I stopped by the library briefly and appreciated how peaceful it was. It's the kind of place that helps you focus naturally.

I live in San Francisco now yet still got love for Oakland and the East Bay. Rockridge is a fun neighborhood. Millennium is here for a special occasion fine dining at a vegan restaurant. They were named one of the top 25 vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the world. There are some fun bookstores in Rockridge and the Rockridge Branch Library is on point. When I walked in there was a display of cookbooks including Oakland's own vegan cookbook author Bryant Terry's book Vegan Soul Kitchen and the fun vegan cookbook Thug Kitchen: Part Grub for social mother f*ckers. Inside they had some nice records in the CD music section and couple of stellar vegan cookbooks. I loved the shelf with the display of Staff Picks with several books on display. That was a nice touch. Staff was friendly. This branch is an A+ read more

See all

Love the library and the friendly staff! Looking forward to returning sometime in the future

It is a great library, me and my family love it. There is a massive selection of books and movies.

A very sweet local library with only moderately cranky librarians. With what they out up with, I still consider that a win.

I mainly visit this location for the wifi. It's quiet, clean. Staff are friendly. Also, they have plentiful parking!

My 50th review! What better way to mark this milestone than to review my childhood library? I've been coming to this library all my life. Let me count the ways: 1) Preschool library field trips when I marched along with the herd of fellow toddlers for storytime visits. 2) The summer reading programs in elementary school when I visited every week to collect all my stamps for the book prizes. 3) Discovering taboo topics and delights in the teen section when I entered middle school. This is the library I can pinpoint as the location when I discovered that I was a goth during the summer of age 12, and have been a proud member of the goth subculture since then. This was also when the manga magazine "Shojo Beat" was still going strong, and I became a subscriber of that magazine thanks to the library subscription. 4) Volunteering during my high school summers as a book buddy and reading books to children and racking up volunteer hours for my honors program to look good on my college applications. 5) Entering manga art competitions and attending bracelet-making workshops...yes, it is safe to say that this library has a special place in my heart. There's a very split divide in this library. When you walk in through the entrance and see the check-out desks, the children section is on the right, and the teen and adult section is on the left. Ever since I entered college, there have been changes made. The teen section that used to be by the tall, spacious windows now has a very distinct section of the library enclosed by glass. All the manga is now there, too. The DVDs have been moved as well. I'm pleased to say that the children's section hasn't changed much. The large, semi-circular area with all the shelves of picture books was where me and my fellow preschool classmates would sit for storytime. There's also a large collection of fairy tale picture books that I have incredibly fond memories of perusing and collecting for my weekly hoards of library check-outs. From my experience, the library would also purchase whatever recommendations that you gave them (especially if you wrote the titles of the books in the binder of recommendations in the teen section. Don't know if it still exists). That was something I really appreciated. Ever since I got into UC Berkeley (looks like my summer volunteer hours here paid off!) and have the privilege to access the UC Berkeley library system, it's not that often I come here anymore. But I do come here when I am unable to find certain books on campus that I can find here. Even if it's not at the Rockridge Library, this is my go-to-library to pick up all my reservations. And I suspect that after I graduate Cal, and if I do stay in the Bay Area, I will return to my status as a more frequent patron. read more

Rockridge Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Visited my local public library. The Rockridge Branch Library looks inviting. The librarian, Niki (I think I've got the name right) was very helpful with use of the Library app and of Hoopla. Tech skills and people skills--perfect. When the library gets air conditioning, I will visit all year round. Thanks Oakland Public Library! read more

This is actually an unruly after school daycare center for noisy kids that happens to have books and other media. I want to say that this library is doing a great disservice to the kids in the after school program by holding them to a lower standard of behavior. The students are allowed to run around screaming and cursing; they have taken over. If you're going to be at the library, you have to be quiet and respectful. If I behaved the way the kids do, I would be kicked out immediately. But for the kids, their boisterous behavior is considered good enough. When these kids hit the real world and the work force, they will be unpleasantly surprised that they've been coddled by a society that lowered expectations for what they thought they were capable of. Screaming is for the playground. Not the public library. read more

