Plan ahead!  Our local library will be temporarily shuttered from March 23 through mid-May because it has gotten moldy and needs to be cleaned up.  This isn’t exactly convenient for Montclarions, who actually read books and use reference materials – it’s not a 100% web world yet.

Yes, you will have to buck up while this spring cleaning takes place.   You’ll be able to return books at the outside book drop, period.  Otherwise, plan to visit nearby library branches to look things up, take out books or pick up previously-reserved items.

Between now and March 23rd, don’t hesitate to call the Montclair Library with any questions.  Branch Manager Leon Cho may be reached at lcho@oaklandlibrary.org or call (510) 482-7810.  (Also remember that all Oakland libraries will be shut this Friday, March 13th, as part of the city-wide furloughs.)

Here are the closest Oakland branches beyond Montclair, including directions from our library:

• Dimond – 3565 Fruitvale Ave (site, events, directions) – open Mon & Tues (12:30pm-8:00pm); Wed, Thurs & Sat (10:00am-5:30pm), Fri (12:00pm-5:30pm) – reach Branch Manager Mary Schrader at mschrader@oaklandlibrary.org or call (510) 482-7844

• Piedmont Ave – 160 41st St (site, events, directions) – open Mon (12:30pm-8:00pm); Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat (10:00am-5:30pm), Fri (12:00pm-5:30pm) – reach Branch Manager Sharon McKellar at smckellar@oaklandlibrary.org or call (510) 597-5011

• Rockridge – 5366 College Ave (site, events, directions) – open Mon & Tues (12:30pm-8:00pm); Wed, Thurs & Sat (10:00am-5:30pm), Fri (12:00pm-5:30pm) – reach Branch Manager Patricia Lichter at plichter@oaklandlibrary.org or call (510) 597-5017

• Temescal – 5205 Telegraph Ave (site, events, directions) – open Mon (12:30pm-8:00pm); Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat (10:00am-5:30pm), Fri (12:00pm-5:30pm) – reach Branch Manager Sally Bean at sbean@oaklandlibrary.org or call (510) 597-5049

If you really need help, then we suggest reaching the main branch (site).  On many occasions, I have called different departments – especially adult reference services (510-238-3138) and the local history room (510-238-3222) – and their knowledgeable staff has ably guided me to relevant off-line and on-line resources.