Earlier this month, I shared how our family book club swapped lions for wizards, diving into Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. We’ve been tackling it with a mix of hard copies and audiobooks, all thanks to our local library. We’re already on chapter 11 and gearing up for a big movie day next Monday to celebrate Labor Day. My plan is to make the whole day a celebration of literacy and a true rest from labor, ending early so we’re all bright-eyed for Tuesday.
This whole experience has me thinking about what an incredible resource we have in our city. So today, I want to give a full review of the place that makes our literary adventures possible: the Oakland Public Library (OPL) system.
The library has become our family’s happy place. It’s more than just a building filled with books—it’s a dynamic hub for community events, hands-on learning, and discovering our city.
Our love for the OPL has been built through their amazing events. The recent End of Summer Celebration at the Main Branch was a perfect example. The kids were captivated by an aerial artist in the courtyard and a clown performing bubble magic in the auditorium. There was also a mobile aquarium, community vendors, and even a barbecue hosted by local firefighters! Of course, the children’s room was buzzing with kids exploring books and playing.
But it’s not just the big annual events. A few months ago, I took the twins to a special Oakland Symphony event at the Main Branch. After a performance, the musicians invited the children to try out an instrument from each family of the orchestra. It was an incredible, hands-on experience that both twins absolutely loved.
When we first moved to Oakland, the library was our guide. Last year’s End of Summer Celebration at the West Oakland branch was our introduction to the community. We left with free books, toys, and a wealth of information about local resources. That day, we even scored free tickets to the Bay Area Discovery Museum, which quickly became another family favorite.
So, how does the Oakland Public Library system measure up against my official AFROP Coconut Rating?
The MetaCocoMom AFROP Coconut Rating: Oakland Public Library
A – Active Brains: 🥥🥥🥥🥥🥥 (5 out of 5 coconuts)
How well does this stimulate the brain?
The library is the ultimate brain gym. From story time for the little ones to coding classes for older kids and author talks for adults, there are endless opportunities to learn. The sheer volume of books, documentaries, and digital resources ensures that every visit sparks curiosity and encourages deep dives into new topics.
F – Focused Art: 🥥🥥🥥 (3 out of 5 coconuts)
Is it Afrofuturist?
While not explicitly Afrofuturist in its overall mission, the OPL makes a clear effort to champion diverse voices and perspectives. They frequently highlight works by Black authors and artists, host culturally relevant events, and their collections reflect the rich diversity of Oakland. You can find Afrofuturist art and literature here, creating a space where our children can see themselves in stories of the future.
R – Real Experiences: 🥥🥥🥥🥥 (4 out of 5 coconuts)
Does it offer a chance to be immersed in something?
Absolutely. The OPL excels at creating immersive experiences. The instrument “petting zoo” with the Oakland Symphony is a perfect example. Events like the summer celebrations are multi-sensory, and even a simple visit can become an adventure in discovery. The only thing holding it back from a perfect score is that some of the most immersive events can get very crowded.
O – Opportunities: 🥥🥥🥥🥥🥥 (5 out of 5 coconuts)
Do we get to apply new knowledge?
Yes! The library is all about applying knowledge. Kids can check out a book on gardening and then get free seeds from the seed library to start their own garden. They can attend a workshop and leave with a new skill. For parents, it’s a place to learn about community resources and immediately put that information to use.
P – Practicalities: 🥥🥥🥥🥥🥥 (5 out of 5 coconuts)
What’s the time, energy, and financial cost?
This is where the library is unbeatable. The financial cost is zero. It’s always free. With numerous branches and flexible hours, the time and energy cost is minimal. They often provide food at events and, of course, you leave with a bag full of free entertainment and knowledge. It’s the most accessible and rewarding outing a family could ask for.
The Oakland Public Library is a cornerstone of our community. It’s a place where our family learns, grows, and connects. If you haven’t visited your local branch lately, I highly recommend it.
What are your favorite things about the Oakland Public Library? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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