OAKLAND — Tucked in the back of the Temescal Branch Library, down a short flight of stairs to the basement, is a do-it-yourselfer’s dream: tools everywhere, labeled and hung neatly on the walls and in bins and drawers, and any of them can be borrowed for free.

Oakland’s Tool Lending Library has grown from an inventory of 325 tools when it opened in 2000 to more than 5,000 it now has available to loan out. Every nook and cranny of the small four-room library is stuffed with tools. Even more garden tools are housed in a storage shed.

Last Saturday afternoon, a steady stream of patrons came through the door, picking up tools and asking for advice. One man checked out a miter saw, another sought suggestions on the best way to drill out a lock. A resident found the perfect scoop to help him clean out his gutters, and a woman brought in a push broom with a broken handle the staff helped her remove.

“This is our slow time,” said Rachel Sher, librarian at the Tool Lending Library. “Once it warms up, we’ll have a line out the door.”

The popular tool library was the result of community demand, as residents rebuilt after the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 and the Oakland hills fire of 1991.

Martha Bergmann, who was branch librarian at the time, got a grant to start the program, said Ty Yurgelevic, who ran the Tool Lending Library until retiring in 2014. He remains a familiar face there, now volunteering as a member of Friends of the Tool Lending Library.

“I like the community culture of the people who come here. It makes life a lot easier when people are thankful,” he said.

Anyone who can show proof of an address in Oakland, Emeryville and Piedmont is eligible to check out the tools.

Current staff members have traditional library backgrounds, though Sher, who also is an artist, said she already had experience with carpentry tools, but not much plumbing. She has gotten an on-the-job education.

“I’ve learned a lot about tools since I’ve been here,” agreed library aide Andy Jordan.

The library also has how-to books and DVDs, and hosts occasional workshops. Past ones have included power tool safety, installing tile, basic electrical repairs and plumbing repairs.

At one set for Jan. 31, Spoke Cyclery will teach how to clean and lubricate bicycle chains, repair tubes, install grips and handlebars and the basics of adjusting air pressure, seats and bars. For more information, call 510-597-5089.

Admittedly, some tools are not returned. “It happens,” Sher said.

But the fines can be pretty hefty, up to $20 a day depending on the tool loaned. The scofflaws are persona non grata, not allowed to check out tools — or books or DVDs — until the fees are paid. Eventually, the person is charged the cost to replace the tool, Sher said.

Often, all that is needed is a call from the library reminding the patron the tool needs to be returned.

Asked if the library had considered taking credit card numbers and then charging the person for a non-return, Sher said no, because that runs against the philosophy of libraries.

“We don’t want this service to be inaccessible,” she said.

The most popular tool? It varies by season.

“Starting probably in March, the weed whackers will be in demand,” she said.

Tools can be checked out for two to seven days, with the shorter time for those in heavy demand such as the power demolition hammer, used to break up concrete.

Some patrons have frequented the library since it opened, and many donate tools, though there also is a budget for tool purchase. Those not needed are sold by Friends of the Tool Library to raise funds.

The power tools, which are popular with patrons, especially get a workout, which means more frequent repairs, Yurgelevic said.

“Keeping them maintained can be a challenge,” he said.

When Yurgelevic started at the library, there was a good amount of room for tools, he said. The library has been remodeled at least 20 times to accommodate the growing collection.

“We do a lot with a small space. I think that’s the most impressive thing about the Tool Lending Library,” Sher said.

Asked which tool was the weirdest looking, “The lawn roller,” she replied.

“Hmm. The soil pipe cutter?” Jordan said.

The least in demand? A large two-person hand saw, tucked in the far corner of a back room. “But it has been checked out,” Sher said.

Oakland Tool Lending Library

Where: 5205 Telegraph Ave.

Hours: 12:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, noon-5:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday

Contact: 510-597-5089