Weirdo Art School Is in Session at Oakland’s Bathers Library

Bathers Library founder Justin Carder describes his venue as “a rogue art school.”

The library/classroom/event space opened in downtown Oakland late last year, on Telegraph Avenue between Beeryland and Johansson Projects. Since then, the library has established itself as an eclectic gathering space matching the welcoming vibe of Carder’s earlier endeavor, E.M. Wolfman Books.

A small sampling of recent activities includes figure drawing sessions with live models, a “Radio for Emergencies” workshop hosted by the Lefty Radio League (a local group that helps leftists learn how to build and use ham radios), and an open studio with a library artist in residence. Events are announced on the Bathers Library Instagram in a signature graphic style: bold colors, big text, a healthy dose of fluoresc