Our New Library – 81st Avenue Branch Library: See the video!
What Will They Check Out First?
Kids and Parents Can’t Wait for the Grand Opening
As opening day for the East Oakland Community Library at 81st Avenue approaches, local school children look ever more longingly at the construction site imagining the day they’ll walk through the library’s doors. Three passionate readers from EnCompass Academy, Kalen, Natalie, and Jose, are especially eager to put their library cards to use.
What will they check out first? Books on current projects generally top their lists.
Jose is big on bugs. “I want to do research on a project about larvae to see how they become ladybugs. I want to study about larvae and worms.”
Lately, Kalen has been inspired by tales of the past. “We have an after-school program that teaches history,” he says, “so I want to learn about ancient Africa, ancient Greece and Native Americans.”
Natalie continually files book summaries on everything she reads. She’s made the leap to books with multiple chapters and is fast depleting the selection on the shelves of her current school library. “I can’t wait for the new library to open so I can get to work.”
Getting to work won’t be as difficult for Natalie and other students at ACORN Woodland and EnCompass Academy as it has been in the past. Built on the same campus as their schools, the library and its many resources will be mere steps away on school days, and just a few blocks’ walk or bike ride from their homes on weekends.
Reading comes easily to Natalie, so she plans to spend time exploring favorite topics. “I want to study places and different languages and cultures. I want to know how different people live, what they eat, everything!” But she also sees herself working to build her skills in areas that challenge her. She hopes that the tutoring program at the library helps her to become a math whiz, just like her older brother.
And kids aren’t the only ones excited by the possibilities. Ana, a parent who volunteers at the school, remembers how she felt when she visited a library for the first time. “It was huge! I didn’t know so many books could be in one place,” she says. “After school I’d go to the library and do my homework.”
She relishes the idea of stacks of books, plus computers, reading rooms, and even a café being available to her when her busy schedule allows. “I want to take advantage of the library as often as possible to learn more about what’s going on in the world,” she says, adding, “It’ll be great to see people actively using the library and getting involved, not only in their kids’ education but also for personal growth.”
Esperanza, another mom who volunteers at the school, agrees. She says, “The library gives the whole community a way to learn and grow. The more we come and visit, the better it will be for all of us. It’s a big help that it’ll be so close to our homes and our schools.”
As concerned about their children’s education as they are about their health, Ana and Esperanza are looking forward to regularly walking to the library for fun outings and to get away from the TV. They’re also anticipating the library will offer them both a few more moments of calm in the everyday jumble of family life.
“When we go, we’ll get exercise and knowledge,” says Ana, with a laugh. “So no more fighting over the remote!”
Kalen:
Favorite reads: I like the Harry Potter books the most.
Why: I like that he helps people, and teaches kids not to be mean and not to fight at school.
Jose:
Favorite read: The Diary of Anne Frank
Why: Anne Frank lived a very hard life. I wanted to know more about her.
Natalie:
Favorite read: I don’t have any favorites. I like them all!
Esperanza:
Why the library is so important to her: It’ll help our kids so they’re prepared when they’re out in the world.
Ana:
Why the library is so important to her: Everybody in the community can keep learning.