The main and every branch library will be hosting its own open house to thank voters for their past support and to ask for their community's input into shaping the future of their libraries. Now that Measure Q has brought us more hours, more collections and more technology, we need to turn our attention to what we can do to improve our facilities in order to meet the challenges of serving our diverse, growing population. We'll also discuss the exciting possibility of a revitalized Main Library at the Henry Kaiser Center Arena.

Locally, Dimond and Rockridge branches will be hosting their open houses on June 3, 10:30 a.m.; Piedmont Avenue Branch on Sunday 1:30 p.m.; Temescal Branch on June 10, 10:30 a.m.; and Montclair Branch on June 10, 2 p.m. These events will last approximately 1.5 hours with refreshments and activities for children provided.

June also launches our annual Summer Reading Program (June 10-Aug. 12) for kids up to age 13! This year's theme is "Paws and Claws, Scales and Tales," and our children's librarians have planned a summer full of creepy critters from the Insect Discovery Lab, reptiles from the East Bay Vivarium, and surprise ambassadors from the Oakland Zoo. In addition, there will be magic, juggling, theater, music and more to entertain families all summer long.

While enjoying these free programs, don't forget to enroll your youngsters for the Summer Reading Program where they can start reading their way to valuable prizes, including free books and other goodies, such as tickets to some of Oakland's hottest attractions. Pre-readers can also participate by having someone read to them. Children are encouraged to read for fun so that they can develop their own interests and a love of reading.

Families can also get involved by attending a Family Literacy Night, sponsored by a grant from the Stocker Foundation. Planned in conjunction with the Second Start Family Literacy Program, these workshops targeted at children ages 1-6 and their parents/caretakers, will combine crafts and story time with tips on how families can raise the next generation of readers. Golden Gate, Dimond, Lakeview, Chavez and Rockridge branches are hosting workshops during June. For a schedule of these and other Summer Reading events, check out our Web site, www.oaklandlibrary.org .

In June, the library also celebrates Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. This year, popular author Michelle Tea will share her new book, "Rose of No Man's Land," at a discussion and book signing in the Main Library's West Auditorium, 125 14th St., on June 29, 6:00 p.m.

On June 14, teens are invited to the first meeting of a new Gay Straight Alliance at the TeenZone on the second floor of the Main Library. Gay, lesbian or questioning youth and their straight allies can come together to hang out, watch films, talk about books and plan other fun activities. Call 510-238-7332 if you have questions.

Finally, did you know that the Oakland Public Library has the largest dedicated collection of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender materials in the East Bay? Established in 1994, the Piedmont Avenue Branch alone contains 1,000 books, magazines, DVDs, and other materials. Dimond and West Oakland also have dedicated special collections. To showcase these resources, the Main Library will display a monthlong exhibit in June highlighting some of these titles.

Needless to say, the library will be sponsoring many other June events besides those featured in this column. We thank the Friends of the Oakland Public Library for helping us to underwrite many of these offerings. Visit our Web site, www.oaklandlibrary.org for a complete list.