charitable Foundation
- Lunch at the Library: a project of the California State
- Library, supported with funds from the State of California
About Oakland Public Library
The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. oaklandlibrary.org