Mark your calendar for 10:30 am these Saturdays in May and don't forget to RSVP!
Saturdays in May: AAPI Celebration, Storytime & #OPLSummer Kickoff
Mark your calendar for Saturdays at 10:30 AM! Join us for family fun as we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander month and kickoff #OPLSummer. Link to Asian Pacific American Read-In Week Videos
New en español: Feminist vegetarian wolves and board books in OpenDyslexic
Despite a global pandemic, you'll still find some of the best new Spanish language books at your Oakland Public Library! Check out this selection of imported titles by independent publishers in Argentina, Mexico, and more.
Oakland Public Library is serious about meeting the needs and interests of our communities, including books written in languages other than English and published in formats that increase accessibility.
In 2020 we weren’t able to attend the largest and most important Spanish language book festival (Feria Internacional del Libro, FIL) that takes place every year in Guadalajara, México. Yet OPL staff found ways to work with book vendors during the pandemic to improve our Spanish language collections and provide kids and families with quality reading options during the library closure.
Of course we want Pete the Cat, Peppa, Disney and other bestsellers,
but we also believe it's important to have authentic books written and published by creators from diverse regions and communities.
Below are some of the books we’ve ordered and can’t wait to share with you. Included in the list are a story about a
Early Literacy Storytime Fridays @ 10:30am - April 2021
Join us in April as we celebrate early literacy and El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day on April 30th) Click READ MORE to find links to booklists for Kids Yoga Day, National Poetry Month and National Library Week.
Every April NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) celebrates the Week of the Young Child. This month OPL will celebrate MONTH of the young child with LIVE storytime Fridays at 10:30am.
Each week will focus on an early literacy skill.
RSVP on Eventbrite to join the ZOOM ROOM
Defy, Fly, and Dream in Honor of Women’s History Month
Pay tribute to Women's History Month with these new children's books!
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor both the tremendous triumphs of the past and the astounding achievements which have yet to come. It is with this in mind, that I struggled to pour over countless books chronicling extraordinary women of former and present times. It would be easy to highlight powerhouses, but how would I choose between Kamala Harris or Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Aretha Franklin or Selena; Sally Ride or Mae Jemison? Instead, I hope to share with you some other titles that should not be overlooked.
Make Your Own Magic
Spring celebrations bring a little magic. OPL will be hosting Magic Nathaniel at 10:30am on Saturday, March 20, the first day of Spring.
During the month of March we celebrate women’s history, Pi Day, Saint Patrick,
Celebrate Black History Month with these great reads!
Introducing a handful of wonderful books celebrating black history and culture
With Black History Month upon us, it’s time to shine a spotlight on some terrific books that are in our collection, most of which are recent additions. This year, we see books that feature themes of diversity and inclusivity, showcasing the vast range of people, experiences and voices within the black community. Come celebrate black history with us this February and all throughout the year with our amazing selection of books that affirm and teach the many ways we show up in the world!
Shirley Chisholm is a Verb! by Veronica Chambers, Illustrated by Rachelle Baker
Get inspired by the story of the first black woman elected to the United States Congress! She stood up for herself and for the people she represented, and never backed down!
Black Culture Fest 2021
Black History Month programming for February 2021 and children's book recommendations.
Last February a team of Black library staff at the Main Library came together for a day-long Black History Read-In & Culture Fest. You can view some photos and video from the Verse-atility program.
This year a month-long celebration includes:
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Wed Feb 3 Black Women in Political Leadership
What's New: And the winner is NOT...
Middle grade fiction from 2020 that you or your children may have missed
Yesterday, the American Library Association announced the winners of the 2020 Youth Media Awards, including the Newbery and Caldecott Medals, the Coretta Scott King Awards, the Pura Belpré Awards, and the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. The announcement of these awards is an important event for children’s librarians and other members of the children’s literature world--any author or illustrator who receives one of these prestigious honors is just about guaranteed a readership for the rest of their career! Check out the list of the 2020 winning titles as well as those that won honor awards here and place holds on those that might interest you or your child!
What's New: Book Suggestions from Your Children’s Librarians
OPL Children's Librarians share some of their favorite books published in 2020.
Miss chatting with your local children’s librarians about their favorite books new to OPL?
Never fear, we’ve collected some of their recommendations below.
Celia from the Temescal Branch Library recommends In a Jar, written by Deborah Marcero.
“Published just before the pandemic separated friends and