OHC Services

Assistance in person

Reference librarians in the Oakland History Center are available to assist with research on all topics relating to Oakland. You can ask us for specific materials, or ask for help finding what is available on a general topic.

You're welcome to stop by any time the library is open, but making an appointment will allow us to prepare materials in advance of your visit and ensure that you arrive at a time when staff is available to assist you.

Assistance by e-mail

Questions related to Oakland's history are eagerly accepted at ohc@oaklandlibrary.org.

Each search is limited to about 1/2 hour of staff time and 10 photocopied pages. If you're nearby, we may suggest that you visit the library in person to continue your research.

Assistance by telephone

An Oakland History Center librarian is available for telephone consultation whenever the Main Library is open. Call us at (510) 238-3222.

Assistance by mail

Reference librarians in the Oakland History Center are able to provide limited research by mail. Send inquiries to

Oakland History Center, Oakland Public Library, 125 14th Street, Oakland, CA 94612-4319.

Each search is limited to about 1/2 hour of staff time and 10 photocopied pages.

Birth and death certificates

The Oakland History Center's collection includes birth and death certificates issued from 1876-1904. In order to search birth certificates we need the person's name or the name of parents if known. For death certificates we need the name of the person and the date of death. These certificates can be viewed in person, or requested via mail or email.

For copies of obituaries or death notices, please contact the Magazines & Newspapers Room at (510) 238-3176 for information.

Photo reproduction services

The Oakland History Center maintains an extensive collection of historic photographs of Oakland and the East Bay. A small portion of our photograph collection has been digitized and is available for download from Preservica. Higher resolution versions of most items in our Preservica collection are available upon request.

Most images that have not yet been digitized can be scanned for a nominal fee. Turnaround time for scans is approximately two weeks.

If you would like to use photographs from the Oakland History Center's collection in any kind of public display (including publication in books, articles, or websites) we ask that you complete a simple permission form and use the credit line "courtesy Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Center."

Donations

The Oakland History Center's collection is greatly enriched by the donation of materials relating to Oakland or the East Bay. We collect books, reports, programs, yearbooks, photographs, maps, posters, manuscripts, pamphlets, restaurant menus, and more. Unfortunately we cannot accept every donation, so please contact us with information about potential donations before bringing them in. You can reach us at ohc@oaklandlibrary.org or 510-238-3222.