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Oakland Public Library

4.4 (15 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

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Elisha A.

"For the love of Knowledge ", the West Oakland library has been a neighborhood staple for all the local kids for decades. Located across the street from Defremery Park people forget that this library is still open and very active. Even I've overlooked this library numerous times forgetting how much of a staple element it is to my neighborhood and community. However, I still do come for necessary reasons such as voting. West Oakland library has been a place where you can vote or drop off vote ballots for a couple of years now. It is also great for bringing your kids to read and check out books in addition are computers. Printers are available 10 cents per page and reading areas to enjoy quiet time. It's a very nice and quiet library. I will visit more often and so should others. The bathrooms are always available and clean for visitors and the staff are always willing to help. There is plenty available parking on the street.

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10 years ago

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5 months ago

The employees show concern and assist those who need help in regards of a book or locating PIC.

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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1 year ago

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9 years ago

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19 years ago

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15 years ago

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11 years ago

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14 years ago

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Ask the Community - Oakland Public Library

Review Highlights - Oakland Public Library

West Oakland library has been a place where you can vote or drop off vote ballots for a couple of years now.

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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Alameda Free Library - Plenty of work/study area on the 2nd floor (north end)

Alameda Free Library

4.3(138 reviews)
4.0 mi

Soooo the library is a hub of information and I'd call myself a library enthusiast who's always…read moreseeking information. I've been going to libraries since I was a child, checking out books, magazines, dvds, and whatever else that can be checked out. The large amount of events for all ages is also a bonus - Baby & me, toddler, and Grown Folks story time, French Conversation Circle, book clubs, sewing club, teen volunteer opportunities and so much more. Do you want to learn another language? The library. Want a guide to a better diet, or a cookbook? The library. Want to score books to add to your ow library but at an inexpensive price? The Friends of the Library bookstore inside is also a gem. I've gone in a couple of times, but during the BOGO free sale, I left with about 20 books after going back and forth a few times once already at the register. It's convenient having a main library in such a convenient location. Parking isn't my bad, but if planning to spend more than five minutes in there it's easier for me to walk. The parking spots in the parking lot are too narrow and street parking is generally taken unless coming on a weekend.

I love this library, first of all the resources are at a large. Everything is so organized and…read morereally easy to navigate through, I haven't really been to this library on a day that's super busy so it's not a place that's overly crowded although I should add I do go in the early afternoon before kiddos get out of school. My LO love their mother goose on the loose readings on thursdays, they have two times which I find to be very accommodating. This is for mamas and younger children , infant age! This library is totally kid friendly there children's calendar is definitely one to have on hand if needing something to do with your LO. They have all kinds of classes really a lot of stuff.

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Alameda Free Library - Poetry display!

Poetry display!

Alameda Free Library - Super cute Totoro shadow box

Super cute Totoro shadow box

Alameda Free Library

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Lakeview Branch Library

Lakeview Branch Library

4.3(42 reviews)
2.0 miLower Hills

Beacause of this library I don't need my printer any longer…read more Because of this library I no longer need to patronize FedEx Office. Because of this library I don't realky need Netflix. There is so much they have to offer and I don't have to pay for! Parking is more plentiful than it looks. Go inside and seek a parking permit. Your car will be safe from towing. If you're just parking there and not using the library while it is open you may have a not so pleasant surprise coming up. And, the best part is that the librarians and technicians are wonderful people.

I'm here in Oakland, visiting some of the iconic locations that have stayed here for almost or over…read more70 years! The Lakeview Branch Library has got to be one of the smallest little fully functioning libraries I have ever seen. Tiny building hasn't been replace in all these years. It's been remolded and updated inside, even has all the modern things like the internet! Using the internet, I haven been in a library for as long as I can remember! Dewey decimal system .... I just heard of it, I have no idea how it works! You can still even get a "library card" here! My guide tells me he wasn't much of a reader, even as a child, but the big soft chairs they had were good to sit in. He tells me of this "card catalog" thing, that's where you looked up a book and then it told you where to find it. Oh God , I love Google way better! I'm glad iconic landmarks like this are still around, it takes someone past a certain age to remember all the thing here the way it used to be.

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Lakeview Branch Library - Politically correct mural

Politically correct mural

Lakeview Branch Library - Sing my name to Freedom by Betty Reid Soskin, America's oldest (98) National Park Ranger!

Sing my name to Freedom by Betty Reid Soskin, America's oldest (98) National Park Ranger!

Lakeview Branch Library - Graphic Novels section

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Graphic Novels section

Berkeley Public Library

Berkeley Public Library

4.5(57 reviews)
3.1 miSouth Berkeley

Renewing my library card was quick and easy here! The staff was very nice…read more There's apparently a tool lending library. I have yet to try it, but it's so great when a library can offer tools to borrow! Short and easy walk from Ashby Bart.