For someone who reads so much, I almost never go here anymore. The reason is that The Free Book Exchange and Amazon Kindle now dominate my reading material. The problem with relatively small libraries like this is that I read almost exclusively Science Fiction, which is usually only a couple of shelves. And whilst definitely an exaggeration, it sometimes feels like I've read half the books there. These days, I use Goodreads to track my reading, so at least there's a chance that a book I grab hasn't been read before. Still, it's a nice library - I just don't have much call to go. read more

Rockridge Branch Library - I read this entire series as a teenager. It was pretty bad. - Libraries Near Me - Oakland, California

I think people need to stop complaining about the hours here. Yes, they're a little irregular, but this has been due to the need to maximize public access across all facilities during fiscally challenging times, and I think that the OPL is doing a good job of this. The hours are clearly posted online, and aren't so ridiculous as to be completely unpredictable. Anyway, the Rockridge branch may be my favorite OPL location. It isn't huge, but is roomy, airy and comfortable, and unmetered street parking within a couple of blocks is fairly easy to find. There are a few areas to sit and read, and there's a good selection of magazines and newspapers on hand. The book inventory is a bit limited, but of course you can always request a book to be delivered here from anywhere across the Oakland/SF library system. read more

The library has been such a wonderful resource throughout this year of COVID. Super-convenient curbside pickup, always with a smile and friendly conversation. Great selection of books (and audiobooks - check out the Libby app) and some cool twists like the children's bundles and "pre-checkouts" of popular books. You can tell that someone behind-the-scenes is really thinking about how to creatively provide better service. Few organizations make this much effort. Thank you to all the amazing staff! read more

This library is closed on Sundays. But in front of the entrance are boxes full of used books; donated by the other people for the library to handle in its custody. Although it's an unlawful action to intrude any property that doesn't belong to me, I did find some good books including: -two of Dan Brown's book: Da Vinci Code and Deception Point and other great books from Ken Follet, Steven Frey and Sandra Brown. My Timbuk-2 Messenger bag can only hold so many books. I'm overly anxious to read Brown's Da Vinci Code novel. If you're poor and can't afford a second-hand book, come to this library on Sundays and find a free book. The books left here are quality reading. Or if you don't want to be like me, go to your nearest library and check out a book! read more

This library has a couple good things going for it. One: a parking lot. Two: free wifi. Beyond those essentials, there aren't a ton of bells and whistles. It's a pretty small space, with a few communal work tables for popping up your laptop. The crowd was a nice mix of non-creepy adults and cute little old ladies. I wouldn't call this place my new favorite productivity spot, but if you do need to kill some time in Rockridge, it's totally fine. It's kind of sad that I didn't mention anything about books, this being a library and all. But I did notice some nice librarians helping people find "printed, bound media artifacts" (Gary Shteyngart reference... see, I read!) read more

This branch of the OPL system is amazing for their selection of DVDs and CDs. I am constantly floored when I browse their crazy-full shelves of audio and video offerings. Added bonus of great paperback racks with everything from Harlequin Romance Novels to Jack Kerouac - so you can rub one out or get "on the road." I highly encourage anyone with surplus CDs and DVDs to donate them to their public library system. I am loving you, Rockridge Branch - keep up the great work! read more

Great library, especially their children's section. Staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.

WOW. Repeat several times slowly. WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW. I love to read, and spend lots of time at the library. When I moved to Montclair, I was surprised at how tiny the library was, but I've gotten used to it, and it works for me. For the next several weeks, however, Montclair library is closed for mold abatement, so I headed over to the Rockridge branch last Saturday afternoon for the first time. It's amazing. Everything a library should be. Lots of natural light shining through enormous windows and skylights, comfy chairs and couches for folks to sit and read the newspaper, and the book selection absolutely staggers the imagination. The new non-fiction and new non-fiction books each have their own section, rather than being all stacked together. Lots of cookbooks. Bios for days. I could ramble on, but I need to get back to my reading. Oh, and let's not forget to mention the DVD and CD collections. I think the Montclair library has about 200 DVD's, mostly titles of Sesame Street, Brideshead Revisited, old movies and some art documentaries filmed in Italy in the 70's. Rockridge library, I love you. Montclair library, I think our relationship is over. I'm sorry, but you no longer fulfill me the way you used to. read more

