Oakland Public Library Revenue and Competitors

The Oakland Public Library Foundation was organized in 1995 to seek private partnerships and to build an endowment to support the programs of the Oakland Public Library. At the end of 2002, the Foundation had raised more than $3 million to support library projects. The mission of the Oakland Public Library Foundation is to enhance the Oakland Public Library as a community resource by funding special projects and building an endowment for the support of the Library. The Foundation's current emphasis is on sustaining and expanding the literacy programs sponsored by the Oakland Public Library and to develop financial support for the new African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). Why does the Oakland Public Library need a foundation? Public funds for the development of the Oakland Public Library are severely limited. The citizens of Oakland have shown exceptional support for their library in passing bond issues to maintain a basic level of support and to renovate and provide seismic upgrading of the Main Library and the branches. However, innovative programs and extended services, such as literacy programs and after-school homework centers must be funded outside the basic funding. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland as a major new civic institution needs special funding to develop its collections, complete the installation of digital interactive exhibits and to staff the greatly expanded facility. These funds must be raised outside the normal Library budget. The Foundation is working to develop funding partnerships that will ensure AAMLO becomes the important community resource and cultural facility envisioned by its founders and the Library staff.