From Glass Blowing to DIY Bike Repairs, There’s Something for Everyone at the Redmond Library’s Second Annual How-to Fest

Compulsive crafters, life-long learners and dedicated DIY-ers will want to put June 9 on their calendars: it’s the day that the Redmond Library hosts the second annual How-to Fest. This day-long, hands-on event drew crowds and interest when it launched in 2017, and now it’s back with an all-new slate of things to learn and do.

“The How-to Fest is a fun and casual way for people to try their hand at skills and crafts that they’re interested in,” says Josie Hanneman, the community librarian who organizes the annual event. “Everything is free, and just about everything is supplied, so people have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Where else can you learn to learn to build a cold frame, fly a drone and make a necklace all in one place—and in one day?”

The How-to Fest is open to people of all ages, and every one of the 25 learning sessions is free with no preregistration required; some sessions will have sign-ups on the day of the event due to limited space and supplies. All of the sessions are led by local experts volunteering their time to share their knowledge and expertise with the community.

“At Deschutes Public Library we enrich lives and build community by being creative, innovative and flexible,” says Hanneman. “The library’s How-to Fest embodies these goals by providing diverse learning opportunities in a fun setting. We have sessions for all ages: crafts, presentations and skills for children, teens and adults. We are also able to draw on our fabulous community of volunteer presenters who just want to share their passions and know-how with a larger audience.”
The How-to Fest takes place at the Redmond Library (827 SW Deschutes Avenue in Redmond.) Sessions begin at 10am and continue throughout the day until 4pm. Please visit the library website www.deschuteslibrary.org to see a schedule of classes.

“We’re super excited to offer this all-day learning extravaganza for a second time,” says Hanneman. “Lifelong learning is important to me both personally and professionally. If you missed out on 4H when you were a kid, or wish you had a home-economics class as a teen, the How-to Fest can help fill that craving. If you want to keep your mind young by picking up a new skill or hobby, we can help you out, there, too. If you want access to tools and toys you can’t readily get your hands on, join us.”