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.
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.
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.
Inspirational Books for the New Year!
These reads are the perfect companions for starting the year with positivity and purpose.
Read Caribbean Authors
Books at OPL from Caribbean authors you'll want to add to your reading list.
Jewish Americans in Literature.
Discover Jewish-American literary works from OPL's collection.
Strong Female Leads Who Don't Fall in Love
Like Jo March from Little Women once said "...I'm so sick of people saying love is all a woman is fit for—I'm so sick of it!"
Fiction Picks for Native American Heritage Month
Pick up a book - or several - by Native and Indigneous authors this November and all year long.
Fiction Picks for Native American Heritage Month
Pick up a book - or several - by Native and Indigneous authors this November and all year long.
Spooky Book Recommendations
OPL Staffers share spooky reading recommendations. Read them if you dare.
Genuinely Scary Kids' Books
Forget Goosebumps...these are picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels that creep out even adults -- for those who can handle them!
Reality Bites
When book characters take on reality shows
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.
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.
Let's Bake Cookies!
Hooray for cookies! Get baking with these sweet suggestions from OPL's collection.
Cookbooks for Fall Feasts
Get inspired by these cookbooks, whether you're looking for new twists on old favorites, or just classic comfort food. Happy feasting!
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.
Taylor's Version
It's August, Swifties! Whether you made it to the Eras tour or not, we've got you covered.
What Would Barbie Read?
She might read about friendship and fun or subversion and feminism, or her complicated cultural history - and you might, too.