Posted on September 13, 2021 by Remy Timbrook

Family Activities for Fire Season

Fun indoor things to do with children during smoky days

At some point, shorter days and -- unfortunately -- smoky air may keep your family inside. You're probably familiar with that! Try some of these indoor activities to change things up:

  • Stream free movies online using your library card. OPL offers feature films, animated read-alouds, documentaries, and tons of kid-friendly content on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Overdrive. Or put some DVDs on hold to check out from your local branch. Certain librarians may have been known to host a Harry Potter marathon over a long weekend. What's your favorite multi-film series?

  • Since it's fire season: check your emergency kits and make

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Posted on August 2, 2021 by Remy Timbrook

Family Activities for Warm Weather

Fun outside things to do with children in Oakland

School may have started, but continue to enjoy the mild California weather as long as you can! Here are some suggestions for outdoor activities this fall:

  • The Oakland Museum of California has reopened to the public with limited hours. Their beautiful, sustainably redesigned gardens are open as well. Check out this wonderful green space next to Lake Merritt (and the Main Library). Keep an ear open for when the Friday night Off the Grid celebrations will resume.
  • Visit an urban farm (right here in Oakland!) or a plant nursery to get some ideas for what you could grow at home. City Slickers' West Oakland Farm Park has daily open

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Posted on July 29, 2021 by Pat Toney

OPL Summer 2021 Kids Raffle

OPL Summer closes with Circus Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm July 31 ***** Kids raffle winners will be selected Thursday, August 12th.

Thank you for joining us for OPL Summer! Our End of Summer Kids Party will be held Saturday, July 31, 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Attendees can enjoy stories, songs, a juggling lesson with Unique Derique, and circus arts with Coventry and Kaluza.

We know you've got questions about the RAFFLE!

Everyone who has earned 9 badges in Beanstack or completed 9 stars on

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Posted on July 23, 2021 by Lolade Gbadebo

#OPLSummer Week 9: Nature Close at Hand

We live by calm bay and tree-topped hills, busy shorebirds and hawks gliding above. This week we finish summer by focusing on the nature we find close at hand.

As we all emerge from our collective isolation, the weather improves and  calls us outdoors. The sun hangs high in the  sky, and we discover what we have missed.  

But one thing we never lost was nature, ever present.  

Dog on hike surrounded by redwood treesWe see nature in the pets we welcome into our homes... and the pests we fight to keep out!

We see nature in the potted herbs that line a neighbor’s balcony and the  overturned trashcan, showing signs of a wily possum in the night.

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Posted on July 16, 2021 by Jesse Nachem

#OPLSummer Week 8: Do-it-Yourself

When kids do experiments and projects alone or with family and friends, it encourages independence and builds confidence. Join us for these fun online events, check out some books, and get your creativity flowing!

Welcome to Week 8 of Summer Reading!

When kids do experiments and projects alone or with family and friends, it encourages independence and builds confidence. Join us for these fun online events, check out some books, and get your creativity flowing!

 

READ:

Looking for ideas and inspiration? Check out these books and fill the rest of your summer with cooking, gardening, crafts and more!

 

WATCH:

July 17th @ 10:30am

Hands On Science with Kits Cubed

Kits Cubed

Grab a science kit from any of our libraries and learn some exciting hands on

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Posted on July 6, 2021 by Pat Toney

#OPLSummer Week 7: Reach Out

Take a little time out your busy day to give encouragement, reconnect with a loved one or volunteer in your community.

Welcome to Week 7! We invite you to reach out to others and make connections. Consider how can we practice empathy as we engage others with the intent to learn from each other and about each other.

READ

WATCH 10:30am Saturday, July 10

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Posted on July 2, 2021 by Pat Toney

#OPLSummer Week 6: Wellness

The definition of wellness varies for each individual. The focus this week is on mind, body and spirit. What make you happy? What makes you feel good? What can you do to promote a healthy lifestyle?

Someone asked a librarian what is "wellness week" - could we just walk around the block or eat some kale? The answer is YES!  The definition of wellness varies for each individual. The focus this week is on mind, body and spirit. What make you happy? What makes you feel good? What can you do to promote a healthy lifestyle? 

These are the activities you can do to earn a star on the paper log or badge in Beanstack.

READ * (you can read whatever you want, these are just suggestions)

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Posted on June 25, 2021 by Pat Toney

#OPLSummer Week 5: Pride

Pride Month also known as Rainbow Book Month is an opportunity to celebrate what it means to be LGBTQIA, the history behind the month-long celebration, and spread LOVE <3

Celebrate who you are and who you love!

READ

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Posted on June 18, 2021 by Lolade Gbadebo

#OPLSummer Week 4: Social Justice

Written by Mika Permutt & A. Lolade Gbadebo. This week at the Oakland Public Library, we honor the strong tradition of activism in our communities. How can we practice justice, liberation, and peace with one another?

 M is for Movement book cover

This week at the Oakland Public Library, we honor the strong tradition of activism in our communities. How can we practice justice, liberation, and peace with one another?  Activists use different methods to create change, and no matter how young or old you are, you can play an important role!

 

Different kinds of activism

Direct action:

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Posted on June 11, 2021 by Pat Toney

#OPLSummer Week 3: Art & Expression

You can encourage your child’s self-expression through process-oriented art. Process art is based on exploration and allows different outcomes, rather than focusing on the finished product.

This week we encourage self-expression through art. 

READ 

   

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