This is a list of places where you can use computers for free, organized by neighborhoods of Oakland. If you know of any other locations, please add them here (also, please use the tag "free computer access" on any entries for establishments that offer it) If you have a computer or phone with wireless, check out our list of places that have free wireless service!
Deep East Oakland
Libraries
Note: to use the computers at OPL, you must have an Oakland Public Library card, and the maximum usage is one hour per day. (from a comment- can someone verify?)
List of computer resources given by librarians at the West Oakland Library Branch.
- 81st Avenue Branch: 20 libraries available for public use (internet and Office 2007), no reservations required unless the library is full.
- Brookfield Branch 8 computers with internet access and word processing.
- Eastmont Branch has 16 PC's for public use with Internet access and Microsoft Office. Three are for children, two are for young adults, nine are for adults, and two are for Express use (20 minutes only).
- Elmhurst Branch is equipped with eight (8) computers with internet access for public use, and Kurzweil 3000, a scanning, reading, and writing solution for people with learning disabilities, reading difficulties, or low vision.
Other
- Eastmont Technology Center: after-school computers for people aged 10-18
East Oakland
Libraries
- César E. Chávez Branch has 16 computers with Internet access for public use, and 2 additional internet-only express stations
- Dimond Branch has 8 computers with internet access for public use. Appointments recommended.
- Melrose Branch has five computers with Internet access are available for public use
Other
- The Unity Council has computers for job seekers
- Carmen Flores Rec Center
East Hills
Libraries
Other
One Stop Shop at Merritt College: 7 computers with: Internet Access (for job, career and college search)
Lake Area
Libraries
Lakeview Branch: 4 computers with Internet access for public use
Other
Downtown
Libraries
- Main Library: 33 computers with Internet access available for public use, available on a drop-in, first-come, first-served basis.
- Asian Branch: 9 computers with Internet access and 5 computers with multilingual interface for instructional purposes.
Other
- The Oakland Private Industry Council, Inc. has computers for job seekers.
- FM Smith Computer Lab
- Sudo Room hackerspace
West Oakland
Libraries
- African American Museum & Library at Oakland: 6 computers with word processing and Internet access
- Golden Gate Branch: 13 computers with Internet access and word processing available for public use.
- Martin Luther King, Jr Branch: 5 computers with Internet access available for public use, and Kurzweil 3000, a scanning, reading, and writing solution for people with learning disabilities, reading difficulties, or low vision.
- West Oakland Branch 6 computers with Internet access available for public use, as well as adaptive technology, including screen readers and enlargers, for those who are blind or have low vision
Other
Willie Keyes (Popular) Recreation Center
North Hills
Libraries
Montclair Branch has 4 computers with Internet access for public use. All computers have Microsoft Office software for word processing and graphics
Other
North Oakland
Libraries
- Piedmont Avenue Branch has 2 computers with internet access for public use.
- Rockridge Branch Library has 12 computers with internet access for public use.
- Temescal Branch Library has 5 computers with internet access and word processing. There is one express terminal with 20-minute turns, and sign-ups are on a drop in basis. For the other 4 computers, people can reserve hour turns on the library catalog.
