Melrose Branch has approximately 35,000 books, compact disks, videos, DVDs, audio books, audiocassettes, and magazines and newspapers for all ages. Circulating materials are largely of popular interest, with a strong emphasis on practical how-to topics and fiction. Special interest collections include African American fiction and non-fiction (1,500 volumes), a small Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Collection (90 items), English as a Second Language, Parenting, Careers, Classics, Latino Interest and Spanish Language, and Vietnamese. Melrose also offers a popular Children's section and a growing teen collection.
Computers
Three computers with Internet access are available for public use. Please call (510) 535-5623 for more information.
Kurzweil 3000 is a scanning, reading and writing solution for people with learning disabilities, reading difficulties, or low vision. Call the branch at (510) 535-5623 for more information or to schedule a training.
Meeting Room Information
Meeting Room Capacity: 75 people. 3 hard wood tables, 4 folding tables and 45 chairs. For information about policies and rental fees, click here.
Neighborhood Links & Contacts
Friends of the Melrose Branch Library
Contact Melrose Branch for information: 535-5623
Melrose NCPC http://www.ncpcbeat27x.org
Meets monthly, on the third Thursday of every month, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Horace Mann Elementary School at 5222 Ygnacio Avenue and Congress.
Preston Turner, Chair, phone number: 693-9899
Local Schools
Melrose Elementary
879-1410
1325 53rd Ave., 94601
Horace Mann Elementary (Year round)
879-1360
5222 Ygnacio Avenue, 94601
Huerta (Dolores) Learning Academy
533-9790
1941 High St., 94601
Freemont Federation High School
879-3020
4610 Foothill Blvd., 94601
Branch History
The Melrose Branch Library was opened on June 23rd, 1916. It was the result of a 1914 Carnegie grant of $14,000 obtained specifically for Branch Libraries by Oakland's City Librarian Charles S. Green. Because of the early donation of land, Melrose construction was able to begin before the war. With $35,000 the practiced Carnegie architect William H. Weeks designed a Classical Revival building with a marble -lined foyer in the form of two rectangles set at angles with a generous rotunda in-between. Melrose Branch was retrofitted and renovated in 1999 and reopened on July 29th, 2000. SEE ALSO:http://www.carnegie-libraries.org/california/regions/sfbayarea/oakland-melrose.html
Directions & Public Transit Information
By Car:
From 580 West: High Street Exit. Turn right until you reach Foothill Blvd. Turn left at the intersection, you will see Freemont High School on the left and continue until you reach 48th. Melrose Branch is at the intersection of Foothill and 48th Ave.
From 580 East: High Street Exit. Turn left until you reach Foothill Blvd. Turn left at the intersection you will see Freemont High School on the left and continue until you reach 48th Ave. Melrose Branch is at the intersection of Foothill and 48th Ave.
From 880 South: High Street Exit. Turn right on High Street, you will pass San Leandro Street and then cross International Boulevard until you reach Foothill Boulevard, and turn right until you reach 48th.
From 880 North: High Street Exit. Turn left on High Street until you reach Foothill Boulevard. Turn and follow the directions above from 880 south.
By Bus:
82, 82L, 40, 40L on International Boulevard.
47 on 50th Street.
By BART:
Fruitvale Station then walk one block to International Boulevard and follow the directions above by bus.
