Use your library card to borrow physical materials, eBooks, and audiobooks, as well as access online learning and research resources. It also lets you reserve a computer, print documents, and make copies.
Oakland Public Library's card is available to residents of California.
Online-issued library cards must be verified with valid ID within 30 days. Please visit any Oakland Public Library branch to complete your verification.
Check out our limited-edition card with the Oakland Root!
Pick up your limited-edition card at all Oakland Public Library locations while supplies last starting May 18th, 2026.
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FAQs
Library Card FAQs
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If you applied for your library card online you will have immediate access to your library card number and can use that to access most electronic resources.
Your card will expire in 30 days.
You can not check out physical books until you verify your card and upgrade to a full access card. You must verify your library card in person with valid identification at one of our library branches before the expiration date.
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You create a PIN when you apply for a library card. Your PIN is a four-digit number.If you do not have a PIN, call or visit any Oakland Public Library location.You can reset your PIN by logging into your BiblioCommons account and looking under My Settings.
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Your Oakland Public Library card expires every 3 years. You may renew your card online, opens a new window or at one of our branches, opens a new window.
eCards with "Online" patron type cannot be renewed online. Please visit any Oakland Public Library location, opens a new window to verify your card with a valid identification to upgrade to a full access library card.
Residents of Oakland, Emeryville, or Piedmont can also verify by phone or email., opens a new window
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If you lose your library card, call us at (510) 238-3134 or tell us in person as soon as possible. We will deactivate that card so no one can find it and use it.
To get a new card, come to any Oakland Public Library location. You will need to show an ID.
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You can add a designated borrower to have someone check out for you. Ask staff at any location to add this to your account.
If you are not able to come to the library because of a disability and want to apply for Extended Services, contact staff at any location.
You can use the Oakland Public Library from anywhere you have internet access. You can sign up for a library card online, then download or stream digital books and movies, watch our online programs, get book recommendations, and so much more from home!
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All residents of California can have a library card.Library cards are free.Apply online or at any OPL location.
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When you request a class visit, please upload a class roster with your students' full names and birth dates. A staff member will follow up with you on next steps.
- Oakland Public Library cards are good at any branch of the OPL system.
- There is no charge for new or replacement cards.
- Students who have lost their cards do not need to apply again. They will need to confirm their address, phone number, and date of birth.
- Encourage your students to return any books they may have at home!
