After receiving extensive treatment for mold abatement, the Montclair Branch Library will be back in operation starting Monday, July 6, when it will return to its regular schedule. By then, Library materials will have been moved back to the branch, and between 6,000 - 10,000 items will have been re-shelved. In addition, custodial and maintenance crews are working to ensure that the library facility will be in tip-top condition when it reopens to the public. 
 
A delay in the reopening of this facility occurred after the Oakland City Council voted to extend the temporary closure of the Montclair Branch through June 30 in order to realize current fiscal year savings.

 

For three Sundays in July, the Friends of Golden Gate Branch present Golden Gate Branch's 19th annual Summer Jazz Concert Series. This highly regarded series kicks off Sunday, July 12 and continues on July 19 and 26.
 
Each week, a featured artist will perform from 3 to 4 pm, followed by Randy Moore's History of Jazz, from 4:30 to 5 pm, and an open jam session from 5 to 6 pm. Reed man Robert Stewart will be the featured artist on July 12. Vibrophonist Yancy Taylor performs on July 19. Calvin Keys Trio, led by veteran guitarist Keys (pictured above), will follow on July 26. 

 

The Summer Jazz Series will continue in August, so watch this space for more information. 
 
Golden Gate Branch is located at 5606 San Pablo Ave. For information call 597-5023. 
 

 

The Teen Summer Passport Program, which began June 13, has sparked an unanticipated level of interest. Teen Services librarians had to order another printing of passports just days after the program launched. Evidently, Oakland teens are ready to get out and see local sights this summer. It's not too late to get in on the action. The program concludes August 15.

The enticement, naturally, is great prizes. Participants, ages 12 to 18, can become eligible to win a laptop computer, an iPod Nano, or a Flip camera. All they need to do is grab a free teen passport and a list of cultural sites at the Oakland Public Library and start exploring the Bay Area.

Here's how it works: Teens can pick up their Teen Summer Passport at any branch of the Oakland Public Library. They will also receive a list of recommended Bay Area Hot Spots to explore, including museums, farmers' markets, skate parks, and landmark cemeteries. Each time a teen visits one of these cultural sights, they can get their passport stamped. In addition to visiting local attractions, teens can also collect passport stamps by reading and writing short reviews; attending library programs; producing a self-portrait for their passport (digital, photo, or drawing); or volunteering. Three passport stamps will earn a raffle ticket, and each teen can accumulate a maximum of 8 raffle tickets. The raffle will take place at a party at the TeenZone in the Main Library, 125 14th St., 2nd floor, on August 29, 3 - 5 p.m. The party will feature live music by the Bay Area Girls Rock Camp.

For more information about the program, please call (510) 238-7232 or 238-7234, or visit the library's Website.

 

Over the next few days, the Friends of the Oakland Public Library and the new East Oakland at 81st Avenue Branch are beneficiaries of Whole Foods Market's Nickels for Non-Profits program. Now through July 5, customers who bring in their own bags have the option of either receiving a five-cent credit (per bag) or donating the five cents to the Friends of the Oakland Public Library. The money raised from this program will purchase materials for the East Oakland at 81st Avenue Branch Library, which is scheduled to open in early 2010. 
 
The Whole Foods Market is located on the corner of 27th St. and Harrison St., near Lake Merritt. Please tell your friends and neighbors about this special fund-raiser!  

 

Parents, are you looking for ways to keep your children busy during the lazy daze of summer? The Library provides a host of free events that are sure to bring little couch potatoes back to life. While you're at the Library, get your kids involved in the Summer Reading Program. Here's a run-down of July events:

 

[Please note that some event times and days may change depending on what happens with the city's budget. Call in advance to ensure that the event is still going on. To find library locations and phone numbers, click here.]
 
Bubble Lady
With just soap and water, the Bubble Lady creates giant bubble animals, wigs and much more. When one bubble pops there is always another close behind. 
  Eastmont Branch, Wednesday July 1, 10:30 AM 
  Temescal Branch, Tuesday July 7, 11 AM

  Dimond Branch, Tuesday July 7, 7 PM

  Montclair Branch, Tuesday July 7, 10:30 AM

  West Oakland Branch, Tuesday July 28, 10 AM

Eastmont Branch, Eastmont Town Center, 7200 Bancroft Ave., Ste. 211

  Thursday July 2, 3 PM - 5 PM
  Thursday July 9, 3 PM - 5 PM
  Thursday July 16, 3 PM - 5 PM
  Thursday July 23, 3 PM - 5 PM
  Thursday July 30, 3 PM - 5 PM