The African American Museum and Library. . .
Originally appeared in the 02/95 issue of "Off the Shelf"
Off the' Shelf is starting a series on each of the Branch Libraries in Oakland. To kick-off our series, we are featuring the African American Museum and Library.
The African American Museum and Library in Oakland (or AAMLO), is the newest "branch" of the Oakland Library. It's not a traditional library, with books that you check out. It's also more than a museum, with only exhibitions. I myself have run across a number of people who wonder what AAMLO is, hopefully this article will explain what it is and spark your interest to visit.
AAMLO contains materials on the Northern California African American community, with an emphasis on the East Bay. Like the History Room at the Main Library, AAMLO features exhibitions and programs. AAMLO's goal is to reach out and educate the community.
AAMLO is also an archive, with collections of primary materials, such as letters, photos and diaries. These materials have been donated to AAMLO by families, businesses, churches and professional organizations.
Finally, AAMLO is a research library. Materials are available for viewing by the public. This makes AAMLO different from going to a museum, because after viewing an exhibition, you can find out more about the subject, by looking at materials in their collection. Being part of the library fits AAMLO's goal of being an informal educational institution.
AAMLO began during the civil rights movement in 1965 as the East Bay Negro Historical Society.
The goal then, as now, was to collect and disseminate materials on African American history. Members of the society collected materials which expanded rapidly, so they rented a house on Grove St. to store and display them.
They soon outgrew that location, and made a series of moves, the latest being to its present location at the Golden Gate Library in 1982.
Once again, AAMLO has outgrown it location. This is important because the amount of research materials that can be kept is limited. There is good news. There are plans to move AAMLO to the now unoccupied Charles Greene Library (the Old Main Library) at 14th St. and MLK Way. Until the move AAMLO will continue in its present location at the Golden Gate Branch Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave. (AAMLO opened its doors at the Greene Library in 2002. Click here for current information.)
Some programs planned for the future include three exhibits that will also travel to other branches. There will be an exhibit on Sleeping Car Porters, the role of African American Women in World War II plus another exhibit on the role of all African Americans in World War II. For information on these exhibits or other questions, you can call 510-658-3158.
-- Alice Mercer