View of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset from the Albany Bulb. Photo: Gracjan Rötke, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0). Display cropped to fit.
EAST BAY CITIES · ALAMEDA COUNTY
Albany
A walkable small city known for Solano Avenue and the Albany Bulb waterfront.
History & Character
Incorporated in 1908 as “Ocean View” after residents protested Berkeley’s garbage dumping, later renamed for Albany, NY. Known for Solano Avenue, a walkable “Main Street” of small independent shops and some of the Bay Area’s best restaurants.
Practical Info
Explore More
Useful information for your next visit.
Albany Library
Address: 1247 Marin Avenue, Albany, CA 94706.
Hours: Monday noon–6 PM; Tuesday–Wednesday noon–8 PM; Thursday 10 AM–6 PM; Saturday 10 AM–5 PM; Sunday 1–5 PM. Closed Friday.
Phone: 510-526-3720.
The branch is part of Alameda County Library. Check individual program listings for audience and registration. A staff training closure is listed for October 15, 2026.
Information checked September 30, 2026. Holiday closures can differ. Official details and program registration.
Plan the rest of your day
Explore our local stories for background, then use the activity summaries to choose a park, market or gathering. For an event, check the date, start and end times, address, cost and whether registration is needed.
Read local stories → · Explore things to do → · Everyday home guidance →