Oakland’s Melrose Branch Library Workers During COVID-19: Photo Essay by William Truong

Written by William Truong.

Key points

• Below, high school sophomore William Truong documents some of the librarians at the Melrose Branch of Oakland Public Libraries this January.
• I went to my local library, the Melrose Branch in Oakland, to capture how the library was operating during the pandemic caused by COVID-19.
• Another library staff who is managing the new outdoor pickup setup due to Covid-19.
• Editor's Note: A year ago, schools physically closed and a form of distance learning ensued.
• This is the new setup of the Melrose Library Branch.

Editor's Note: A year ago, schools physically closed and a form of distance learning ensued. To mark this past year, we are sharing photo essays by Oakland students. We partnered with Oakland School for the Arts' Digital Media Department and teachers Ryan Sin, Lauren Scully, and Liam O'Connor. OSA is a public charter school in Oakland focusing on the arts. We invited photojournalist and East Bay Times staff photographer Ray Chavez to present workshops to students. The students took plenty of photos this past year, documenting an aspect of life during the pandemic while schools were physically closed.

Below, high school sophomore William Truong documents some of the librarians at the Melrose Branch of Oakland Public Libraries this January. (regarding what Oakland Public Libraries have done during the pandemic, from food distribution to continuing to serve the community).

I went to my local library, the Melrose Branch in Oakland, to capture how the library was operating during the pandemic caused by COVID-19. I chose to visit this branch to take photos since I have known this library for a long time and I have known some of the staff when I have volunteered a number of times previously. I like the community "vibes" that this library emits!

Previously, visitors were able to come inside, read books, have community activities, and employ the public computers. The community was particularly welcoming in the library where everyone participated in their various activities. Now, the library is pick-up only. The staff are hard at work to maintain the library by labeling books, rearranging the interior, and making sure that they are serving their community safely and efficiently. My goal in taking these images was to show how their work has changed since the start of the pandemic.

This is the new setup of the Melrose Library Branch. All interactions with the individuals have to be outside. I have gained an inside look on the interior where things are being moved around for renovations (seen in afterwards photos).

During the pandemic, the library had to create new adjustments by adding signs to stay 6 feet apart and things similar to that. As seen in the empty shelf!, the books had to be moved around since the setup of the library is changing.

Notably, a library worker helps a customer with book pick-up. As mentioned, the individuals who interact with the library would have to take place on the outside to keep the space inside the library safe and sanitary! Of course, everyone would have to wear a mask to stay safe during the pandemic. Don't forget, wear a mask!

This person is scanning and sorting out books to see/manage their inventory of books. As you may imagine, this must be a lengthy and delicate task!

For context, a portrait of a masked library worker in front of the proudly displayed books.

Another library staff who is managing the new outdoor pickup setup due to Covid-19. This library worker scans the DVDs to take inventory of them.

Another library worker posing in front of the CDs and DVDs on the shelves.

As we approach the one year anniversary of quarantine and online learning, it is significant to persevere through these hard times. We should additionally appreciate the frontline workers and the residents who serve the community who do their best to maintain the basic needs of ours. Take some time to say "thank you" or "thank you for what you are doing" that will create their day. Take care during these times!

In short, oaklands Melrose Branch Library Workers During COVID-19: Photo Essay by William Truong is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.