Whose stories are preserved and whose are lost? This large question is at the heart of Commons Archive, a neighborhood memory bank organized by cultural researcher and artist Sue Mark at North Oakland’s Golden Gate Branch Library.

We’re thrilled to officially launch the ‘Golden Gate Library Local Collection’. This new place-based reference series retains archival community resources within the neighborhood branch library. The ‘Golden Gate Library Local Collection’ presents materials that were, up until now, stored in basements, locked file cabinets and forgotten boxes. These newsletters, journals, unpublished papers, articles, scrapbooks and reports bring together narratives of the dedicated efforts of neighbors and community-based organizations.

Featuring discussions with long-time residents and area historians, as well as performances by neighborhood musicians, the book launch celebrates and honors the diverse histories of this neighborhood. This family-friendly celebration includes hands-on activities to make your own memory book and book mark, delicious organic snacks by Phat Beets, North Oakland’s food justice organization and a special outdoor reading room to experience the Golden Gate Library Local Collection.