Workshops

Upcoming Free Workshops sponsored by the Friends of the Oakland Tool Lending Library:

Seeking Leaders for Future Workshops

The Friends of the TLL are seeking presenters to lead workshops for community members:

Who: Local experts eager to share practical skills in carpentry, gardening/landscaping, plumbing, electrical, bicycle repair, and a wide range of other disciplines useful to those interested in DIY, the sharing economy, community building, and home improvement.

What:  Free monthly workshops typically running 1 1/2 to 3 hours.  (The longer workshops usually have a mid-point break). These workshops usually include presentations, hands-on practice, and Q&A.

When:  Most workshops are Saturdays during open hours (10am-5:30pm) and Tuesday evenings, between 5:30-8pm.  Upcoming workshops are posted on https://fotll.org, the FOTLL Facebook page, the Oakland Public Library website, and flyers posted in the library. We also promote workshops on Nextdoor and in local businesses.  Copies of the flyer and links to the classes online can be provided for distribution. If an instructor wishes to limit attendance, we can provide advance registration or limit admittance on a first-come-first serve basis.

Why:  To provide “how-to” instruction for projects that can be accomplished using tools available from the Tool Lending Library’s 3,500+ item inventory and are related to the interests and needs of Tool Library patrons. We are open to your ideas!

Where:  The Community Room at the Oakland Public Library, Temescal Branch, 5205 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609,  (510) 597-5089.  Gardening classes or workshops needing outdoor space, can be conducted in the library’s backyard.

How:  Whenever possible, through hands-on instruction in a small classroom setting.  Handouts, including step-by-step instructions, Frequently Asked Questions, tool lists, and other resources are encouraged.  Tools from the OPL TLL collection will be provided upon request.

Additional Resources: The FOTLL group can provide refreshments and a small budget for supplies needed for the class.  Supply budgets and stipends are voted on and approved by the Friends of the Oakland Tool Library group.

For Further Info or to organize a class contact:  Rainn Shaw, Senior Library Assistant, Tool Library: rshaw@oaklandlibrary.org or 510-597-5089.

Download the guidelines as a PDF