The Oakland Public Library is pleased to announce that it will be expanding all neighborhood branch libraries to a six day schedule beginning Saturday, September 11, 2004.

Starting at that time, branch libraries in the system will be open on a Monday - Saturday schedule. Several of the larger branch libraries (Asian, César Chávez, Dimond, Eastmont and Rockridge) will also increase their evening hours from one to two nights per week. To celebrate this occasion, all of the neighborhood libraries will serve light refreshments on the morning of September 11th, and several will be hosting special events.

The new schedule restores and enhances the public service hours lost due to budget reductions in 2003 by 112.5 hours per week so that the public can have better, more convenient access to their libraries. This change comes as a result of the passage of Measure Q, a dedicated parcel tax that 77.2% of voters approved in the March election.

"It has been my goal to expand hours at our libraries since I first came to Oakland," states Carmen Martinez, Director of the Oakland Public Library. "Now--thanks to the generosity of our community--this vision has become a reality. We hope these additional hours will give more people the opportunity to visit their local libraries to take advantage of the wonderful library and information services we offer."

In addition to expanded hours, the Oakland Public Library will be phasing in other improvements in the new fiscal year, including augmenting its collections, instituting improvements to its technology, and providing greater outreach to the schools as a result of Measure Q revenues. The public can also look forward to a new state-of-the-art bookmobile, renovated Children's Room in the Main Library, and a new integrated computer system in the coming months. A Master Facilities Plan already in the works will be completed, providing a roadmap for improving Oakland Public Library to meet the needs of its growing population in the 21st century.

For specific information about the new branch schedule, call or visit your local library or see the Library's Web site at www.oaklandlibrary.org

Media Contact:
Kathleen Hirooka, Community Relations Coordinator
(510) 238-6713, ## khirooka@oaklandlibrary.org