This little neighborhood library sits on the bustling street of College Avenue. It's obviously been there a long time, and watched the area grow up around it. I really enjoy wandering in here on weekday afternoons, just before the school kids head in and take over the space. They have the friendliest librarians and an excellent selection of books. They even have e-books for Kindle and other e-readers that you can reserve online. They also have a computer room toward the back that is meant for teens, but which is a great quiet space to look up information if you like your privacy. Whenever I cannot find the book that I need in Contra Costa or in San Francisco, I head to Oakland. Since I lead a monthly ladies book club, you can imagine that I read a lot of books! The hours have been cut due to the budget, so you will find a crowd lining up just before 12:30 p.m. in the afternoon waiting for the librarians to open the doors so they can bum rush the books. It reminds me of Black Friday, but without the massive crush of people. *Tip: If you're in a crunch and need a computer, you can call ahead of time and reserve a space over the phone. Many a time that's saved me when I have to urgently get online and have no where else to go. read more

I am a big fan of this library. I've been around the block for so long that I remember the old Rockridge Library that was located near the BART station. I don't know what it's like to work here but I love the architecture inside and out. There are lots of windows and many actually open allowing fresh air to come in. (What a concept, huh)? Having worked for many years at another public library that underwent an extensive remodel and ended up with a crappy building that had more than 100 mistakes and absolutely no windows that open. The Rockridge library is not huge but there seems to be ample space for their collection. There are public Internet computers, public bathrooms, plenty of chairs to sit in, and (to me) an inviting ambiance to look for books, sit down and read, study and hang out with your kids. Each time I go here I wonder why I don't go more often. It is far from our home but very close to Kaiser Oakland where I go to frequently. Next time I'm in the area I will definitely make use of my OPL card. read more

I like that the Rockridge Branch Library is so kid-friendly. It's a smallish library with a large enough children's section. I've found them to have a decent selection of children's books, but I wish they had more board books. Toy lending is also available here. The toy selection is small, but it's a fun idea. I checked out a Green Toys train set which was very clean and in excellent condition. The noise level here seems higher than what I'm used to in a library due to kids playing and reading aloud. I don't mind the noise when I'm here with my children, although I can imagine it being a little annoying for those who are here for some quiet library time. There's a paid parking lot next to the library. Free street parking is also available, although I don't know how likely it is to find a spot nearby. read more

I like this library. It's small but really great... and it doesn't smell like urine like the main one in downtown. This one has the better DVD collection than most others I have seen. Heard that they got them from a video store that closed. They have criterion films (from wiki: "a video-distribution company selling "important classic and contemporary films" to cinema aficionados") and random obscure and foreign films. Don't worry, the popular ones are there too, just in case you want to watch "Forrest Gump" for the billionth time. Pretty impressive! I also got some great CD's - Neko Case, Tegan & Sara, & The Magnetic Fields! Not to mention all the free books you could borrow. One thing about if you're a first time borrower is that you can only borrow 2 books the first time. They want to make sure that you don't run off with them?? Anyway, that's the policy. Support Oakland Libraries! Sure they have random days that close (due to budget cuts), which is why they need our help! How to help: http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/about/gift_guidelines.html read more

I love libraries and want to support them - they are a great place for kids to study and read. And adults. But, apparently not on Sundays and not too late on weekdays, so that pretty much rules out anyone going there after work or after school or on the weekend, leaving this library as the domain of parents with small pre-school children and the elderly. Seems mighty unfair to limit library usage to folks who are around during the regular business day - and closed on Sundays? Outrageous. read more

