Friends of the Oakland Public Library
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"Public libraries receive less than 1% of all tax dollars and are used by more than 50
percent of the population." |
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Friends of the Oakland Public Library
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Rockridge Branch:
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At 2:00 p.m. on August 3rd, the doors of the Rockridge branch library will
reopen at 5366 College Avenue, at Manila. The new library building is
reminiscent of the craftsman style of architecture reflecting the style of
the homes and businesses in the surrounding neighborhood.
This symbolic tie to the neighborhood is fitting given the long history of neighborhood interest and support of the library. |
The Rockridge Library was constructed from state bond funds, a special assessment district, and Oakland's Capital Improvement Fund |
As early as 1913, a neighborhood improvement association lobbied the Oakland library trustees to install a branch in a newly opened neighborhood school. In January 1919, a new branch was established in rented store space. The Vernon Rockridge Bulletin, in that year, proudly stated that "Our little store on Shafter Avenue, just east of College Avenue, is a gateway to a vast storehouse of knowledge." However, the space was apparently quite small, for by 1924, neighborhood groups sent several letters to the Oakland library board regarding the need for improved facilities. When, that same year, new space was leased at 5101 College Avenue, the community provided financial support for needed furnishings - linoleum, chairs and tables.
The Rockridge branch operated from the rented storefront at College and Miles avenues for 63 years.
In 1987, the library received notice of a tenfold rent increase for the space at College and Miles. This precipitated the branch's relocation to temporary quarters in a trailer across College on the Claremont Middle School grounds. It also occurred at the time that the city was considering various uses for land it had recently acquired several blocks away at College and Manila avenues. The Rockridge Community Planning Council, which had been evaluating the use of the site, proposed using the property for a permanent branch library building. The Rockridge Community Planning Council Library Committee was formed, and the rest is history.
Funding for the $3.5 million Rockridge branch came from three major sources. In 1990, Rockridge residents passed Measure L to create a special assessment district. The proceeds from this parcel tax financed a significant portion of the construction costs. In addition, the Oakland Library obtained state sponsored funds for the Rockridge project raised through the California Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 1988. The City of Oakland also provided funding for the project, as well as construction project management and other services.
To help outfit the new branch, the community organized a private fundraising drive to provide equipment, materials and furniture. Visitors to the library will notice 12" by 12" engraved granite tiles embedded in the floors. Individuals who sponsored the tiles chose quotations, dedications and memorials to be engraved on the tiles. Nancy Dutcher, chair of Neighbors for a Rockridge Library, organized the tile project. She said that the tiles themselves provided an excellent focus for people in the community to contribute to the library. Not only did the project exceed its financial goal, it also served to bring people together. Ms. Dutcher, a lifelong Rockridge resident, says that "While the project involved a tremendous amount of work, there was a personal aspect to the project that gave me great delight." Each of the engraved tiles has a story, and Ms. Dutcher received notes from donors about many of them.
Lee White, who was the Oakland Library Director during the early years of the Rockridge project (and a current F.O.P.L. board member), recalls that she admired the community members for their planning, organization, adaptability and perseverance. Ultimately, the project was a library "success story."
The Grand Opening is just the beginning. The Rockridge branch will be open Monday through Thursday, and Saturday. Storytime will resume in the new Children's Storytelling area. Visitors will be able to use the electronic reference center which includes public access computers and CD ROM readers. Last, but not least, the knowledge and assistance of the Rockridge librarians and up to 58,000 books await patrons at the new branch.
A quote from the Vernon Rockridge Bulletin, July 1919, seems appropriate today. "The branch library is a reality...It is now up to the residents of the district to patronize it liberally."
Sources for this story include accounts in the Rockridge Community Planning Council's newsletter and the ever helpful Oakland History Room at the Oakland Main Library.
-- Winifred Walters
(Please note that this story may not reflect current staff assignments at this branch.)
Click here for current information about the Rockridge Branch Library.
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