All the News That’s Fit To Build: Local News Dioramas

About This Project

This year's All the News That’s Fit to Build: Local News Dioramas is the second annual diorama contest at the Oakland Public Library. It's an ongoing collaboration between the Magazines & Newspapers division and the Oakland History Center, originally conceived to encourage patrons to read old newspapers and have fun with local history. Dioramists of all ages are invited to participate.

Submission Guidelines:

1. The article may be on any topic, as long as it happened in Oakland or the East Bay.

2. The article must be from a newspaper, not a blog or website.

3. Articles must be submitted as JPGs or TIFs.

4. Please fill out this form and upload your article scan before dropping off your diorama.

5. Physical requirements for dioramas:

  • Maximum height 6 inches, maximum base size 11 x 8 inches.
  • Make sure all pieces are securely attached.
  • No batteries, liquids, or any materials that are scented, hazardous, or perishable.

For full instructions and info on diorama-related events, please see oaklandlibrary.org/diorama.

Additional information:

· Dioramas will be photographed for an online exhibit, which will be viewable at oaklandlibrary.org/diorama. 

· Dioramas will not become a permanent part of the library’s collection and must be picked up between October 3 (after 3:30) and October 18.

· This contest is open to creators of all ages, and the exhibit will be viewed by audiences of all ages. Please consider this when designing your diorama.

Submission Deadline

July 05, 2026

.

Submission Information

Submit Your Entry

Thematic Award (optional — check all that apply)

Anything you want to share about your diorama (e.g., what part of the article you're illustrating, why the article inspired you, what materials you used). If your diorama appears in the online exhibit, this description will be published alongside it.

May the library include a photo of your diorama in an online exhibit, printed exhibit catalog, and/or in potential future publicity? *
Do you want your diorama back? *
Did you enter a diorama in last year's contest? *
File Types Accepted: TIF/TIFF or JPG/JPEG. Max file size: 2 GB