Friends Meeting the Moment
- Friends of the OPL
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
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?
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.
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.
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.
The "Friends Meeting the Moment" brilliantly captures how libraries and their supporters respond to changing community needs. It's amazing to see how social efforts may shape inclusive, inventive futures. I recently had a hurdle in completing my university dissertation on time. That's when I found The Dissertation Help. Their assistance was transformative reliable, inexpensive, and professional. If you want get buy cheap dissertation without sacrificing quality, I strongly recommend checking them out.
This is such an uplifting read about the important role that Friends of the Library play in our communities, especially as they gear up for their 75th anniversary. It really shines a light on the ongoing need for advocacy and support for these vital public resources. It makes me think about how tough it can be for non-profit organizations, even those with a rich history and a significant community impact, to effectively share their mission and connect with people online. Many, like a small local historical society I support, often find themselves needing to pay someone to write website content that truly resonates with donors and volunteers, but they just don’t have the internal resources to do it. Just as…
Your work supporting libraries is truly inspiring! For researchers studying the impact of community advocacy groups on public institutions, documenting findings through an ISI manuscript publication service could help demonstrate the measurable benefits of organizations like yours. The resources you've shared highlight how crucial grassroots support is for maintaining accessible libraries - especially valuable data for policymakers considering funding decisions. Wishing you continued success in your 75th year of service to Oakland!
This blog truly highlights the power of community support and how Friends groups are stepping up to meet local needs in meaningful ways. It reminded me of an online exam I had recently on civic engagement and public service. While preparing, I was juggling multiple responsibilities and couldn't help but think how helpful it would be if someone could just take my online exam for me during such a hectic time.
Such an inspiring post thank you for all the work you do! As someone who recently used statement of purpose writing services to apply for a library science program, I truly appreciate the vital role libraries play. Your advocacy reminds us how important it is to support and protect these community spaces.