Our mission and leadership

About WOLF

The West Oakland Library Friends (WOLF) is a group of volunteers who work together to support the West Oakland Library. The mission of the West Oakland Library Friends (WOLF) is to advance the Friends’ role as a vital community resource through advocacy, fundraising, and volunteerism.

The aim is to support the West Oakland Library by encouraging community engagement and using donation funds to support programs and projects.

Our Mission

The Friends of the Oakland Public Library (FOPL) is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1950, distinct from the Oakland Public Library (OPL), which was founded on November 7, 1878, when it became a taxpayer-funded institution, evolving from the Oakland Library Association.

West Oakland Library Friends (WOLF) Purpose:

The purpose of the West Oakland Library Friends (WOLF) is to support the needs of the West Oakland Library and the community. Membership Development is a focal point for the West Oakland Library Friends. We are working together for the greater good of the Oakland community.

Community participation is necessary if we are going to be successful in supporting the needs of community members.

West Oakland Library Friends (WOLF) History:

October 31, 2025, marked the 10th anniversary of the West Oakland Library Friends (WOLF), which was created on October 31, 2015.

Former Branch Manager MaryGay Ducey informed Mercedes S. Rodriguez before her retirement that she wanted to start a Friends Group upon retirement, and this is how the Friends Group at the West Oakland Branch began.

WOLF was originally named Friends of the West Oakland Library (FWOL). In June 2018, by unanimous vote of the Board, FWOL was renamed West Oakland Library Friends (WOLF).

The current Branch Manager of the West Oakland Branch is Nitoshia Ford. Nitoshia has been an amazing partner in implementing many library programs, projects, events, and community growth initiatives in collaboration with WOLF.

Leadership

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