Oakland Public Library

A vibrant lion dance performance is taking place inside a library. The main lion costume is red with intricate yellow and gold details, while in the background, a smaller yellow lion costume is visible. People are watching the performance near bookshelves, and a sign reads "Welcome to the Oakland Public Library."

A metal bowl filled with oranges is surrounded by red envelopes, firecrackers, and fortune cookies, arranged on a red tablecloth. The envelopes display gold designs, often associated with Chinese New Year celebrations.

A lively indoor scene shows a person holding a colorful, traditional lion dance costume. Several people, including children, are seated and watching the performance with interest. The setting appears to be a classroom with various items like books and chairs visible in the background.

A person with long hair wearing glasses is standing next to a child in a blue jacket and sunglasses. The child is holding a red envelope with decorative designs. They are in an indoor setting with bookshelves in the background.

Celebrate #LunarNewYear with us Oakland! 🧧 🏮It's the #YearOfTheHorse 🐎 If you've never been to our big, annual Lunar New Year Celebration in the Main Library, this is the year to change that! 🐲

See our Lunar New Year events line up ➡️ https://bit.ly/4kqiuYi

A virtual Valentine's Day card by the Oakland Public Library with the text "You are the plot twist I never saw coming" framed in pink with an illustration of a stack of books and roses.

A virtual Valentine's Day card by the Oakland Public Library with the text "Do you want to go to the library together?" framed in white and pink with lollipops and an illustration of a girl reading a book.

A virtual Valentine's Day card by the Oakland Public Library with the text "If you were words on a page, you'd be the fine print" and an illustration of a cute animated book winking, framed in pink with a chocolate heart on the side.

A virtual Valentine's Day card by the Oakland Public Library with the text "I'd build your bookshelves" framed in pink and white with illustrations of a couple hugging in front of a bookshelf.

Send these virtual valentines to your favorite bookworm! 💌 💕 Or pick them up when you visit our libraries!

All Oakland Public Library locations will be closed February 16, 2026 for ​President's Day. Visit oaklandlibrary.org for more information on holiday closures and to access online resources anytime.

A poster titled "28 Days of Black Librarians" with colorful decorative elements and the text "Celebrating Black History Month" in the top right corner. Three stacked books are illustrated at the bottom left.

This image is a tribute to Augusta Baker, featuring her portrait. The background is green with white stars, and text highlights her achievements, including her service as the New York Public Library's Coordinator of Children's Services. A circular emblem mentions "28 Days of Black Librarians."

The image features a stylized portrait of Nella Larsen against an orange background with white text at the top. Text highlights her as a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, and mentions her careers as a nurse, librarian, and author. A circular badge reads "Celebrating 28 Days of Black Librarians."

This image is a tribute to Linda Brooks-Burton, a San Francisco Bayview community librarian, with the years 1962-2013. It features a portrait of the individual smiling, and includes a badge that reads "28 Days of Black Librarians." The background has colorful geometric patterns.

On this historic 100th anniversary of Black History Month, the Oakland Public Library's Black Culture Fest Committee shares 28 days of Black Librarians! This blog celebrates the brilliance & leadership of the Black Librarians who have shaped our communities.

Read the blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4aiCozH

Celebrating the 100th Black History Month, this event schedule covers February 8-14. It includes various events like "Let's Bend Quilt Display" at Rockridge Branch, "Art of the African Diaspora" at 81st Avenue Branch, "Black Panther Party" displays, "Library Movie Night" at Elmhurst Branch, "Beat Makers" for Teens at Golden Gate Branch, workshops at 81st Avenue Branch, and the "Black Film Guild." More details can be found at oaklandlibrary.org/bhm.

Week 2 of Black History Month! We're really excited to partner with the Black Film Guild for a photography and videography workshop on 2/14 at the African American Museum and Library at Oakland. 📹 📸 Register today!

Find our events schedule and how to register on our website oaklandlibrary.org/bhm.

A promotional image for workshops at the Main Library. The title reads, "Grantseeking for Nonprofits." Two workshops are listed: "Intro to Finding Grants" on February 12 and "Intro to Foundation Directory" on March 12, both from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. Illustrations feature abstract figures reaching for money symbols. The Main Library's contact information and website are at the bottom.

