Lakeview Branch Library

This Oakland public library branches fairly small. It feels more like a portable. I went here because I happen to be having out at the small park nearby. From the inside it is very small. When I came in here I looked for the Berenstein Bear books. I saw they had a few here. The selection of books here is fairly good for a small library. This library branch is located in a nice area of Oakland. I would come back here if I were ever in the area.

Great location, friendly staff. Great place to take your kid before heading to the park or the lake.

Small but nice library.

Though small, the Lakeview library branch has a decent selection, a very helpful staff, and a lovely lakeside location. If you’re looking for something specific, though, I’d definitely recommend looking it up online and putting it on hold to pick up there.

Bigger does not mean better. That being said, this library branch is one of the smaller libraries I have frequented. However, this doesn’t really matter in regards to getting the books you want, because as long as you request the book in the libraries computer system, you can have a desired book at this location from one of the others, in a matter of one to two days.
Beautiful location, practically on the lake and adjoining a little park for the kids and larger grass area for soccer or hanging out. I’ve walked here from my place to study and stay focused on my work. It is a great little sanctuary to get away, usually with at least one spot for me to slip into and work without distraction.

This is an adorable little library by the lake. It doesn’t have a huge selection, but who doesn’t want to stop and check out a book as they stroll around the lake?

What nice staff and what a great place! They let me put on a presentation a while back. They were very helpful and accommodating.

Good place for free Wifi and to get a book.
This library is in the middle a city and when you walk in there the calmNess about the place.

Just got my library card on Tuesday. Nancy was very helpful and helped me find what I needed. The other staff I interacted with were helpful as well. It is a little on the small side, but with inter-​library loan, that doesn’t worry me. I’m excited to have such a conveniently-​located library to use!

Library is small but great.
My daughter loves toddler time on Wednesdays at 10:30. Its a good time and consist of story time and songs.
If your a local with a toddler, you should check it out.

This is a cute little library that reminds me of the one that I grew up with in the Laurel District. It is quite small and cozy which limits the quantity of books immediately available but nowadays, with the internet, it doesn’t really matter what size a library is since I can easily get online and order the book I want and have it delivered to this branch for pick up. There is a small parking lot in front that usually has spaces in the evening but it is a little hard to access. All in all, I can’t complain. If you ask me, I actually prefer this library to the SF Main Library in Civic Center.

This library is small and cozy. Free parking and free wi-​fii. Staff is so friendly and helpful

I really like the staff here. Sometimes I check out… strange books… and I never feel judged. They also just changed their hold system so you can go grab a book you put on hold online (so easy!) and check it out.
It’s a small library. Really small. So it’s best to check online first to make sure they’ll have what you’re looking for.
They have a parking lot. Free parking is a big deal dude, so that rocks. (I guess there’s that giant parking lot below the freeway but what if it’s raining!!!)

Ever just fit in?
Just know that you were in the right place. With the right person. Doing the right thing.
Me neither.
But Lakeview comes close. Half occupied by a children’s corner with tiny tables and tiny chairs and big books with big letters; the adult section is skimpy but equally as darling (see neil strauss michael pollan and malcolm gladwell on a single shelf; see cooking right next to dieting … on one shelf). If the snags of your friends, lover and neighborhood holes delight, the familiar chip the worn in smell the weight of your history; i wish you exactly this place, too.

The librarians and library assistants at this library are awesome. They’re so nice and helpful I feel like I’m living in a small town in some 50’s era family show.
This is what happened yesterday. I found one of the Sookie Stackhouse novels on their spotlight table near the librarian’s station. I wasn’t sure if it was there for display only if I could borrow it, so I asked. Pretty stupid question now that I think about it. But the man in the Captain Hammer shirt behind the counter was very sweet and said that I could. I wanted the second in the series and couldn’t figure out which in the series it was (remember, I was especially stupid yesterday). Not only did he help me find the second book, but he put it on reserve for me. I didn’t even have to ask. That’s pretty great service, eh?

LOVE. THIS. PLACE.
While I enjoy big HUGE mega libraries when it’s time for a big research project, this is my go-​to for experimental books, ie stuff I might not like but I’m reading it for book club. Although their hours are somewhat limited [just like all the Oakland libraries], you can request books online and they will hold them for you. wooo-​hooo! No more wandering aimlessly looking for books, only to realize they’re checked out! The staff is super nice too.

i’m usually a fan of the underdog. but give me the big, shiny, main library any day. this place is small. not a lot of selection. probably looking at reduced hours because of the hot mess that is the alameda county budget. smells a little like funk. the bathroom is outside.
however, there are swings nearby, so that’s nice. i will give you that, lakeview.

It’s a great library and I am definitely a fan. It’s a great selection and I love perusing the shelves and see what I find. They have a great kid’s section also, so kudos in the name of my boys.
Minus one star for shushing my 2 year old for speaking in a — mind you — NORMAL voice, asking me a question about a book. I mean — come ON!

Now, I’m definitely a fan of libraries and this one is in a great location. Close to the Grandlake/​Lakeshore area, easy parking and the beautiful Lake Merritt right next to it. Free wi-​fi. Only thing wrong is that the kids picture books are located in the main area of the Library, which means no reading to your kids in the main area. Sort of crummy location for kids area, if you need quite in a Library. I would definitely pick other libraries over this one for the kids.(Oakland Main, Piedmont Ave, Dimond Branch and Montclair to name some) Plus side, seems to be a great place for adults. Plenty of new picks and audio books too.
Big star for the storytime! Go early because it really does bring a crowd.

How have I missed this little gem of a library for the 3 years now that I have lived in Lake Merritt?
Seriously, how on my many walks down to Lakeshore Ave., past Grand Lake Theater then the farmers market, did I happen to miss this charming brick building that sits right across from the lake… I guess because I always turned after El Embarcadero, the tiny street the library is off of.
Anyway, BF and I took a stroll down Grand to Lakeshore last Friday afternoon down to the new Trader Joe’s, making a stop beforehand at the Lakeview Branch for California library cards for the both of us. This particular location is perfect; small & cozy, filled with nice people including the librarians who were more than pleased to present us with new cards and a genuinely friendly welcome to the Oakland Library family. I picked up a DVD that had been back ordered on Netflix for weeks. Free!
I love public libraries and you should too, this locale is particularly nice with a small but practical parking lot for you to dash in and make fast & easy returns. Support!