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Martin Luther King Jr. Film Festival, Jan. 21

After a one year hiatus, the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) returns with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Film Festival. AAMLO has hosted the film festival for over 15 years to pay homage to the legendary slain civil rights leader.

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Kanopy Film Streaming Service Now Available!

Stream over 30,000 available films, TV shows, documentaries and more for free using your library card.

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New Beginnings in 2019!

A new year is fast approaching. For many of us, this is often a time for setting intentions and making changes in our lives.

Make a plan and use your library!
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Play Winter Bingo at OPL!

Visit your local library to pick up a Winter Bingo card, complete any 5 activities in a row and win a free book.

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Your Truth. Your Style. Your Voice.

Join a community of young Oakland poets.  Apply to the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Program for your chance to win a $5,000 college scholarship.

Apply Now!
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Tell us your story!

Has Oakland Public Library made a difference in your life?  

Tell us about it!
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Oakland Public Library - Donations

The Oakland Public Library regularly receives gifts of books and non-book material from our patrons.  If you are interested in donating, or interested in receiving donated books, click here.

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The Oakland Public Library Preservation Measure

On June 5, 2018, Oakland voters passed the Oakland Public Library Preservation Measure. Learn more here. 

Learn More Here!
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Book Me!

Looking for something great to read? Fill out this form and let one of our amazing librarians do the work for you!

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Featured Events

From our Blogs

From the Library Community

Growing Up Oakland

Growing Up Oakland Postcard

Check out the beautiful work from Growing Up Oakland, a project created and run by Oakland Youth Poet Laureate poets.

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From Advice for Readers

Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon

Cover of Heavy by Kiese Laymon

Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon. This one is not to be missed. A review.

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From Children's Services Blog

It's Time to Talk Summer Camps!

Classic summer images: the beach, a sun, watermelon, and sunglasses.

January is the perfect time to start researching summer camp options. Learn tips for finding the perfect camp and the scholarship and financial aid options available for affording camp.

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From the Main Library

A Brief History of Oakland's Madison Square

Madison Square map

Madison Square has been home to the Chinese community since the 1860s.

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From the Library Community

Get to Know Your Grants: Community Kiosk

Picture of staff member in the Community Kiosk at the Main Library

Library staff are natural helpers. We love to find just the right book, or to connect patrons to the information they’ve been looking for.

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