Public Library Cameras

As Oakland residents will know, the Library is more than a building that has books and other media to check out - its a meeting location, a tutoring space, an event hall, and a library of things.

The idea for cameras at the Library came after the long-awaited grand re-opening of the "old Library" space in August 2018. As members of the Oakland Television Committee captured the ribbon cutting ceremony that morning and the first performance that evening, the idea emerged that the quality, educational, and informative programming that is put on by the Oakland Public Library would be great programming to record for posterity and for the greater community to enjoy.

The project only later become feasible, due to the fiber loop that was recently completed at the end of 2024 to connect all of the main Borough buildings by fiber to save costs for internet and to quickly have files and data traverse throughout Borough government.

While formal plans and decisions will still need to be hashed out before any installation and implementation could occur, discussions years ago showed some interest in doing a project like this, as it would promote the work of the Library to the community and bring quality programming and these special performances that are occurring already to a wider audience. The only concern previously expressed was that not all performances should be recorded, or at least broadcast live, as some events are fundraisers for the non-profit New Friends of the Oakland Public Library. We are confident that an arrangement to benefit all parties can be reached if this project was to formally move forward.