Oakland Public Library

08/10/2026

Back by popular demand! This one books up fast so make sure to register ASAP. Please call the branch or visit the front desk to register.

Learn how to mend your clothes with artist Bea Byrne. We'll cover shortening pants, mending holes and replacing lost buttons. Practice garments will be provided but you are also welcome to bring your own clean clothes for advice on how to mend them.

Register: https://bit.ly/4woUVUj

08/10/2026

Help us make next summer even better! This survey only takes 6 minutes or about how long it takes to steep a cup of herbal tea. ☕️

Summer's almost over already?! 🫨 What was your favorite part? What would make it even better? Tell us in this super quick, 6 minute summer survey! ➡️ https://bit.ly/4bf7F8g

Thank you for reading with us! 📚

08/08/2026

A list of dark academia, mystery-drama, and elite prep boarding school YA books to get you ready to brave the sometimes tumultuous waves of the education system.

Start reading 📚 ➡️ https://bit.ly/4wQgw94

08/05/2026

So much healing to be found in art ❤️ On a given afternoon at the Main Library, we get to spend time with patrons who create with intention and who care deeply. It makes us happy to provide the tools for library patrons to see their projects come to life.

Open Art Lab is a bring your own project art workshop with sewing machines, Cricuts, and newly added tufting guns made available for patrons to use. It takes place on select Wednesday and Saturday afternoons at the Oakland Main Library.

08/05/2026

It's time to collect your summer reading prizes! 🏆

If you read for 20 days this summer, you can come pick up your free tote bag and book (while supplies last). You'll also be entered for a chance to win one of the grand prizes! 📚⭐

More about summer reading prizes ➡️ https://bit.ly/4oXtZsp

We’re grateful to our sponsors for making this program possible for our community!

08/04/2026

Tokuda-Hall is also a founding member and the former president of Authors Against Book Bans (AABB), "a coalition of writers, illustrators, anthology editors and contributors, and other book creators, who stand united against the deeply unconstitutional movement to limit the freedom to read." As many make efforts to limit what the people can read (especially in school libraries), AABB is on the frontlines of this battle, pushing back against authoritarian efforts to silence q***r and POC storytellers.

Tokuda-Hall will be in conversation about her work with AABB. She will be discussing the current and future threats to our freedom to read, what AABB is doing about it, and how you can help.

Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/4fFQ4Ji

08/02/2026

Get ready for your first day back to school by feeling and looking your best! 🍎✨ Come get free haircuts and hair braiding for children ages 5-18. 💈💇No appointments! It's first-come, first-serve.

There will also be a free backpack giveaway (while supplies last). 🎒

This free community program is available:

Friday, August 07
12:00pm–4:00pm
81st Avenue Branch

Saturday, August 15
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch

Details ➡️ https://bit.ly/3RsSvpg

This program was made possible by the funds provided by the Friends of the Oakland Public Library. ❤️

08/01/2026

Join us for another collaborative edit‑a‑thon as we work together to update and expand the Oakland Wiki, a community-driven resource for all things local.

This session will take a deeper look at analog research materials in the Magazines & Newspapers Department. Librarian Camille C. Peters will start with an overview of local resources available on microfilm, followed by a brief tutorial on using microfilm readers. Afterward, we’ll browse a selection of archived newspapers and magazines. Local historian and Oakland Wiki contributor Gene Anderson will also be on hand to offer guidance on editing and contributing to the Wiki.

You’re welcome to work on any topic that interests you. But if you’d like a prompt, consider exploring the question “What was Oakland like in 1951?” as part of the Main Library’s 75th Anniversary.

Bring a laptop if you can; we’ll also have a limited number of Chromebooks available. And because editing is hard work, refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Details ➡️ https://bit.ly/4vYa8ew

08/01/2026

Come play games, meet your neighbors, bring your friends, and have fun! This all-ages event brings people together to celebrate our beautiful community.

Program schedule:
3-5pm - interactive experience with MADE Museum 🎮 🕹️
3-5pm - Face painting 🎨 🐯
4-5:30pm - DJ Hour 🎛️ 🎧

Details ➡️ https://bit.ly/3RDTWRN