Oakland Public Library — Attraction in Oakland

As a music teacher, I understand how much work it is to put on a concert. From preparing students to preparing the space. To my knowledge, the library doesn’t require a rental fee to use the space but people feel the library staff should be expected to do all of the set up for the concert? Again, as a music teacher, I would NEVER expect the library to do all of that. In addition, a parent is upset that the library doesn’t give service hours for performing in a music teacher’s concert? For what? Did they volunteer at the library shelving books? This makes absolutely no sense. I understand where the library is coming from. And to use Google reviews to hurt our library’s reputation is not only wrong, it’s distasteful. Our library is amazing and offers so much to not only the children but the adults in our community. Rather than run an online smear campaign less than 5 days before the holidays, why not spend the energy spreading joy....

Our town library is truly wonderful. When I first moved here 16 years ago, I didn’t visit it much during the first seven years. However, everything changed when my son was born. We became regular visitors! I would take him to story time with Ms. Debbie when he was a baby and toddler, and we loved participating in arts and crafts activities. As he grew older, we tried to attend as many events as we could, whether it was magicians, the Bigfoot hunter, musicians, or science shows—anything that seemed fun! Now that my son is 7, he adores the library and enjoys exploring all the books. I have also found the library to be a great place for studying and writing, especially since I returned to school. While Oakland’s library may not be the biggest, the staff are friendly and always willing to help. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can help find it for you! The Oakland Public Library is an essential and cherished part of...

I grew up in a town that didn't have a library. When I moved to Oakland 12 years ago, having access to a local, nearby library was one of the things I was most excited about. Now that I have a family of my own, our time at the library is often and cherished. Their children's department staff is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING (shout out to Miss Debbie!) Their ENTIRE staff is absolutely amazing. Everyone is always friendly, informative, and willing to help. The free programs it has are so wonderful and enriching and they have something for everyone of every age. We have attended countless magic shows, music sing-alongs, story times, free concerts, crafting classes, you name it. This library is first class and I am so thankful for all of the ways it has enriched my...