With cuts from the federal government affecting the entire nonprofit world, it's more important than ever to know how to secure funding for your organization. Please join us a for two-class series on finding grants.

Register here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4tjnjXl

We keep hearing about AI and what it could possibly mean for society. There are so many parts of our daily lives that it is already affecting and will undoubtedly do so more very soon. Here's a list of books for you to read and ponder the future.

Start reading 📚 ➡️ https://bit.ly/3NNzJGL

A promotional image for February events at the Oakland Public Library. Events include Black History Month Exhibits, Black Anime, DIY Waist Beads, Lunar New Year Celebration, Indigenous Maya Mam Art Show, and Valentine's Crafts, each depicted with an illustrated icon.

Welcome to fabulous February at the Oakland Public Library! This month we're celebrating #LunarNewYear, #ValentinesDay, and the 100th #BlackHistoryMonth! 🤩

From Black anime watch parties to lion dances and indigenous art exhibits, there's so much to explore!
https://bit.ly/3Mml19g

Get a free Black History Month sticker and bookmark when you stop by your Oakland Public Library branch. ⭐

Thank you for celebrating with us, Oakland! 🥳 🎉 🎂
#Main75

Who will be Oakland's next youth poet laureate? Calling all teen poets who have pride in their city. Applications are due Feb. 1.

Applications for the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate program close in 3 days (February 1st)! Thank you @theoaklandside for spreading the news!

Read this article by The Oaklandside ➡️ https://bit.ly/3NUuhSs

Or visit oaklandlibrary.org/oypl to learn how to apply.

flyer for workshops, exhibit, and watch parties at the Oakland Public Library for Black History Month. Text on the flyer indicated you can find more events and details at oaklandlibrary.org/bhm and can pick up free limited-edition stickers at your local branch

Celebrate 100 years of #BlackHistoryMonth with these FREE community events, from art exhibits to film screenings and much more!

Celebrate Black History Month with OPL ➡️ oaklandlibrary.org/bhm

Promotional poster for a book reading event titled 'Meet the Author', featuring the book 'A Year to Embrace Change and Live Your Best Life' by Shonda Scott. The event is scheduled for February 18, from 6:30 to 7:45 PM at Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave. The poster includes an illustration of a book with a radiant light burst effect.

Shonda Scott comes to the Rockridge Branch on February 18th at 6:30pm to discuss her book, Give Me a Year: 12 New Things to Embrace Change and Live Your Best Life.

Copies of the book will be sold by A Great Good Place for Books.

Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b0IJSu

photo of library staff in front of book shelf with open book in hand titled "This time Tomorrow" by Emma Straub

photo of library staff smiling in front of book shelf with book in hand titled "Fireworks"

photo of library staff in front of book shelf with book in hand titled "The warmth of other suns" by Isabel Wilkerson

photo of library staff reading book by Colleen Hoover

Share the love of reading this #LibraryShelfieDay! Today, Oakland Public Library staff show off their current reads while in the stacks. 📚 And you can too! Anytime you're visiting your favorite library (obviously us 💁‍♀️) or reading one of our books, don't forget to tag us in your #shelfie!

Promotional image for Oakland Public Library February book clubs featuring a variety of book covers including 'There There' by Tommy Orange, 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer, among others, set against a purple background with decorative elements.

Come talk books with us! 🤓📖

Find more book clubs, what we're reading this month, and other details here ➡️oaklandlibrary.org/bookclub

Flower Catalog by Vinll, featuring artistic illustrations of a pink, white, and yellow rose on a pink background.

A colorful Sonic the Hedgehog notebook with a holographic cover featuring a vibrant design of the character and stylized patterns.

A variety of books and cards laid out on a wooden table, including a visible jigsaw puzzle box featuring dolphins and underwater scenery.

A book cover of "Finding Nemo" from Disney Pixar, displayed on a wooden surface. The cover features vibrant underwater artwork with various fish and sea creatures surrounding the large title at the top. The spine and back cover include additional details and images related to the book's content.

