The African American Museum and Library at Oakland is part of the Oakland Public Library, with exhibitions and resources focused on African American history and culture in California and the West. At 659 14th Street in downtown Oakland, it offers a chance to explore the subject through exhibitions, library materials and archival photographs.
- Location: 659 14th Street, at Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland.
- Regular hours: Open Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday
- Admission and reservations: Check directly with the museum and library for current visit requirements.
What the museum and library covers
The African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) focuses on discovering, preserving, interpreting and sharing the historical and cultural experiences of African Americans in California and the West. It brings together museum exhibitions and library resources within the Oakland Public Library.
AAMLO was formed in 1994 by combining the resources of the Northern California Center for Afro-American History & Life and the City of Oakland. That year it moved into its current downtown location, the former Charles S. Greene Library.
The Carnegie library building opened in 1902, served as a public library until 1951, and then operated as the Charles S. Greene Branch Library from 1951 to 1971. After renovation and seismic retrofitting, it reopened as AAMLO in February 2002.
Its downtown setting makes the museum a natural starting point for a broader look at Oakland museums near Emeryville, though AAMLO’s own collections give the visit a distinct focus.
Exhibitions and collections
AAMLO presents original and traveling exhibitions that highlight African American art, history and culture. Exhibition schedules change, so check the Oakland Public Library’s official site before you go.
The reference library holds a special, non-circulating collection designated for use in the library. Its archival holdings include a photograph collection of 1,953 images documenting African Americans in California from 1869 to 2008. Subjects represented include athletics, business, churches, civil rights, early pioneers, entertainment, military life, fraternal organizations and women’s organizations.
That range can help you approach the collection through a particular theme, community or period. The photographs are archival holdings, so contact AAMLO before visiting if you want help accessing them or need to ask about access.
Planning your visit
The Oakland Public Library provides these hours, but schedules can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 10 AM–5:30 PM
- Friday: 12 PM–5:30 PM
- Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The general page does not state an admission fee, whether a general self-guided visit requires a reservation, or a recommended visit duration. Contact the museum and library if those details affect your plans. If you’re interested in a specific exhibition or collection, check its current availability before setting out.
AAMLO has a pay parking lot for patrons, along with nearby garages or paid lots and street or metered parking. Parking arrangements can change, so confirm current options before driving.
How do you get from Emeryville to the museum?
AAMLO is about a 6-minute drive or a 32-minute walk from Nights Inn Motel. For broader route choices between the two cities, transit and local routes can help you plan how to reach downtown.
If you’re driving from I-880 north, AAMLO’s directions say to take I-980 east toward Walnut Creek, exit at 1A for 11th Street toward 14th Street, then continue on Castro Street and drive to 14th Street. The museum and library are at the corner of 14th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
Visitor access and research services
AAMLO occupies a multi-story building with an elevator. The 14th Street entrance has a ramp, power-assisted doors and a rail; accessible bathrooms, water fountains and parking are also available. The Oakland Public Library welcomes service animals in all library areas where members of the public are normally allowed.
Facilities include bathrooms, computers, fax, printing, a scanner and seed lending. Researchers planning to use the photograph collection should contact AAMLO ahead of time to arrange help with access or ask questions. Call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org.
Pairing the visit with nearby Oakland stops
AAMLO’s location at 14th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way puts the museum and library in downtown Oakland. If you’re coming from Emeryville, transit and local routes from Emeryville to Oakland can help you plan how to reach downtown.
You can plan the visit around time in the surrounding downtown streets, then return to the museum’s exhibitions or collections if you have arranged research access.
For a focused visit, start with an exhibition, then ask about the reference library or archival photographs that relate to your interests. If you’re building a wider Oakland itinerary, choose nearby stops that fit your route rather than assuming the museum’s posted hours apply to other venues.
FAQs
Where is the African American Museum and Library at Oakland?
It is at 659 14th Street, Oakland, California 94612, on the corner of 14th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
Does AAMLO charge admission?
The general page does not state an admission fee. Contact the museum and library to confirm any visit requirements.
Can you use AAMLO’s photograph collection?
The collection is available for use in the library, and researchers are encouraged to contact AAMLO before visiting to arrange help accessing it or ask about access.
Is the building accessible?
The multi-story building has an elevator, and the 14th Street entrance has a ramp, power-assisted doors and a rail. Accessible bathrooms, water fountains and parking are also available.