Posted on September 12, 2017 by Sharon McKellar

Change for the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO)

We're excited about the changes we have in store for AAMLO, but we need your help to develop an amazing 21st Century museum.

If you'd like to give feedback about the changes at AAMLO, you can go directly to the feedback form here.   

The originating agreement between the City of Oakland and the Northern California Center for Afro-American History and Life that created AAMLO can be found here.  

Update 3: Information Memo From City Administrator on AAMLO Chief Curator Recruitment

The national search for a permanent Chief Curator of the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) will follow the selection of a permanent Director of the Oakland Public Library (OPL).  Read the entire info memo for more details. 

Update 2: Town Halls Were Scheduled

The

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Posted on September 11, 2017 by Sharon McKellar

Strengths and Accomplishments

What has OPL accomplished in the last six months?

Here at the library, we are engaged in a strategic planning process and through that process, we have developed a new mission statement, a vision statement, core values, and three-year goals.  

You've probably seen "explore, connect, and grow" on some of our materials recently, including our last annual report and all of our summer program materials.  That's because our mission is, "Your Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow," and we take it quite seriously.

Hopefully our core values aren't a surprise to you, as we aspire to infuse them into everything we do.

And what about those three year goals?  Well, in no particular order, we are working to:

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    Posted on August 18, 2017 by Amy Sonnie

    Oakland Responds: Charlottesville

    From Oakland to Charlottesville, libraries are united in opposition to hate and violence. Here we share resources so we can all learn the mistakes of history and shape a more equitable future.

    From Oakland to Charlottesville, we are united in our opposition to hate and violence. We are proud to echo the American Library Association’s clear statement affirming that, “We stand in solidarity with the people of Virginia as well as anyone who protests hate and fights for equity, diversity and inclusion.”

    Racism, bigotry and white nationalism are not new phenomena. Brazen marches through the streets of Charlottesville and Berkeley have shown the face of a movement long-simmering and ever-threatening to Black, Jewish, Muslim, immigrant and queer communities -- and to our democracy. 

    As long as these movements have existed, so have movements promoting justice and equity. Our libraries foster education so that we

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    Posted on July 11, 2017 by Mana Tominaga

    The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017

    On Monday, August 21, 2017, an eclipse of the Sun will be visible throughout North America. It will be the first eclipse to cross the United States in the “Internet Age” (the last country-wide eclipse was in 1918).

    The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017 is coming up quickly! This is the first eclipse to be visible in the continental U.S. in almost 40 years. More details here: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/. 

    In such an eclipse, the Moon gets in front of the Sun and blocks some or all of its light. In Oakland, we will have a partial eclipse, with 76% of the Sun’s area covered by the Moon. For us, the eclipse will begin at 9:01 am, and reach maximum at 10:15 am. By 11:37 am, the Sun will be uncovered once more.  Such a partial eclipse -- where some of the Sun’s bright surface is showing -- is not safe to look at with the naked eye (or sunglasses). You must use special eclipse-viewing glasses or project an image of the Sun! 

    Your Oakland Public Library is a distribution site for safe viewing glasses through a partnership with

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    Posted on February 9, 2017 by Mana Tominaga

    fREADom at Oakland Public Library

    Everyone is welcome at your Oakland Public Library! Read about various ways the library can support activists and activism and connect you to excellent resources and books.

    Your public library is a place where, free of cost, you can learn about current issues from credible sources, explore history, borrow high quality books, and take advantage of community resources and spaces.  Everyone is welcome. Inclusiveness is a core value of public libraries. Oakland Public Library will be tabling at the second Oakland Peace Center Activism and Advocacy Resource Fair this coming Sunday, 2/12, from 11 to 4 PM, to promote how the library can help you during these tumultuous times. You can sign up for a library card and pick up various resources and reading lists as well as limited edition “fREADom” buttons!

    Reading is among our greatest freedoms; OPL librarians have curated these timely book lists. Click through to learn more about:

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    Posted on January 12, 2017 by Amy Sonnie

    Post-Election Know Your Rights Trainings

    As we grapple with the uncertain future and a surge in bias-related crimes, knowledge is power. Join the ACLU for Know Your Rights workshops at your library.

    Photo of mural with text that says Know Your RightsThis February, Oakland Public Library is offering a series of Know Your Rights workshops, in partnership with the ACLU of Northern California.

     

    As our communities grapple with the uncertain future of immigration reform, the threat of a Muslim registry, a surge in bias-related crimes, and a groundswell of activism by citizens concerned about justice, safety and equity, we have a great deal to learn and do -- together.

     

    Beginning with three workshops -- for immigrants, transgender residents and citizens exercising free speech through protest – Oakland Library and the ACLU will provide information to help you protect yourself, your family and your community.

     

    Over the coming year, the library will continue to offer programs and resources that empower our

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    Posted on December 6, 2016 by Erin Sanders

    Women & Bikes & Books

    Join Us Every 1st Thursday for the Women Bike Book Club

    In partnership with Bike East Bay, we are co-hosting the Women Bike Book Club! Bike East Bay's Women Bike program enters its third year of bringing women, femme, trans, and gender nonconforming folks together in social settings to share experiences and resources with each other.

    All are invited to discuss biking, books, and feminism at the Women Bike Book Club. Join us on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00pm at the Golden Gate Branch (5606 San Pablo Ave). We'll focus on a different book, film, or topic each month, with a few guest speakers and activities along the way. Here is a line-up for the next few months:

    MARCH 1: Women's History Month selection: "

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    Posted on July 27, 2016 by Sharon McKellar

    OPL Loves Bikes

    "My theory is that it’s because, like libraries, bikes represent a kind of freedom that is accessible to people of most ages. Or, maybe it’s because they’re another economic way to see more of your world. Maybe it’s just because they’re fun."

    Photo of BrianI want to thank Brian Guenther, the Branch Manager at our amazing Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, for his guest post today.  The following words are his, not mine.  

    ***

    We love bikes at OPL.

    Photo of Girls and the bike library

    My theory is that it’s because, like libraries, bikes represent a kind of freedom that is accessible to people of most ages. Or, maybe it’s because they’re another economic way to see more of your world. Maybe it’s just because they’re fun. Whatever the reason, bikes and biking are a big part of the Oakland Public Library culture.

    You might’ve seen our

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    Posted on July 22, 2016 by Sharon McKellar

    Still Found!

    It's been awhile, but here are some more things found in library books.

    Hi!  Did you miss me and my things found in library books?  I went off and had two babies, and now that they are all grown up (one year old) I'm back in action.  I'm so lucky that the whole year I was gone, people kept finding things and leaving them on my desk for me.  So, be not worried.  Our finds will continue! 

    What do we have today?  Well, here you go:

         

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    Posted on March 25, 2016 by Amy Sonnie

    Get Money Smart During Financial Literacy Month

    This April, meet expert financial counselors who can help you manage money and achieve your goals.

    Did you know? April is Financial Literacy Month. That means it is the perfect time to meet expert financial counselors who can help you manage money and achieve your goals.

    Oakland Public Library is partnering with Balance Pro (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Services of San Francisco) to offer a series of workshops. Whether you are trying to bounce back after a costly emergency or planning ahead for college education or home ownership, this series has something for everyone.

    Join us as we build the power of our communities to create a better financial future.

     

    Money Matters: Financial Empowerment Series 

     

    Identity Theft Solutions

    IN CANTONESE
    Identity Theft is becoming more common. Learn how to protect your confidential information and what steps to take if you’re a victim of identity theft. Call 510-238-3400 for info in Cantonese.

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