Official ribbon-cutting with silent auction and community speakers marks a new chapter for volunteer-run, 32-year-old store, whose proceeds benefit the Oakland Public Library
OAKLAND, Calif. – Sept. 20, 2024 – The Friends of the Oakland Public Library announced today the grand opening of The Bookmark Bookstore at 933 Broadway in Oakland on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a festive and engaging event. The event is free and open to the public.
Following a successful soft opening in June, the store’s official launch will fall on the last day of Banned Books Week (September 22-28). The Bookmark, staffed by passionate volunteers, offers a curated selection of gently used books and media, with all proceeds supporting Oakland's public libraries. The Friends of the OPL, established in 1950, donate an average of $200,000 to the library annually.
“The Bookmark's Grand Opening event is a celebration of the store’s new chapter in service to the Oakland Public Library,” said Kathryn Sterbenc, president of the Friends of the OPL. “The Bookmark aims to foster a love of reading and support the invaluable resources provided by our public library. Notably, the celebration coincides with Banned Books Week, emphasizing the importance of intellectual freedom and the diverse voices that libraries champion.”
The grand opening celebration will feature these activities and attractions:
Inspirational Speakers: Hear from prominent community leaders: OPL’s Director of Library Services, Jamie Turbak; Oakland’s 2024 Youth Poet Laureate, Ella Gordon; and Dorothy Lazard, retired Head Librarian of OPL’s Oakland History Center, among others.
Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive packages worth more than $1,000, donated by local organizations, such as:
Tickets for the Oakland Roots Soccer Club and an officially licensed jersey.
Tickets for the Oakland Ballers, the Town’s new pre-professional baseball team, and a $25 gift card at Square Pie Guys.
General passes for the Oakland Museum of California and the Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment.
A “behind-the-scenes tour” of Oakland’s Main Library hosted by Oakland’s Director of Library Services, Jamie Turbak, along with a signed copy of W. Kamau Bell’s memoir, The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell, plus a tote bag from his current run at the Berkeley Repertory Theater.
Gift certificate for cupcakes from Angel Cakes.
A $30 gift card from La Guerrera’s Kitchen.
Life-Size Love Letter to OPL: Pose for photos with a unique and artistic display celebrating the vital role of the Oakland Public Library.
Children’s Book Giveaway: Children can select from a range of free books, fostering a love of reading from an early age.
Delicious Treats: Enjoy an array of complimentary snacks and beverages, including cookies from Crumble & Whisk, while mingling with fellow book lovers.
Since the soft opening on June 15, The Bookmark has experienced enthusiastic support from the community. Volunteers have transformed the new space, organizing inventory, setting up operations, and creating a welcoming environment. This dedication has resulted in impressive sales and increased foot traffic, marking a successful transition to the new location.
"We are excited to officially open our doors and invite the community to join us in supporting the good works of the Oakland Public Library here at The Bookmark," said Co-Manager Sven-Erik Geddes.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: The Bookmark, 933 Broadway, Oakland
The Storied History of The Bookmark
In 1992, the Friends opened The Bookmark on Washington Street in Old Oakland to serve as the face of the organization and create a constant revenue stream to benefit the Oakland Public Library. The new Bookmark at 933 Broadway is located in an 1880s building on the Delger Block at the corner of 10th Street, conveniently close to the 12th Street BART Station.
The new space offers significantly more room, better visibility to the community, and the opportunity to expand its services. The aim is to create a separate “donation center” entrance specifically dedicated to managing donations and online sales. The retail space is inviting and light-filled, offering a lovely experience for visitors and volunteers alike.
The store employs two staff members, co-managers Erin Rivero and Sven-Erik Geddes, and runs on the generous work of dozens of volunteers who help stock shelves, sort donations, list items of online sales, and assist customers. Most of the books are priced from $3 to $7. All the proceeds go to support the Oakland Public Library system.
About The Friends of the Oakland Public Library
Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the Friends of the OPL. The organization was formed when local library lovers banded together to support the operation of the then-new Main Library at 125 14th St. and to help maintain the special collections housed there. The mission of the Friends of the OPL expanded to support the entire Oakland Public Library system. The Friends of the OPL give an average of $200,000 to OPL annually.
Projects that the Friends support at the OPL include grants for the scholarship for the Youth Poet Laureate program, Branch Services, the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO), OPL Administration, Teen Services, Community Relations, Adult Services/Outreach, and Children's Services.
For more information about The Bookmark, including details on the grand opening event and upcoming activities, please visit www.fopl.org.
Contact:
Erin Rivero
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