Buttons from Gertrude Stein's 150th Birthday Party. Gertrude Stein (1874-1946) was a pivotal figure in 20th century art and literature. During her lifetime she became a celebrity as a Paris salon hostess and an early collector of modern art. She wrote poetry, plays, novels, opera librettos, and autobiographies in a style that was polarizing in its modernity. Before attaining worldwide fame, Gertrude Stein grew up in Oakland.  February 3, 2024 marked Stein's 150th birthday. In honor of the day, the Oakland History Center hosted a birthday party where we read from her work, ate brownies, ma ..read more

We all love a good book but what does it take to publish one? Oakland author, Meikko Sheiree talks about her writing and publishing journey with her debut novel, Situationship. I celebrate Black literature all year round but I wanted to learn more about the current landscape of the literary scene in Oakland through the eyes of other contemporary Black writers. So for Black History Month, I decided to spotlight author, Meikko Sheiree, and her debut novel, Situationship. After attending Meikko's book launch and reading at Kinfolx, I purchased a copy and began reading. The romance was spicy and m ..read more

This resource list is for parents and caregivers in Alameda County, California. For additional books and resources, check out the Resources for Oakland Parents list created by OPL Librarian, Pat Toney at the end of this post. Resource List Help Me Grow  Alameda County system that collaborates with agencies, families and providers across the county to help ensure children ages birth – 5 years reach their optimal development. Alameda County Behavioral Health – Alameda Family Services, opens a new window Behavioral health resources. If you have any trouble finding what you need, please ca ..read more

Have you heard of Eleanor Watkins? I hadn't until Sean Dickerson, archivist at the African American Museum and Library (AAMLO) found a photograph of Eleanor Watkins in AAMLO's Royal Towns Papers with the caption "Oakland's first Black librarian." Sean asked if I could confirm the caption with documents in the Oakland Public Library Archives here in the Oakland History Center, and we both went on a quest to find out more.  Librarian Elinor Watkins working at her desk. Courtesy Royal Towns Papers, African American Museum and Library, Oakland. Eleanor Watkins was a graduate of UC Berkel ..read more

OPL has a new addition - Educate Station! Educate Station is an easy-to-use online resource that provides curriculum materials for pre-k through 5th grade. You might be worrying that this means more screen time for the kids - nope!  The staff of Educate Station develop learning plans and worksheets where everything is printable.  Subjects include math, science, social studies, language arts and social-emotional development (SEL), and follow Common Core State Standards. You can browse learning plans by week or by subject, depending on your needs. You can also create a free account t ..read more

Written by Yohan Smith, OPL Library Aide at the Rockridge Branch, SFMOMA Museum Guide, and SFMOMA Volunteer Librarian  “When Possible: Lift the Spirit of Humanity (Through the Arts): Do Not Reflect the Challenges of the World Around You.” ~Marina Abramovic, as heard on Amanpour and Friends, December 12, 2023.  This is my third year blogging for Black History Month, I hope you enjoy it. It is timely given this year’s annual theme is “the Arts”. The list is not in order from 1 to 9 in terms of any of my favorites. I have chosen to list numerous artists whose work is personally intrigu ..read more

Welcome to festive February at the Oakland Public Library! There's so much to celebrate and we have HUNDREDS of events every month. So here's the highlights! For Black History Month: Get your books in at our Black Culture Family Read-Ins or our Special storytime and meet & greet with two-time NBA champion, Clifford Ray! We're also hosting the artist reception for winners of OPL's library card art contest on the 3rd, where you can sign up and get the new limited-edition library card designs two days early! (Check out OPL's virtual exhibit to see more library card art celebrating African A ..read more

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