All Oakland Public Library locations are closed until further notice. This action was taken as a precaution to help limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here for more information.
To sign up for a library card, please complete an online application. For questions about your account or to reach an OPL reference librarian, please email eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org or leave a voicemail at 510-238-3134.
In partnership with the AARP Tax-Aide program, the Oakland Public Library typically offers free tax assistance to patrons from February through April. Trained volunteers are available to help residents fill out their tax forms at five library locations. Some help is by appointment, and some is drop-in. Spanish language help is available at the Cesar Chavez Branch.
In 2020, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide tax assistance program came to a sudden halt in mid-March due to COVID-19. Regrettably, AARP counselors won’t be available to prepare tax returns until the 2021 tax season. For more information about the program, visit their website or dial 1-888-227-7669.
The 2020 deadline to file has been extended to July 15th. To find help, you can
Tax Forms
Due to severe budget cuts, the IRS is no longer providing libraries with a large selection of paper tax forms and instructions. If you need tax forms, you can download them from the IRS website. Although you can typically also visit the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center at 1301 Clay Street in downtown Oakland for forms, they are closed due to COVID-19.