Oakland Public Library
historic place
The Oakland Public Library, located in Alameda County, officially began as a taxpayer-funded institution on November 7, 1878. Its roots are in the Oakland Library Association, a subscription library established in 1868. The library has used multiple main buildings. An early main library served until 1902. A Carnegie-funded building opened on June 30, 1902, at 14th Street and Grove, now Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. This building was the main library until 1951 and now houses the African American Museum and Library at Oakland. The current main library building, a significant historic place, opened on January 7, 1951, at 125 14th Street. This facility continues to serve Oakland, holding the largest collection among East Bay public libraries. Its history reflects Oakland's enduring commitment to public access to knowledge.