From the Main Library

Did you know the Oakland Public Library has a Veterans Center?

It is located in the lobby of the Main Library. Trained staff or volunteers are often available to help veterans and family members learn about benefits for education, health, employment, housing, and more. There is also a collection of books. They can be checked out from the Veterans Center anytime the library is open or can be delivered to any branch by placing a hold.

You can pick up a paper copy of this list in the Veterans Center, as well as at branch libraries.  

Careers, Benefits and More: The Business of Becoming a Civilian

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

--James Baldwin from "As Much Truth As One Can Bear" in The Cross of Redemption: Uncollected Writings 

James Baldwin was living comfortably and productively in France as a successful expatriate writer when the American Civil Rights Movement kicked into high gear in the early 1960s. Spurred by the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations, racial violence, and widespread job and housing discrimination in America, he returned home to witness for himself what was tearing America apart. He traveled throughout the country to engage student activists, religious and community leaders, and politicians to hear what they thought about the turbulent state of affairs. Most notably, Baldwin used his fame as a celebrated writer to speak out about racism and its corrosive effect on both its victims and perpetrators. It was during these years that he wrote one of his most famous works, "

Every year since 1933, on the fourth weekend of June, amateur radio operators in the United States and Canada gather for their annual Field Day. Amateur radio operators -- ham radio enthusiasts -- aren't just hobbyists. Their equipment and skills make up an important part of disaster planning in many communities, including ours. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) holds its annual field day to promote interest in amateur radio and, more importantly, to practice operating over a full 24 hours as its members would do during a real disaster. 

The AALR site lists 1607 Field Day events this weekend, including a bunch of them in the Bay Area. Oakland's event, put on by the Oakland Radio Communication Association will be at Sequoia Arena, 10013 Skyline Blvd, across from Chabot Space and Science Center from 11 a.m