Nice library, especially for a local branch. Modern and comfy. BUT... wireless was barely working when I was there. Apparently they'd just moved to a new provider and have been having difficulties. They rebooted the router and it worked for a short period of time, but then wouldn't again. So I won't be back with my laptop until that's been resolved. read more

This library looks nice and clean, but in reality is almost useless... there are very FEW tables where to work or study plus, is very NOISY... there are alwasy kids running and screaming around all over the library and the staff do NOTHING... also, the opening time is awful... it closes very EARLY, at 5:30 and is closed on Sunday and Monday... what's the point of a library then!?!?!? avoid this place unless you want to rent a dvd or a book and leave... it's impossible to work and study there... is super noisy, the opposite of what a library should be. read more

Did you know that there's story-time every week, usually presented by Nationally-reknown, story-teller extraordinaire, Gay Ducey?!! Toddlers and pre-schoolers, along with their parent(s) or nannies are enthralled by the weekly story times. Check to see when story time is, as sometimes there are evening presentations. The programs are very well attended (sometimes 80 + people gathered around her), but it's a special treat for all ages! All Oakland public libraries offer story time for toddlers and preschoolers; but the Rockridge branch story time is one of the best! read more

I came here to try to deal with my library fees since I try to reduce the amount of online portals that has my credit information on file. Anyway, I'm waiting in line since there is only one open station that is being used. I can clearly see three women working and two closed station signs, so whatever, I figure I'm next no big deal. I made eye contact with both of the closed station workers and smiled while waiting in line and in between playing on my phone; no feedback was given. After waiting about five minutes, tell me why then, this man and a boy (presumably father and son) walk to the side and an elderly lady who looked like she was working on entering books or something on the left CLOSED STATION casually removes the CLOSED STATION sign and helps them in the check out process? ***insert nick young meme*** I'm like "Is this for real???" audibly loud enough for anyone within 10 feet to hear me. Mind you, I'm not the type to make a scene; I don't have time to waste to deal with this type of sh1t or the people who try to peddle it: it's a new year for goodness sake. Honestly, it felt like a subtle racist thing. I cannot come up with any rational reason to why I was not only ignored initially, but then just completely dismissed. I didn't even hear anything while I was semi-storming out. To be fair, I could have shut off all my senses, but you would think they would try to grab my attention somehow after such a sudden movement towards the exit. Under normal circumstances, I would never write such a lengthy, passionate and petty review. I truly feel it necessary to express the subtle gravity of the situation and how insignificant it made me feel in that one moment. Additionally, I will never set foot in this library again. I'd rather get a parking ticket and go to the main library. By the time, this review is posted; I will consider it something in the past, but I will have experienced yet again, one of the most inhumane actions a person can experience. Ironically, in a place where the travesties of the past are recorded: to be learned and not repeated again... read more

Rockridge Branch Library - "insert nick young meme" - Libraries Near Me - Oakland, California

This is one of the places I went to study before I was taking my board. The Good: - Newer building, so it has better insulation that most other libraries in the summer, HOWEVER it did close early one time because it was over 85 degrees and it said it had to because of some guidelines. I was pissed. - Seems to have a pretty good selection of everything. It's not like I actually checked anything out, but you get a general idea if you walk by it enough - Helpful staff The Bad: - Terrible hours, seriously, its like it's different every day. - If you go here enough, you start to see some usual suspects, and some of them are cranky old men that shout things at the computer right next to the quiet area. read more

The best part of this library are the beautiful purple flowers cascading down the outside walls. Gorgeous. The place isn't bad for books either. Their movie selection is pretty good, and in alpha order by section. Another perk is that they are open til 8pm on Tuesdays, whereas most branches close at 5:30. The counter staff are helpful... slow, but in a good, taking care of you way. read more

Rockridge Library has been so helpful during the pandemic. It's been easy to go and quickly pick up books. I'm just so grateful for the librarians that work there. read more

Love that I can find everything here from Biography of Cleopatra to Thomas The Tank Engine. Nice open area for my nephews to read and hang out in and overall the space is not sketchy, thankyouverymuch. Online services are user-friendly and super convenient and staff is really helpful. Ps. What's up with the parking? Only some spots have meters? read more

