Events › The Main Library is 75!

January 7, 2026 is the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Main Library building at 125 14th Street. The Oakland History Center is celebrating with an exhibit of photographs and more. 

Learn about the old Main Libraries, and how we got a new one in 1951. See how the building and library services have changed through the years. Challenge your Oakland trivia skills by guessing if other well-known Oakland places and services are older or newer than the Main Library. Explore Oakland in the 1950s, when the building was still new.  

Start in the 2nd floor hallway, continue in the Oakland History Center.