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Vol. 1, No. 1 August 1, 2008
Greetings!
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Oakland Public Library's monthly e-newsletter! We are providing this vehicle to keep our community updated about the latest library news and events. Please forward it to any friends and neighbors you know who might be interested in subscribing. If you do not wish to receive future issues, you can unsubscribe at any time. Happy reading! |
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Summer Reading Program to Close with Fun Finale
 It's fun for the entire family as the Oakland Public Library's Summer Reading Program draws to a close with a big party at the Oakland Museum of California. The celebration links two fantastic summer events, the library's Summer Reading Program and the Oakland Museum of California's Family Explorations for a double dose of culture, entertainment, fun, and learning. The celebration will take place on the grounds of the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street, on Sunday, August 10, 2008, from 12:30 to 4:30 PM.
Magic by Alex, the Insect Discovery Lab and UC Berleley's Cognitive Control and Development Lab will will all be on hand to entertain and educate with dazzling performances and displays. Children can also get their faces painted by a clown, participate in hands-on art activities, listen to stories, or enjoy free frozen treats provided by Dreyer's. And, to give credit where it's due, the library will conduct a ceremony to honor all Summer Reading Program participants who succeeded in reading eight hours or more this summer.
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East Oakland Library Groundbreaking Attracts Over 250 People
 It was a sparkling day on May 30th when library officials, representatives from the City, the State, and the Oakland School Unified District broke ground for a new joint school/public library in East Oakland. Community members and students from the nearby ACORN Woodland Elementary School and EnCompass Academy were on hand for the festivities. Library Director Carmen Martínez welcomed the excited crowd and introduced the speakers. Among the dignitaries present were Mayor Ron Dellums, Council member Larry Reid, School Board Vice-President Alice Spearman, and Bessie Condos from the State Library Bond Administration Office. They spoke about the new library and what it will mean for the community.
Construction began in July and the new library, located at 81st Avenue and Rudsdale, is slated to open in late 2009. Funding for this project is being provided by the State of California (Proposition 14), the Oakland Redevelopment Agency, the Oakland Unified School District, and other sources.
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AAMLO Exhibit Celebrates Oakland's Black Heritage 
If you haven't seen it yet, the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) has a surprise for you! The second floor gallery space has been transformed into a new permanent exhibit, entitled Visions Towards Tomorrow: The African American Community in Oakland, 1890-1990. Over 100 historical photographs, films, home movies, and period music, as well as overhead diaphanous banners immerse you in the experience of Oakland's African American community over the past century. Four interactive touch-screen stations feature first-person narratives of over 50 contemporary residents, including dancer Ruth Beckford, Superior Court judge Gordon Baranco, and the Reverend J. Alfred Smith, Jr. The innovative design and layout showcase the rich and vibrant history of African Americans from the period of Spanish colonization to the last decade of the 20th century. Money for the $1 million project came from a grant from the State of California's Department of Parks and Recreation, Human Resources Bond Act.
AAMLO is open Tuesdays - Saturdays, noon to 5:30 p.m. and is located at 659 14th Street (near Preservation Park). There is no admission charge. For more information, call (510) 637-0200 or click here. |
TeenZone Extreme Makeover Underway
 Work began on July 21st on the renovation of the TeenZone on the second floor of the Main Library. This exciting project will result in an expanded TeenZone featuring its own computer lab, private group study rooms, quiet reading areas, a video section for programming and instruction, increased shelving to accommodate more materials, and a display space to showcase local teen art.
The $390,000 project was designed by YHLA Architects; the contractor is Rockridge Builders. Funding sources include grants from the Pubic Library Fund, Torrance Turner Trust, Friends of the Oakland Public Library, and the Alameda County Source Reduction & Recycling Board. Anticipated date of completion is Winter 2009. Stay tuned for more info about this fantastic addition!
Meanwhile, the Main Library's TeenZone (now temporarily located in the West Auditorium on the ground floor) is still open for business. Check us out! |
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Teen Slam Jam Promises Fun with Words & Live Music
Come hear what some of Oakland's brave new voices have to say! The Oakland Public Library, BUMP Records and Youth Speaks present an end of summer Slam Jam, featuring poetry slams by Youth Speaks and live music by BUMP Records artists. Mark your calendars: Wednesday August 20, 2008, from 5 to 7:30 PM. The event will take place at the Main Library's West Auditorium, 125 14th Street.
Youth Speaks is the nation's leading nonprofit presenter of spoken word performances by young people. Its programs encourage creative self-expression with the aim of combating illiteracy, alienation and silence. Bump Records also grooms young talent by providing training in vocal technique, writing, composing, and producing music. Its students will perform original soul, R&B, reggae and hip hop songs.
Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (510) 238-7233. |
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Guitar Hero Champs will Rock the TeenZone |
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 Guitar Hero III semi-finals took place at the Main Library and Rockridge, Cesar Chavez, West Oakland and Melrose branches during the month of July and early August. The top two performers in each of those competitions will meet in the championships at the Main Library's TeenZone on Saturday August 9, from 2 to 4:30 PM. It should be entertaining and grippingly competitive as these virtual virtuosos vie for the Guitar Hero crown! Come see the finger-picking drama unfold!
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"Book a Librarian" Here to Help
Do you have a complicated or extended question that you would like to discuss with a professional librarian? Do you need more personalized help using a computer or the Internet? Now you can reserve a free 30-minute, one-on-one session with one of our Main Library reference librarians. During the session, we will provide you help with your research needs; instruction in the use of the library catalog, the subscription reference databases and applications supported by library computers, such as Microsoft Word; or guidance in the use of the Internet or Web-based e-mail. If you're interested, call (510) 238-3138 during library hours for availability of this service. |
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Volunteers Sought
Books for Wider Horizons is seeking volunteers to read to children once a week at a local preschool or childcare center. Participants must complete a 7-session training at the Rockridge Branch before they can be placed. The fall schedule for training classes is as follows:
September 23, 24, 25 (6 to 8:15pm)
October 7, 8, 9 (6 to 8:15pm)
October 11 (9am to 3pm)
Please call (510) 238-7453 for more information or to sign up. The Rockridge Branch is at 5366 College Ave.
 The library's Second Start Program offers free adult literacy tutoring, classes, and computer use to people 16 and older who read or write below the eighth-grade level. On August 9 Second Start will begin an 18-hour training for volunteer tutors. A nine-month commitment is required.
Advanced registration is required. Call (510) 238-3432 or click here for information. Second Start is at 1801 Adeline Street. |
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AAMLO Sizzles with Summer Jazz Series
This month the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) kicks off a series of afternoon jazz concerts that is sure to be a great way to spend a few Saturday afternoons. The series will featured the talents of keyboardist Sandor Moss, bassist Ron Belcher, and guitarist/composer Wayne Anderson.
Here are the dates:
Saturday August 16, 2008, 4 - 6 PM
Saturday August 30, 2008, 4 - 6 PM
Saturday September 13, 2008, 4 - 6 PM
Saturday September 27, 2008, 4 - 6 PM
Call 510-237-0200 for information. AAMLO is located at 659 14th St. | |
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The Oakland Public Library informs, inspires, and delights our diverse community as a resource for information, knowledge, and artistic and literary expression, providing the best in traditional services, new technologies, and innovative programs. |
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