"Oakland knows how to open a library,"  California State Librarian Stacey Aldrich exclaimed this past Saturday when hundreds gathered to witness the grand opening of Oakland's newest library branch.

The facility boasts 21,000 square feet with 30,000 books, a special space carved out for teens, a computer lab, community meeting rooms and more.

Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts served as the master of ceremonies, introducing many of the key players who worked to get the multi-million dollar project completed, community members who were excited for the new addition, and students who couldn't wait to get their hands on a few interesting reads.

Nine years in the making, the 81st Avenue East Oakland Community Library serves as both a public library and the official school library for ACORN Woodland and EnCompass Academy. Through a combination of  public funds and private donations, 14.8 million dollars were spent to bring this project to life.

Present since the planning stages, Mayor Jean Quan attended the opening. She commented on the importance of libraries in her life, her connection to the Rudsdale neighborhood and what having a facility of this caliber in East Oakland could mean for the youth.

"I'm hoping this will a be a place where their dreams are born."

Students spoke about what having the new library on campus meant to them and how it could help with their career aspirations. Some looked forward to finding out about their family history and finding the path to being an archeologists while others hoped it meant safe neighborhoods. In front of the crowd, one fifth grader explained that she would not be able to enjoy the library because her family was moving. They decided to relocate after her father and uncle were robbed. For the young girl the library was one of the happier things she would share with her new friends at her new school.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee and California State Assemblyman Sandre Swanson both talked about the importance of investing in libraries and education instead of prisons.

"This is a day that we are putting our children first," Swanson said to those who had gathered.

Once the ribbon was cut, attendees poured into the library. There were long lines of residents turning in forms to get a library card. Young children ventured into small side rooms. Men and women immediately logged on to one of the 62 computers in the space. Healthy lunches were provided by a local catering company while a band played on site.

"I just think it's fabulous," said Nona Hungate a longtime supporter of Oakland libraries who stopped by to check out the new facility. "It seems like a model for the world. Maybe we can transform the other areas eventually."