Small, serviceable library with children, teen, and adult sections to serve its community…read more As part of the Berkeley Public Library, the services offered here are separate from the Alameda County Library system. Be sure to register membership in this local library system to take advantage of the resources available from one of the foundational landmarks in the city of Berkeley. With mainly street parking that is scarcely available due to popular hotspots for locals and visitors during the weekends (public park across the street and a popular Buddhist temple next door), it's probably best to walk or bike if you live nearby or be prepared to park further away. They do have plenty of bike racks in case you're coming from a bit further out. The individual sections don't seem too big but do pack a good amount of books and DVDs to be borrowed. If you need help finding something, the staff members at the front desk are helpful and friendly. The rooms are well ventilated and lit by natural sunlight, quiet, clean, and has enough space for individuals and small to medium sized study groups. As with many libraries, with WiFi access, this location makes a great place to harness your focus and be productive and imaginative. Overall, while this location may be rather small, the Berkeley Public Library system has a few sites within the city and can certainly accommodate your resource needs. The bulletin boards often are plastered with flyers for community events and opportunities so even if you're not in need of the library services, it's a nice spot to stop by for a quick glance at what's happening around the city.

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Berkeley Public Library
Berkeley Public Library
Berkeley Public Library

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Piedmont Avenue Branch Library

Piedmont Avenue Branch Library

3.9(30 reviews)
2.3 miNorth Oakland

Tiny branch library, but it's the one in walking distance. If I can't find an ebook of something,…read moreI'll have the physical book sent to this branch, and it usually shows up for pickup within 1-2 days. Returns are super easy with all the book drops outside. The main library does a better job of curating adult books (new releases, hot titles) so I rarely come out of the Piedmont library with something I didn't already expect to pick up, but these little branch libraries aren't exactly sized for extended browsing.

The Piedmont library is not just one of the smallest libraries in the Oakland Public library system…read moreI've seen, but one of the smallest libraries I have ever been in period. For it's size though it is a quality over quantity. There is a smart collection of magazines, books, DVDs, CDs, & graphic novels. Patrons here have access to the entire Oakland library online & all the libraries in CA through the Link Plus interlibrary loan system to pick up items on their hold shelf. There are two computers for internet. There is also a printer for print jobs or Xerox copies. Staff here is friendly. Kudos for the great selection of magazines including Lonely Planet for travel, Lucky Peach for foodies, & MOJO which is probably the best music magazine out there. Magazines is where the Piedmont Ave Branch Library seems to shine brightest. Piedmont Ave Branch Library is a short walk from Timeless Coffee which is a fully vegan coffeehouse serving heavenly hot drinks, desserts, & brunch. Check them out! The hours of the Piedmont Ave Branch Library are: Sun- Closed Mon- Closed Tues- 12:30pm to 8pm Wed- 10am to 5:30pm Thurs- 10am to 5:30pm Fri- 12pm to 5:30pm Sat- 10am to 5:30pm

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Piedmont Avenue Branch Library - Accepting the Lois Foster Award

Accepting the Lois Foster Award

Piedmont Avenue Branch Library - Our branch won the Lois Foster Leadership Award!

Our branch won the Lois Foster Leadership Award!

Piedmont Avenue Branch Library - From our 80th birthday celebration, March, 2012

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From our 80th birthday celebration, March, 2012

Oakland Public Library - Dimond Branch - Read this book coincidentally before MLK, Jr. day.

Oakland Public Library - Dimond Branch

4.4(34 reviews)
3.9 miDimond District, Lower Hills

This library is located across the street from Safeway. The MLK Jr. book "strength to love" may be…read moreavailable here. Reference #252.06 King In the foreword Coretta Scott King says this is King's bestsellng book. It capsulizes themes from his sermons into essays. Some MLK Jr.'s thoughts: -"love your enemy" in a rhetorical sense, not literally. You don't have to "like them". -capitalism is materialistic. At extremes, it corrupts the soul... -"neighbor" is an unknown person Christians lends support to without knowing his identity. Altruism. -One can "love" someone who willingly performs a wrong act but wasn't conscious of consequences. "He didn't know what he was doing". God has faith that person would change if given right info. -Jesus was a nonconformist. -God saw the Egyptian Pharoh oppressing the Israelites as "evil". -God will not unilaterally lift the burdens off mankind. Man must do the work. God will assist.. -MLK Jr. found Ghandian nonviolence compatible with Christian beliefs. -God doesn't see Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodist, Black or white worshippers as distinct entities. ..... Note: not a practicing Christian. Just a student of humanities...

I love the friendly staffs here. They gave me so much resources and let me rented a backpack full…read moreof hiker stick, binocular, maps, free pass, etc. They taught me a link that offers library cardholders to free concert tickets, tours, museums and etc. I have used so many and its free, but you only need to plan in advanced since it is limited availability. I have saved so much money on things I could have not afford otherwise. They offer free computer class, magic store, stories times, lawyers, tax help and so much more. I love taking my niece here and she enjoys the free markers, papers and peace. There is a limited small parking lot, but there are meter street parking's available. If you get hungry, then there is a Safeway across the street as well. This is my favorite library in Oakland.

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Oakland Public Library - Dimond Branch - Finally their renovation is done! I was waiting for 7 months to come back here!!! Same as everyone:).

Finally their renovation is done! I was waiting for 7 months to come back here!!! Same as everyone:).

Oakland Public Library - Dimond Branch - Adult section to study or quietly chat.

Adult section to study or quietly chat.

Oakland Public Library - Dimond Branch - Children's section

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Children's section

Oakland Public Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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