| Lakeview sprang from the community. It has been protected by the community and currently thriveswith community involvement.It started in 1920 with community leaders from Lake Merritt area neighborhoods organizing.In 1930 it opened in a temporary building behind the elementary schoolIn 1949, the present library was built.Since that time there have been threats of closure. The latest threat was in 2002. The citizensrose up to save Lakeview and six other libraries. There were petitions, demonstrations,speeches, phone calls, emails and tv and radio spots. Their efforts worked.Over 73% of voters, voted a tax on themselves to support all Oakland libraries.Lakeview is not just books; it's computers, dvds, audio-cassettes, books-on-tape, books-on-cd,magazines and programs for adults, teens and children.People from all over the world volunteer here, do poetry, do programs for all ages, display artwork, hold book discussion groups, teach each other to knit, play chess, study, use theinternet, read and learn together.Lakeview is a living example of the Center of the community. As long as there are people wholove to learn and grow, there will always be libraries like Lakeview Branch Library. --M. Farrell, LibrarianVisit the Lakeview Branch of the Oakland Public Library |
