The Tool Lending Library (TLL) offers workshops based on the interests and needs of our patrons. These workshops are usually on Saturday morning or on Monday evening. Past classes have included plumbing repairs, power tool safety, working with the router and basic electrical repairs. Periodically, the Red Cross and the Alameda County Lead Abatement Program offer free classes with literature and products for those who attend. For upcoming workshops check the Library's calendar of events. If you'd like to suggest a new class, feel free to call the TLL (597-5089) with your suggestion.
Volunteer @ TLL
Since our inception, volunteers have been an important part of our program. The TLL always has a variety of work to do. Jobs that need doing are engraving and marking, cleaning and sharpening tools, organizational tasks, label making and even data input and vacuuming. Anyone interested, please come in for an application or call 597-5089 for more information.
The Temescal Tool Lending Library currently offers over 2700 tools available for loan, as well as books and how-to videos. The tools can be used for a variety of purposes, including carpentry, gardening, plumbing, and electrical work. For a complete list of tools, click here. For registration instructions/policies, please click here.
Branch History
The Temescal Tool Lending Library is located in the basement of the Temescal Branch
Library. After the Oakland Hills Firestorm of 1991, the Temescal Branch established a
small Home Resources Collection to help residents with their rebuilding and repair
projects following this disaster. A tool-lending library was considered as an extension of
these efforts, and was finally launched on January 8, 2000 thanks to seed money from a
Community Development Block Grant. TLL has grown over the years with City funding, and is now one of the Library's most popular and unique services.
Directions & Public Transit Information
By Car:
From Hayward: Take 580 West towards Oakland. Take 24 East exit towards Berkeley/Walnut Creek. Merge onto 24 East. Take the Claremont Ave exit. Turn right onto Claremont Ave. Turn right onto Telegraph Ave. The library is at the corner of Telegraph and 52nd St.
From Richmond: Take 80 West. Take 580 East exit towards 24/Downtown Oakland/Hayward-Stockton. Merge onto 24 East. Take the Claremont Ave exit. Turn right onto Claremont Ave. Turn right onto Telegraph Ave. The library is at the corner of Telegraph and 52nd St.
By Bus:
The 1 and 1R lines run along Telegraph with a line 1 stop right in front of the library and a 1R rapid stop two blocks south of the library. The line 18 runs along Shattuck, two blocks south from the library.
By BART:
MacArthur Station (10 blocks south of the library), then transfer to 1 or 1R bus.
