A History of Public Libraries in Oakland
Inspired by “143 Years of Oakland Public Library History,” by Emily Foster, https://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/post/143-years-of-oakland-public-library-history/
It is difficult to determine what one day the first Oakland Public library was created. There are in fact two days that could be easily argued for as the birthday of the library organization, both of which were celebrated 100 years later as the library’s centennial. Before 1878 — when the Library became public and city-run — there were private libraries in Oakland, open only to dues-paying members. One of these private libraries was the Oakland Library Association which was established March 5, 1868, and was what later became the public city-run organization. November 7, 1878, though, marks the date of the library becoming open-to-all taxpayer-funded institution, like the Oakland Public Libraries we know today.
In 1878 the ability to levy taxes in support of public libraries was granted to cities in California thanks to the passing of the Rogers Free Library Act. Once the Act was passed, the Oakland Library Association quickly transferred it’s resources to the city, and became the first public library in Oakland. It was the second public library ever in California, after Eureka.
Branches and Buildings
When the library began, there was only one building: the Main Library. The library was located on 14th street and San Pablo Avenue, and later moved to a wooden structure build in 1878 on the site of present City Hall, which acted as the Main Library until 1902. In 1899 construction began on a new Main Library, funded by a campaign run by City Librarian Charles S. Greene. This library was the first Carnegie library in Oakland, and was completed in 1902. It served as the Main Library until 1951, when the current main library was opened. It became a branch library renamed after Greene, and the was used as offices until it was abandoned due to the 1989 earthquake. It reopened in 2002 as the African Museum and library at Oakland. The current Main Library opened in 1951, at 14th and Oak Streets.
In 1878 the first library branch was established under City Librarian Ina Coolbrith: the West Oakland Reading Room. Since then 15 library branches have been added, including the Cesar E. Chavez branch in the Fruitvale, the Martin Luther King, Jr. branch in East Oakland, and the Asian Branch in Chinatown. In 1965 the bookmobile services began, and the Oakland libraries have continued to grow since.
Librarians
The first Oakland City Librarian —which is essentially today’s Director of Library Services — was named Ina Coolbrith. Josephine or “Ina” Coolbrith was born in Illinois in 1841, and moved to California when she was ten: her family lured in by the gold rush. She was hired on to be a librarian for the Oakland Library Association in 1874 at the age of 33. She was a well-known poet, and a beloved community member. Despite protest from the community, Coolbrith was succeeded by her first assistant Henry F. Peterson in 1893. Ina Coolbrith’s poetry and scrapbooks can be found in the Oakland History Center.
Henry F. Peterson hired the library’s first reference librarian, Frederick Irons Bamford in 1895, who established the library’s reference collection. During Peterson’s time as City Librarian, the library created its first card catalog.
Charles S. Greene, campaign manager to build the third Main Library building, became the third City Librarian in 1899, and served as such until 1926.
Making the Libraries more inclusive
Being inclusive, accepting and non-prejudging, is something many groups and organizations have to work towards. When asked to become a San-Francisco city librarian, Oakland’s first City Librarian famously said, “I am disqualified by sex,” and it was true. At the time San Francisco city librarians were required to be male. Since then our society and community have made great progress in continuing to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. In 1904 the library begin services for children. In 1917 the library participates in a book drive for soldiers of WWI, and in 1941 adult-ed programs are expanded. In 1966 the Cesar E. Chavez branch is established, and is the first library branch specifically devoted to the Spanish-speaking community. In Services for the blind, visually impaired, and deaf are established by the library in 1971. In 1973 Project Outreach is established fro senior citizens, and in 1976 the Asian branch library is established. In 1979 the American Indian Library Service is established with the goal of “Breaking down public perceptions of who Native Americans are. Elevating conversation around Native American issues.
Promoting Native education, literacy, and community,” (AILA website).
The library has created programs for students(PASS) and services for disabled patrons. In 1994 the library joins with the Northern California Center for African American History and Life and becomes African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) located in the old Charles Greene library.
In 2019 late-fees are eliminated for all items, including tools. The libraries have made impressive change in diversity and inclusion of all types of people and communities and will continue to grow in history and richness and culture.
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