Children's Services

Did you know that the Oakland Public Library co-hosts a Women Bike Book Club with Bike East Bay? We gather to discuss biking, feminism, and the intersection of the two on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00pm, at our Golden Gate Branch (5606 San Pablo Avenue). The book club was started by Bike East Bay as part of their Women Bike initiative, which brings women and gender nonconforming folks together in social settings to share experiences and resources with each other. 

Ok so the book club sounds awesome but why are we talking about that here?

Our meeting on November 9th will focus on children’s books! We'll have some great selections of bike-related children's literature, and we'll talk about moms, biking, and the next generation of cyclists. Join us to enjoy beautiful illustrations, good conversation, and maybe even pick up some gift ideas for the little feminists in your life. 

Tiago! Tiago is 3 years old and goes to the Piedmont Avenue Branch when he wants to find good book. He's not all that fond of getting his picture taken but loves the glow-in-the- dark Fairyland key he received as part of his prize. In addition to the glow-in-the-dark key, he also won a Fairyland family membership. Congratulations Tiago!

Every child who played the game got to choose a book to keep and received a packet of coupons and a chance to win in this raffle. 

Of course, the real prize was the time he and every player spent reading, singing, talking, playing, and writing with friends and family during the summer.

Clifford came by and offered to help us select the winner.

Oakland Public Library is always full of fun things to do during the summer, with performers, crafts, science, dance, martial arts and free lunches for youth at many branches, and of course, Kids' Summer Reading. 

Babies and toddlers can do summer reading too, and this year we've created a special Pre-Reader card for parents and caregivers to do with them. Talking, Reading, Singing, Writing, and Playing, are all activities that support the youngest children to be ready

On Saturday May 6^th 2017 visit ANY OAKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY during open hours and get a free comic book. Eastmont and Brookfield branches are closed on Saturday so you can get yours tomorrow: Friday May 5^th.

Someone might be asking: is this like giving away candy? They are fun to read but bad for you if you have too much of it? Nope! Actually comic books are more like giving away free homemade carrot cake muffins made with applesauce instead of oil; and you snuck some shredded zucchini in it. All the fun and flavor of a tasty treat, and it’s good for you too. So enjoy. 

What, you don’t believe me? Is it that you don’t believe that I have a really delicious recipe for a healthier carrot cake muffin, or that comic books are a good reading choice? Both are true.  To quote my favorite book referral resource, “but you don’t have to take my word for it.” Check out these links for more