Friends Meeting the Moment

Since 1950, the Friends of the Oakland Public Library has support the Oakland Public Library and the greater Oakland community. 2025, the year of our 75th anniversary, is shaping up to be challenging both in Oakland and for libraries nationwide. In the face of these challenges, we want to take a moment to thank our members for more than seven decades of support and provide some valuable resources to support libraries everywhere.

The American Library Association (ALA) advocates for libraries and the public support of libraries. It also works to influence legislation affecting libraries in Congress. More Information: The ALA has eight divisions with a different focus on library advocacy, training, and more. You can learn more about the divisions here.

Public Library Association (PLA) is an association of public library professionals who work to create education opportunities and library initiatives for public library staff. Their mission is to help develop the effectiveness of library staff and shape public libraries. 

Young Adult Library Services Association (YLSA) helps develop resources for libraries that help expand their support to teens to enhance learning and create healthy communities by working with stakeholders from libraries, education, and youth development. 

EveryLibrary creates and supports legislation that funds and guarantees access to public, school, and college libraries. It also works with grassroots groups to defend and support local libraries against book banning, public interference, and closure. On its website, you can track concerning legislation and find out how you can take action.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) fights measures to ban books and limit what media and information Americans have access to, both in and out of libraries. It also advocates for protecting library access and to protect libraries and librarians from harmful legislation. 

California Public Library Advocates (CPLA) advocates for libraries in the state of California at both the state and federal level. They are also a resource for library related organizations, providing guides and tools for Trustees, Friends, and Boards

California Libraries Association (CLA) advocates for adequately funded libraries and works to create equitable access to libraries and information services. They are also a great resource and provide programs, such as the California Summer Reading Challenge.

What else can you do? 

1. Continue to support Friends of the Oakland Library by making donations, shopping at the Bookmark Bookstore, and volunteering your time. The money we raise supports the Oakland Public Library and the services they provide. Learn more about volunteer opportunities on our website.

2. Go to the library! Utilize library services - check out books, borrow tools, and thank your librarian. Let Oakland city officials know you value these services by using them. 

3. Join a Branch Friends group at your favorite branch! You’ll make new friends and support what you love.

As the year continues, Friends of the Oakland Public Library will have other ways to help you get involved and to celebrate our 75th year of advancing the Oakland Public Library as a vital community resource. We couldn't do this work without you - thank you to all our members, donors, volunteers, and supporters, in and beyond Oakland.