Open Art Lab
September 9, 2026 12:00 pm
Open Art Lab comes to Oakland Public Library on Wednesday, September 9, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
If you have a half finished sewing project sitting in a bag, a stack of cardstock waiting for a Cricut idea, or a button design you keep meaning to make, this is a good reason to head downtown.
The Main Library at 125 14th Street has that steady Oakland library feel. Quiet enough to focus, but still full of people working on their own thing. For this afternoon session, the room becomes a shared maker space with sewing machines, a serger, Cricut Maker supplies, basic tools, black and white thread, standard needles, mats, and a button maker.
There are no stage performers here. The makers in the room are the action. You can bring your own fabric, vinyl, specialty thread, notions, or cardstock, then work at your own pace and pick up a little help if you get stuck.
Popular machines use an in person sign up system for 30 minute turns, so arriving closer to noon is smart if you have your eye on the sewing machine, serger, or Cricut. The session is funded by Friends of the Oakland Public Library, which makes it feel very local in the best way.
Bring a project, bring patience, and bring something you will be glad you finally started.
Unleash your inner maker at our Open Art Lab! This is your dedicated space and time to bring your creative projects to life. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, you’ll have access to professional tools like:
Sewing & Serger MachinesCricut Maker & SuppliesAnd much more!
Supplies Provided & Needed
We Supply: Sewing machines, basic tools, black/white thread, and standard needles, mats, button maker, etcFor Your Project, Please Bring: Your fabric, specialty thread/notions, cardstock, vinyl, etc.
Work on your own projects, get inspired by fellow creators, and get a little help if you get stuck. No more excusesâyour next masterpiece is waiting!
Important Note: To ensure everyone gets a turn, we have a sign-up system for our popular machines (Sewing, Serger, Cricut). Please sign up in-person upon arrival for 30-minute sessions.Funded by Friends of the Oakland Public Library.