Oakland Public Library: Dimond Branch

Nice and helpful staff
Apr 5th, 2024

Mar 28th, 2024

Great staff, organized, great kids area
Mar 5th, 2024

I went to a book club meeting here last week and felt that there should be a book club for teenagers and middle school. It is a good age to feel comfortable discussing the way books are written, impressions of dialog and other aspects of writing critique and to learn to self advocate and make friends. Also it is something fun to do after school once in a while and can go on college applications. I am actually looking for a writing club to go to. Dimond is a pleasant library to go with lots of affordable food options nearby, some even vegan. I had only found the book that same day and was 20 pages into the book so I didn't feel compelled to participate in the discussion. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go back this book club however I discussed it over with my mood therapy group and decided it would be nice to give it another try since I could tell there was another dissenter reluctant to weigh in on various aspects of the book we reviewed or reported on called 'The Violin Conspiracy'. I was surprised there was a group facilitator because at my last book club it was lead by participants only. I feel like it would have been a real burden to so closely have to guard that violin everywhere. And the violin contest should have actually provided the exact same violin to all contestants participating in the contest. I felt like the dialog between the characters was too similar sounding, their dialog was not distinguishing them to stand out which made me less motivated to read the entire book since I also checked out the other book by the same author something about a Symphony in the title, I keep forgetting .
Feb 4th, 2024

A paragon among libraries. All the free books you ever wanted, plus for kids storytime, lego events, etc. Especially with Link+, the library can pretty much always get you whatever book you need (e.g., obscure philosophy and history titles; sheet music). The website is effective at seeing and managing holds/checkouts/requests/renewals. Also pretty solid collections of online materials, like Hoopla and Overdrive, although for those I often use my SFPL card (free for California residents! But have to go in person; worth the trip since it has such an extensive collection). The eAnswers service is helpful in finding and requesting more-obscure materials from other libraries. Book Me! service good for book recommendations (good for kids!). Librarians are all professional and kind.
Jan 18th, 2024