Fremont Library Dedicated New Ohlone Room
The Alameda County Library space features a permanent installation honoring Ohlone cultural heritage.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Native American
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The Fremont branch of the Alameda County Library has dedicated the Ohlone Room, a new space designed to highlight the presence and history of the Ohlone people. The installation serves as a platform for the community to share their own narrative through curated exhibits.
Why it matters
This room acknowledges the ongoing contemporary culture of the Ohlone people, providing a dedicated space for them to present their own history. It ensures that local indigenous heritage remains visible and accessible within the public library system.
The permanent installation features traditional featherwork regalia, historical basketry, and photographs. Curatorial explanations for the displayed items are provided by the founders of Café Ohlone.
The players
Vincent Medina
He is the president of the Ohlone tribe and a co-founder of Café Ohlone who provided expertise for the new exhibit.
Louis Trevino
He is a co-founder of Café Ohlone who contributed curatorial explanations for the library installation.
Amy Hakanson
She is a member of the library staff who initiated the planning process for the installation in 2024.
Brittany Hersh
She is a member of the library staff who worked alongside Amy Hakanson to plan the installation.
The details
The exhibit, which was planned by staff members Amy Hakanson and Brittany Hersh, is located on the main floor of the library. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of local indigenous life through artifacts and informed commentary.
Timeline
Staff began planning the installation in 2024.
Vincent Medina gave a talk at the library on September 12, 2026.
The Ohlone Room will open to visitors in the coming weeks.
Culture Shift
This dedication represents a growing societal trend toward institutionalizing indigenous history within public spaces. It reflects a shift away from external academic perspectives and toward community-led storytelling and preservation.
Residents can visit the library's main floor in the coming weeks to view the new regalia and basketry collection. This installation provides a new resource for locals to learn about the history and contemporary life of the Ohlone people in the East Bay.
The takeaway
The addition of this room provides a permanent, accessible venue for the public to engage with indigenous culture. It encourages residents to actively participate in local educational opportunities regarding the history of their region.
Further reading
Discover more about local heritage in our Native American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri City Voice.
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Should local public institutions prioritize showcasing the history and culture of regional indigenous groups?
