Libraries in Oakland
Oakland Libraries Here in Oakland, we’re fortunate enough to have quite a few libraries. With 20 locations in Oakland, including the African American Museum & Library and the Oakland History Room, you probably have easy access to a branch no matter where in Oakland you live.
In general, you must obtain your library card in person. To do so, you must be a California resident.
You’ll need to fill out a library card application, which you can obtain at the library or print and fill out in advance before you go.
Visit this link to print a library card application at home.
Adults must bring a photo ID and verification of your home address to obtain a library card. Youth between 13 and 17 need only one piece of identification (a guardian’s signature is an acceptable substitute if you don’t have ID). Those 12 and under can only obtain a library card with a guardian’s signature.
Your library card allows you to do a lot more than simply check out books.
With your card, you will receive free admission to various museums and attractions in the area. Once you have your card, you simply have to go to discover.oaklandlibrary.org to select the place you want to visit and print your free pass.
Your card also lets you use the Oakland Library’s computers. You can reserve a computer online for a specific time. Alternatively, you can just show up and wait for one to become available. The exception to this policy is at the main branch, where you cannot reserve a computer and the system is simply first come, first served.
You can also borrow audiobooks and ebooks from the comfort of your own home. This allows you to listen to books on tape without needing to go to the library to physically borrow them. However, you can only keep them for a limited time. The system is similar to that of actually checking out books from the library; you can place holds on material you want, for example.
Hours for the Oakland library system vary by location, so you should check ahead for your particular location or branch to learn about its specific hours. In general, though, all libraries (other than the Main Library and the Oakland History Room) are closed on Sunday and Monday.
While exact hours vary, most library branches are open every afternoon other than Sunday and Monday. You can pretty safely count on the library being open if you show up between noon and 5:30 PM – but again, double-check before you go in case your specific branch has unusual hours.
Getting a Card:
In general, you must obtain your library card in person. To do so, you must be a California resident.
You’ll need to fill out a library card application, which you can obtain at the library or print and fill out in advance before you go.
Visit this link to print a library card application at home.
Adults must bring a photo ID and verification of your home address to obtain a library card. Youth between 13 and 17 need only one piece of identification (a guardian’s signature is an acceptable substitute if you don’t have ID). Those 12 and under can only obtain a library card with a guardian’s signature.
Services:
Your library card allows you to do a lot more than simply check out books.
With your card, you will receive free admission to various museums and attractions in the area. Once you have your card, you simply have to go to discover.oaklandlibrary.org to select the place you want to visit and print your free pass.
Your card also lets you use the Oakland Library’s computers. You can reserve a computer online for a specific time. Alternatively, you can just show up and wait for one to become available. The exception to this policy is at the main branch, where you cannot reserve a computer and the system is simply first come, first served.
You can also borrow audiobooks and ebooks from the comfort of your own home. This allows you to listen to books on tape without needing to go to the library to physically borrow them. However, you can only keep them for a limited time. The system is similar to that of actually checking out books from the library; you can place holds on material you want, for example.
Hours:
Hours for the Oakland library system vary by location, so you should check ahead for your particular location or branch to learn about its specific hours. In general, though, all libraries (other than the Main Library and the Oakland History Room) are closed on Sunday and Monday.
While exact hours vary, most library branches are open every afternoon other than Sunday and Monday. You can pretty safely count on the library being open if you show up between noon and 5:30 PM – but again, double-check before you go in case your specific branch has unusual hours.