Chavez branch has approximately 56,000 books, compact disks, videos, DVD's, audio books, audiocassettes, and magazines and newspapers for all ages. Our Spanish language collection is the largest of the system, with 11,500 circulating Spanish items. Also, of popular interest is our Chicano reference and circulating collection. Chavez also has a small Vietnamese collection with 750 items. Finally, Chavez offers a popular Children's section and a growing teen collection.
Computers
Fourteen (14) computers with Internet access are available for public use. Three (3) additional internet only express stations are also available. Please call the branch at (510) 535-5620 for more information.
Basic computer classes are held Saturdays from 10:00-11:30. Instruction is in English and/or Spanish as needed. Pre-registration is required. Please call the branch at (510) 535-5620 for more details.
Kurzweil 3000 is a scanning, reading and writing solution for people with learning disabilities, reading difficulties, or low vision. Call the branch at (510) 535-5620 for more information or to schedule a training.
Meeting Room Information
Meeting Room Capacity: 50 people. Tables, chairs, and pull-down screen are available. For information about policies and rental fees, please Click here.
Neighborhood Links & Contacts
Centro Infantil De La Raza CDC
436-3171
2660 E 16th Street
Allendale Elementary School
879-1010
3670 Penniman Ave.
Calvin Simmons Middle School
879-2050
2101 35th Ave.
Garfield Elementary School
879-1180
1640 22nd Ave.
Hawthorne Elementary School
879-1240
1700 28th Ave.
International Community School (I.C.S.)
879-4286
2825 International Blvd.
Jefferson Elementary School
879-1280
2035 40th Ave.
Lazear Elementary School
879-1320
824 29th Ave.
Manzanita Elementary School
879-1379
2409 E 27th St.
Oakland Charter Academy
532-6751
3001 International Blvd.
St. Elizabeth School
532-7392
1516 33rd Ave.
Think College Now (T.C.N.)
879-1490
2825 International Blvd.
Urban Promise Academy (U.P.A.)
879-4299
2825 International Blvd.
Whitton Special Education
879-1730
1240 18th St.
Branch History
The Cesar E. Chavez Branch Library, formerly The Latin American Library Branch, was founded in 1966. It was one of the first public libraries in the United States to offer services and materials in Spanish. The branch opened at its current site in the Fruitvale Transit Village in February 2004. The Cesar E. Chavez Branch is fully bilingual offering information services and collections in Spanish and English.
Directions & Public Transit Information
By Car:
From 580 West: Coolidge/Fruitvale Exit, follow frontage road parallel to freeway; turn left onto Fruitvale. Travel down to E 12th and make a left. Library is on corner of 33rd and E 12th Street.
From 580 East: Fruitvale Exit; turn right onto Fruitvale. Travel down to E 12th and make a left. Library is on corner of 33rd and E 12th Street.
From 880 North: 29th Ave./Fruitvale Exit; follow 29th Ave. until reach E 12th Street Turn right onto E. 12th Street and proceed to 33rd Ave. Library is on corner of 33rd and E 12th Street.
From 880 South: Take Fruitvale Exit and follow the signs for Fruitvale Ave. Take a left onto Fruitvale Ave. Turn right onto E 12th Street and proceed to 33rd Ave. Library is on corner of 33rd and E 12th Street.
By Bus:
19, 47, 48, 50, 53, 54, 62, 63
By BART:
Fruitvale Station. Exit station into Fruitvale village and take a left at E. 12th Street. Library is on corner of 33rd and E 12th Street.