The front-desk staff can be snarky. The hours are horribly inconvenient for any working person. And lately they have been closed ALL THE TIME with ridiculous excuses. "It's too hot!" "Yesterday was too hot!" "Admissions Day." WTF is Admissions Day, and why don't they have it on a Sunday or Monday?? (Yes, they are closed both Sunday and Monday.) read more

With the advancement of digital devices and high-speed lines, books, films and documents seem to neatly fill in your iPAD space. However, if you have to go into a library in Oakland, this branch is the site you can safely venture in without feeling like you need to GTFO (ie, no urine smells, no homeless, no bank robbers, etc.). Good corner location and next to a public parking lot. read more

First, the most important aspect, they have NO AC, it gets ridiculously hot inside even with average temps outside. Second, they have a multiple personality disorder. You think you're in a library, but they seem to think its a playground since they let kids run around everywhere screaming their heads off with the parents playing on their phones or just letting the brats cry themselves out. This is for the entire building, not just their kid's section and not just their "story time" days. The librarians will just sit there doing whatever. Third, they've got no control of the line. People will walk in, head to the front and get service. Idiots will line up on the obviously wrong side, two, three or four lines will form depending on how idiotic or impatient people get, I kid you not. If you're like me, call them out when someone tries to cut ahead, and immediately tell the librarian. That's the only way they'll give you service. read more

Visually, a very pleasing place. The noise level, however, is obnoxious. Unfortunately, the automatic doors were just a horrible, terrible design idea. Zhhoooom! Open....zhoooom...close....zhoooom...open. You get the idea. And don't let me get started on the kids. Seriously. Yes, the selection is nice, and it's very spacious and filled with light but if you're looking for a place to actually read or write, this is not the place. The Walnut Creek library is a much better option. Even the West Oakland is better than this. read more

A few things about this branch i should have posted awhile ago. High cielings and art room- neat. Large windows letting in alot of light -neat. Helpful staff - neat. now the not so neat-lol Schedules change so frequently you probably will visit this branch and the doors will be closed with a new schedule and or celebrate a new holiday youve never heard of . how about 1 more, national sponge bob day. Wifi is not reliable and a few post it notes when it is down would be helpful around the seating areas. UV lights- heavy energy especially around the lower cieling areas of the branch. read more

The Rockridge Branch of the Oakland Public Library has a very good collection of feature films and foreign films on DVD and VHS. Browse through the small CD collection, and you'll be suprised to find some decent stuff mixed in with the "one hit wonder" rejects from your old collection. Wander over to the Young Adult section because you'll find CDs by artists like The Shins and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Free (slow) internet access on some old computers is available if you are desperate. And of course, they have books...plenty of them too. As most all libraries work, if a book you want is not available at this branch, you can reserve it and get it sent to your branch. Get a library card and take advantage of what your tax dollars are supporting. read more

A typical modern "library" that doesn't know whether it wants to be a multi-media center, a day-car center, or a place for books. I have not found there a place for quiet reading. The staff tolerate a lot of noise and the acoustics do not help. In the evening there are frequently large groups of kids who don't know enough to keep it down. What kind of "reading" room is it when you find yourself sitting next to someone hammering away at a laptop keyboard? Solution that works for me: earplugs. read more

Why buy a book on Amazon when you can borrow it online from the library? My routine is to go through recommendations on Amazon and switch over to the library website to request it. Then, on Saturday I pop on into my local branch and pick up a nice stack of books, for only 25cents each! read more

This is the library I go to when I'm walking to or from the Rockridge Trader Joe's--usually with a bag of groceries in tow. They are spacious, courteous, and have a generous selection of DVDs, plus I can walk around the stacks without feeling like I'm going to step on anyone. read more

The elevator at this branch is hardly used and is very spacious. If you need to use it as a public space, it is often available for 45 minute... I mean 1 hour... I mean an hour and a half... I mean 45 minute intervals without disturbance. read more