|
|
Beyond Books
|
|
Ellen Mulholland
|
|
Last Updated on August, 18 2008 at 01:26 PM
|
|
|
|
|
The City’s budget deficit is thought to be somewhere between $50
million and $100 million. It’s a safe bet that we will soon start
hearing that certain City services will be reduced or eliminated
altogether. The record over the past 20 years shows that a city’s
library system is often among the first of the city’s institutions to
feel the pain of a budget crisis. At times like these, it’s important
to remember that the Oakland Public Library is one place where
residents can actually watch their tax dollars put to good use in a
variety of services that go far beyond putting books on shelves.
No matter where you live in Oakland, you are not far from one of the 20
public libraries. Here's an OakBook list of some of the more
interesting and entertaining OPL offerings. |
The City’s budget deficit is thought to be somewhere between $50 million and $100 million. It’s a safe bet that we will soon start hearing that certain City services will be reduced or eliminated altogether. The record over the past 20 years shows that a city’s library system is often among the first of the city’s institutions to feel the pain of a budget crisis. At times like these, it’s important to remember that the Oakland Public Library is one place where residents can actually watch their tax dollars put to good use in a variety of services that go far beyond putting books on shelves.
No matter where you live in Oakland, you are not far from one of the 20 public libraries. Here's an OakBook list of some of the more interesting and entertaining OPL offerings.
First, mark your calendar for an art exhibit from a first-time collaboration between the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) and the San Francisco Center for the Book (SFCB). These organizations have joined forces to present a thought-provoking exhibit curated by Hanna Regev. More than 50 artists have created a visual interpretation of their choice of a censored literary work.
Come view this exhibition of art inspired by banned books.
BANNED & Recovered: Artists Respond to Censorship
September 5 – December 31, 2008
Noon - 5:30 PM
African American Museum & Library at Oakland
659 14th Street
510-637-0200
For Adults
Second Start Adult Literacy Program
Oakland Public Library
1801 Adeline St. Oakland
Second Start Hours: Mondays, 10 AM – 8 PM; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 AM – 5 PM; Thursdays, 2 – 5 PM
Contact: Norma Jones 510-238-3432; njones@oaklandlibrary.org
The library estimates that one-fourth of Oakland’s adult population is illiterate. Since 1984, this adult reading program has served 5,000 residents. Instructors match participants (16 years or older who are not enrolled in school) with individual tutors. Training sessions for tutors take place at various times on Saturdays at the Adeline Street branch. Students work on reading, writing, computer and math skills. The program welcomes fluent English speakers 18 years or older to volunteer as tutors. If you know someone interested in receiving literacy support, they should call to make an assessment appointment.
Lawyers in the Library
Main Library
125 14th St.
Thursdays, 6 PM - 8 PM
Contact: Main Library Information Desk 238-3134
Sign-up for lottery by 5:45 pm.
Arrive early and bring your paperwork. Members of the Alameda County Bar Association provide free legal information and referrals. Due to the popularity of these sessions, the library suggests you call in advance to confirm on the day of the program.
African-American Quilters
West Oakland Branch
1801 Adeline Street
Last Saturdays, Noon – 3 PM
Bring your own project and benefit from the group’s expertise and stimulating conversations.
For Teens
Teen GameZone
Cesar Chavez Branch
3301 East 12th St., Ste. 271
First and Third Tuesdays, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Contact: Pete Villasenor 535-5620; pvillasenor@oaklandlibrary.org
After a long day graphing algebra equations or interpreting Greek tragedies, most teens need some down time. Before heading home, students might decide they need a little time with their Gibson Les Paul. Guitar Hero fans around the world can attest to just how addictive this game can be. For kids missing an exhibitionist streak, try a basic board game, or just enjoy some snacks and good conversation with friends.
Wild Wednesdays!
Martin L. King Jr. Branch
6833 International Blvd.
Wednesdays, 2 PM - 4 PM
Contact: Library staff 615-5728
Many Oakland middle and high schools release students early on Wednesdays so that school staff can collaborate. If you know a teen that needs a safe place for those extra hours, suggest the Wild Wednesdays program at the MLK branch. The library invites teens to enjoy games, music, and munchies.
Teen Time Thursdays
Dimond Branch
3565 Fruitvale Ave.
Thursdays, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Contact: Sarah 482-7844
Bring your homework or just you. Dimond’s Teen Time provides chill time for teens. Pick up a book or just some school hall gossip. The library provides music, snacks and board games.
Teen Chess Workshop
Eastmont Branch
Eastmont Town Center
7200 Bancroft Ave., Ste. 211
Saturdays, 1 PM - 3 PM
Love chess? Curious about it? Think you are the neighborhood champ? Venture down to Eastmont’s branch any Saturday and show off or pick up tips. The staff welcomes kids from kindergarten to high school seniors, from beginners to experts. Adult chess mentors are also welcome.
For All Ages
Piedmont Ave. Branch Knitting Group
160 41st St.
Saturdays, 3 PM - 4 PM
Contact: Joy Murphy 595-5056; jmurph@oaklandlibrary.org 
Bring your basket of yarn and shiny pair of knitting needles to the Piedmont branch’s Saturday afternoon knitting group. Knitters learn from each other and enjoy the company and support of fellow purlers.
Basic Instrumental Music Training
Golden Gate Branch
5606 San Pablo Ave.
Saturdays, 10 AM - 1 PM
Contact: Library Staff 597-5023; smckellar@oaklandlibrary.org
Dust off your middle school flute, grab your kids, and head down to the Golden Gate Branch’s lively music class. Join up with the more skilled Jazz combo players or settle in for some basics. Leave your wallet behind, this is your local library, and all classes are free.
Book Clubs and Discussion Groups
Are you itching to read that new book, but would love to share the adventures as the plot unfolds? If you like talking about the story and characters while you are in the middle of a book, then you might consider joining like-minded readers at one of these many book clubs and discussion groups.
Dimond Book Discussion Group
3565 Fruitvale
Second Mondays, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
482-7844
Golden Gate Book Discussion Group
5606 San Pablo
Fourth Mondays, 6:30
597-5023
Lakeview Book Club
550 El Embarcadero
Third Mondays, 6:30 – 8 PM
http://lakeviewfriends.org
Melrose Book Discussion Group
4805 Foothill Blvd.
Fourth Mondays, 6 – 7 PM
535-5623 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RECOMMEND
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OAKLAND
OAKKIDS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|