Originally appeared in the 07/96 issue of 'Off the Shelf'

The Elmhurst district was named after the groves of elm trees that once covered this area of Oakland. After manufacturing arrived by the 1920's, the area was known as The Detroit of The West for its auto industry. In 1909 Elmhurst was annexed to Oakland and its sleepy town identity quickly became a thing of the past. In 1911 the Elmhurst Mother's Club requested a library for the district. "With this petition to the Library Board, their wish was granted in April of the same year when library service began at 9040 East 14th Street." In 1920, the branch moved to 8912 East 14th Street.

In August, 1929, the Elmhurst Herald stated, "Elmhurst needs a new library. The figures prove it. During the month of July, 1929, it led all other branches in the city in the number of books taken out, and it is in its third among volumes taken out annually. Branches patronized in other districts only half as much, have better accommodations." In 1945 voters approved a bond issue to build the present Elmhurst library, along with the current Lakeview branch and Main Library. On Easter Sunday, April 10, 1949, the present branch at 1427 88th Avenue was dedicated by the Grand Parlor of the Native Daughters of The Golden West.

The Elmhurst library is mid-sized...cozy. There is even a fair-sized patio out back. An attractive site, Elmhurst Branch has a nice front lawn with flowers, shrubs and trees lining the sidewalk up the walkway into the front door. The large main services room is divided in half. There is a computer and printer, and an extensive religious studies collection in this room. The adult area includes a teen collection, a reference section, an extensive African-American studies collection, and Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese language collections. Its Spanish language circulation is second only to the Latin American Branch. Many of the Elmhurst staff are Spanish bilingual. Current circulation is 2,000 - 3,000 books per month.

The newest staffer is Irma Clark, Senior Librarian for outreach. Good luck Irma, this branch won't be a hard sell. There is also Tansey Miller, the first resident children's librarian in three years, funded by Measure O. Her storytelling area is off the main room. Tansey's wish list for things that could perk up this area include: lower shelves for her toddlers, light plastic furniture, some pillows, a puppet stage, chalk board, flannel board with flannel, a television and a VCR, and a boom box.

Some things have changed here in the Elmhurst community over the decades, but the constants are a library staff that cares, and a community that appreciates and uses its branch. This is evident by their support this year of library programs like the Juneteenth and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The Elmhurst branch is a rest haven on days too full of stimulation. Call 510-613-3727 for more information.

-- Wanda Sabir

(Please note that this story may not reflect current staff assignments at this branch.)