What’s the best part of the latest @mcsweeneys.net? The exquisite drawings and clear prose of the Flower Catalog? Perhaps the delightfully apocalyptic scantron entitled “No One is Available to Help You Right Now,” the Back to School Activity Sheet, or the groovy folder that houses both?

Promotional poster for "America Works," a veteran employment services online event on January 28 from 2-3 PM, hosted by Oakland Public Library. Features two individuals conversing with Oakland Public Library and America Works logos at the bottom. Registration required.

America Works provides job readiness and employment support services to veterans, and also offers their Ticket to Work program for community members aged 18-64 who receive Social Security (SSI/SSDI) benefits. Attend this online information session to learn more!

Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/4rgtxpn

Promotional poster for a book talk event at Oakland Main Library featuring author Craig A. Johnson. The event, titled 'Meet the Author', is scheduled for Thursday, February 12 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the Bradley C. Walters Meeting Room. It discusses his book 'How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism'. Includes a photograph of Craig A. Johnson and additional text about his background and the book's themes. Location details and RSVP information are also provided.

Craig A. Johnson is a researcher & teacher at the University of California, Berkeley. His recent book, How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism, offers practical guidance for parents & educators on how to prevent children from becoming involved with radical right-wing ideologies.
https://bit.ly/4bvzfyL

Promotional poster for the Oakland Main Library's 75th anniversary celebration featuring remarks and city proclamation by Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee starting at 2pm.

Poster for the 75th anniversary celebration of the Main Library, featuring event details like jazz workshops, remarks by city official Barbara Lee, and a community photo. The event is scheduled from 11 AM to 3 PM at 125 14th Street. The design includes festive, colorful confetti and text.

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee comes to celebrate the Oakland Main Library's 75th anniversary with remarks and a city proclamation at 2pm on January 24th! 🥳 🎉 We also just added jazz workshops at 1pm! 🎷 🎶

Updated schedule is available online. Find everything #Main75 here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pOMxK8

Promotional poster for a free library event featuring author Adam Becker discussing his book 'More Everything Forever: The Future of Humanity.' The event is scheduled for February 4 from 6-7:30 PM at the Main Library, Bradley C. Walters Meeting Room. Includes information on the talk's focus on tech billionaires in Silicon Valley and the future of machines, society, and money. Contact details and library's address are provided.

Join this author talk with Adam Becker, an astrophysicist and author of More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity.

Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/3L0FmR6

Come early to the Rockridge Branch Meet the Author series for free coffee donated by the local Peet’s Coffee!
https://bit.ly/49E3Qb6

We hope everyone enjoyed the Key System historic photos. Highlighting our history could not be done without the resources of our archive, Western Railway Museum, and @oaklibrary.bsky.social.

Love our libraries

Ooh, this'll be a good one!

Come to @oaklibrary.bsky.social and be a part of preserving local history!

In preparation for the relaunch of Henry J Kaiser Center (formerly known as Oakland Auditorium), I went digging through archives at @oaklibrary.bsky.social - here are a few flyers from the past century of events!

Tomorrow night at the Oakland Public Library. 📚🤓🕵️🗒️

bsky.app/profile/darw...

Who will be Oakland's next youth poet laureate? Calling all teen poets who have pride in their city. Applications are due Feb. 1.

Calling all teen poets who have pride in their city. Applications are due Feb. 1.

Promotional graphic titled 'Ask a Contractor' from Oakland Public Libraryy, featuring an illustration of three professionals on ladders and scaffolding, working with tools. Includes details about a live event on January 31, at Tool Lending Library, 5205 Telegraph Ave., from 2 PM - 5 PM, offering resources and advice from trade professionals including an electrician, a plumber, and a carpenter.

Get live access to information and resources from licensed professionals in the trades! Learn how to identify and solve common issues that arise in the home, including best practices for DIY response and when to call a professional.

Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/4r3qDnJ

Haven’t been back to the Main Library since we re-opened after renovations? Now is the perfect time! On January 24th, we’re celebrating the Oakland Main Library’s 75th birthday! You can also watch a full tour of the Main Library on our YouTube. 💖📚
youtu.be/HExkBkPvVN4