Friends of Hoover Durant Public Library

07/03/2026

This week (July 2-8) at the Oakland Public Library, families learn how to fix their bikes together at the 81st Ave Branch, kids watch a puppet show at the Rockridge Branch, and adults will love the free Jazz concerts every Sunday at Golden Gate Branch. ☀️📚

Find hundreds more free community events all across Oakland ➡️ https://oaklandlibrary.org/summer/

Tag us in your summer adventures!

07/03/2026

This 6-week series is designed for adults navigating life after a brain injury (TBI or ABI), concussion, post-concussion syndrome and caregivers. Mindset Facilitator Liz Miller experienced brain injury and in her journey toward recovery became trained in LoveYourBrain practices.

Weekly workshops will include mindfulness, meditation, and movement practices as well as community building. 🫂

Please plan to attend all 6 workshops in this series.

Space is limited! To register, call 510-597-5017.
https://bit.ly/4gTU89v

07/03/2026

🌄 Friends of Hoover-Durant Public Library | Explore California's History This Summer

Looking for an affordable family adventure this summer? California is making it easier than ever to discover the people, places, and stories that shaped our state.

According to reporting by Brenda Y. Vasquez for The Oaklandside, Californians can download a free, limited-time Historian Passport that provides admission to more than 30 California State Historic Parks through December 31, 2026. The special offer commemorates Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, encouraging families to explore the diverse history preserved in our state parks. The free pass is available for download through July 6, 2026 and admits up to four people per visit.

Whether you're interested in Native California history, the Gold Rush, African American heritage, early state government, or California's many cultural landmarks, these parks offer opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

At the Friends of Hoover-Durant Public Library, we believe that learning doesn't end at the library door. Reading about history is important—but experiencing it firsthand can inspire curiosity, meaningful conversations, and a deeper appreciation for the communities that came before us.

We encourage Oakland families to take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore California's rich and diverse history together.

📖 Source: Article by Brenda Y. Vasquez, The Oaklandside — "California historic parks beckon. How to get a free pass." We encourage readers to support local journalism by reading the full article.

📸 Image Credit: Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park — Brian Baer / California State Parks

07/03/2026

📚 Friends of Hoover-Durant Public Library | Community Education Update

At the Friends of Hoover-Durant Public Library, we believe an informed community is an empowered community. After reviewing reporting from The Oaklandside and information shared by education reporter Ashley McBride, here are several important developments affecting Oakland Unified School District families as students prepare to return to school this August:

Key Takeaways from the June OUSD Board Meeting:

🔹 2026–2027 Budget Approved
The Oakland Unified School District Board approved its budget for the upcoming school year. However, the District will need to identify approximately $30 million in additional budget reductions this fall to address ongoing financial challenges.

🔹 New Student Cell Phone Policy
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, students will no longer be permitted to use cell phones during the school day. Many teachers, parents, and community members have expressed support for the policy, hoping it will improve classroom engagement, reduce distractions, and minimize conflicts on campus.

🔹 First Day of School
📅 Monday, August 10, 2026

As your community library partner, the Friends of Hoover-Durant Public Library remains committed to sharing information that helps families, students, and residents stay informed about important developments in education and our community.

We encourage everyone to stay engaged, attend public meetings when possible, and remain informed about the decisions shaping the future of Oakland's schools.

Source and image courtesy of: Reporting by Ashley McBride, The Oaklandside.

07/03/2026

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July from the Friends of Hoover-Durant Public Library! 🎆

As we celebrate 250 years of our Nation's independence, we wish you and your family a joyful, memorable, and above all, safe Independence Day.

Planning to watch fireworks? Be sure to check out our accompanying East Bay Fireworks Guide for a convenient list of professional fireworks displays happening throughout the East Bay.

For additional event details and updates, click the link in our bio or visit http://www.fohdpl.org

Please celebrate responsibly, stay safe, and enjoy this special day with family, friends, and your community.

Happy Independence Day from all of us at the Friends of Hoover-Durant Public Library! 🇺🇸✨

06/21/2026

"Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation."

- Walter Cronkite

06/15/2026

Since 2006, the Friends of Hoover Durant Public Library have been organizing to bring a library back to the residents of Hoover Foster, McClymonds & Clawson neighborhoods in West Oakland. The FODHPL is a grassroots, volunteer-run nonprofit organization, vital to the culture, education & welfare of our diverse community.

Thank you SF Urban Film Fest for the videos.







Oakland Public Library
Oakland Literacy Coalition
Blink-LAB architecture
RBA Creative
Sfurbanfilmfest
The Oakland Press

06/14/2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/19th-annual-oakland-juneteenth-celebration-street-festival-freedom-day-tickets-1990923842808

Get ready to celebrate freedom, culture, and community vibes at the biggest Juneteenth bash around!

06/13/2026

The newly released 2025 Oakland Public Library Commission Annual Report makes one thing clear: the fight for the future of Oakland’s libraries is far from over.

The report specifically calls for restoring $14.5 million in library funding and recommends capital investment for the future Hoover Durant Public Library (FOHDPL) project in West Oakland. It also recognizes libraries as critical community infrastructure, not just buildings, but centers for literacy, technology, culture, youth development, and neighborhood stability.

For West Oakland, this is significant. The Hoover-Durant vision is now part of the broader citywide conversation about equity, reinvestment, and long-term sustainability. The report strengthens the case that West Oakland deserves a modern, fully funded library that reflects the community’s future.

06/13/2026

Officials in Oakland's public library system are recommending that a new branch be built in order to correct a historical wrong, and it's all thanks to an effort by a small group of neighbors who got tired of taking no for an answer.

Ninety years ago, the area known as the Hoover Durant Neighborhood began changing demographics as African Americans began moving in. And it changed the way the city of Oakland looked at it.

Ninety years ago, an Oakland library official recommended that a branch in a predominantly Black neighborhood be closed with the words, "This is not a reading neighborhood." Now, a new branch is being proposed to correct a historical wrong.