Reading Lists by Staff at Your Library
Find lists of books, music, and films of all kinds geared toward our adult readers.
Staff Picks 2023
Our Favorite Books of 2023
OPL Staff share their favorite books of 2023
Staff Picks 2022
OPL Authors
Books by authors who work or worked here at the Oakland Public Library, in reverse chronological order.
Staff Picks 2022
Our Favorite Books of 2022
Oakland Public Library staff are continuing our annual tradition of sharing our favorite books from the last twelve months.
Staff Picks 2021
Our Favorite Books of 2021
Oakland Public Library staff are pleased to share once again their favorite books from 2021.
We Won't Go Back: Women Who Changed the World
Because we might need some extra inspiration right now.
Fall for Folding - Origami Creations
November 11 is World Origami Day! You'll want to bring these terrific origami books from OPL into the fold.
2024 National Book Award Finalists
You have until November 20 to read all 25 Finalists before the winners are announced! Better get started!
And Disability Justice for All
Get fired up and informed about disability experiences this Disability Justice and Awareness Month and beyond with these amazing reads.
2024 National Book Award Finalists
You have until November 20 to read all 25 Finalists before the winners are announced! Better get started!
Pumpkin Spice and Haunted Houses
Whether you're a devotee of pumpkin spice, the dark arts, or both, the library has books to fit all your autumnal needs.
Top Banned Books in 2023
You know what a list of the most frequently banned books makes? A great reading list!
Read Caribbean Authors
Books at OPL from Caribbean authors you'll want to add to your reading list.
2024 Teen Reading List
Our 2024 Teen Reading List picks: books from 2023 and first half of 2024 that we recommend for anyone who enjoys reading young adult genre.
Pumpkin Spice and Haunted Houses
Whether you're a devotee of pumpkin spice, the dark arts, or both, the library has books to fit all your autumnal needs.
Espresso Inspired
Got the "Espresso" song stuck in your head? Same! Much like an Espresso, these books will have you on high alert with your heart pounding.
Fiction Picks for Native American Heritage Month
Pick up a book - or several - by Native and Indigneous authors this November and all year long.
Celebrating Black Music Month All Year Long
June is the official month to celebrate black music. But don't wait to check out some of these books to celebrate all year long.
a Tricia Hersey playlist
Librarian Pat is hosting a Nap in Sound Bath in honor of the Nap Bishop who invites us to lay down and REST!
#IDGAF About Your Diet
Tune out the icky New Year Diet Culture messages with these outstanding anti-diet, anti-racist reads for body liberation.
On Juneteenth
An alternative look at Juneteenth books, videos, and other recommended resources.
Fiction for Disability Pride Month
A selection of adult and young adult novels to celebrate Disability Pride
Fiction Picks for Native American Heritage Month
Pick up a book - or several - by Native and Indigneous authors this November and all year long.
Poetry Anthologies for Black History Month
From traditional to contemporary poetry, delve into these abundant selections of poetry anthologies.
Arab American Heritage for foodies
April is Arab American Heritage Month. Celebrate by exploring these books, videos, and websites about cuisine from Arab countries.
Sandwich Day!
November 3 is National Sandwich Day- Celebrate with these delicious books!
Chilly Days, Cozy Bowls: Autumn Cooking
It's the season for soups, stews, and warming treats. Ideas for simple and cozy meals- use your slow cooker or Instant Pot for extra easy!
Arab American Heritage for foodies
April is Arab American Heritage Month. Celebrate by exploring these books, videos, and websites about cuisine from Arab countries.
Volcano Kimchi!
Kimchi and cookbooks in English, Korean, and Chinese.
2024 National Book Award Finalists
You have until November 20 to read all 25 Finalists before the winners are announced! Better get started!
Limited-Edition Library Card Reading List
Book recommendations for each theme of our 2023 library card art card contest. Get your new library card and check them out!
Contemporary Black Poets
Read these talented up-and-coming or established award-winning Black or Afro-diasporic poets!
Within the Kingdom of magic and madness: Studio Ghibli
Enjoy the wonders of Studio Ghibli's animations' other works through music, art books, graphic novels, documentaries, and more.
