Free Drop-in Art Workshops with MOCHA in the Library

Art-loving kids will love these free drop-in art sessions with MOCHA.

Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA) is partnering with the Berkeley and Oakland public libraries to offer free art workshops in various branches across the East Bay through Spring 2026. Kids of all ages can attend the sessions to learn from MOCHA educators. Workshops are 90 minutes with all supplies provided.

I took my kids to a recent MOCHA at the Library session at Golden Gate Branch. The MOCHA educator led the group through a project all about lines. She explained how lines can intersect to create new shapes, can be different thicknesses, or be used to make patterns or tonal differences. She offered paper, markers, paint, and oil pastels to the children and asked them to get creative. The group was made up of grade-schoolers and preteens, even some parents participated—this event is geared to kids 5 to 15 years old.

My kids really enjoyed the freedom to make their own designs. They also had access to new-to-them art supplies like oil pastels and glitter paints. The instructor was very patient, encouraging, and available to offer suggestions or answer questions. My older child focused on perfecting one piece of art, while my toddler painted quickly and then wandered to a different part of the library. The drop-in structure makes it easy to come and go. 

The Bottom Line

MOCHA in the Library art sessions are easy to enjoy because they are fun, free, and drop-in friendly. Kids can complete the project or follow their own creativity to make a piece of art. MOCHA instructors are fabulous with kids and help the children strengthen their connection to art. These sessions are low-key, but still interesting because the creative possibilities are endless. I think these workshops are an ideal activity to fill the after-school hours before dinnertime. 

Check out other drop-in art workshops at MOCHA >
Learn more about MOCHA’s Artists in the Library Program >

Schedule for Berkeley & Oakland libraries (Fall 2025-Spring 2026)

Programs at Oakland Branches and Berkeley Libraries except for Official Library Holidays.

Mondays:

• Eastmont Branch, First Monday of the month from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

​Tuesdays:

• Asian Branch, First Tuesday of the month from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

• Lakeview Branch, Fourth Tuesday of the month from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Wednesdays:

• César E. Chávez Branch, First Wednesday of the month from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• Montclair Branch, First Wednesday of the month from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, Second Wednesday of the month from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm
• 81st. Avenue Branch, Third Wednesday of the month from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
• Oakland Main Branch, Third Wednesday of the month from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Thursdays:

• Elmhurst Branch, First Thursday of the month from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• Golden Gate Branch, First Thursday of the month from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
• Rockridge Branch, Third Thursday of the month from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch, Every Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm (Oct. 16 – Dec. 18, 2025)

Fridays: ​

• West Oakland Branch, First Friday of the month from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
• Berkeley Central Library, Every Friday from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm (Oct. 17 – Dec 19, 2025
  & Feb. 6 – Apr. 4, 2026)

Saturdays:

• Melrose Branch, First Saturday of the month from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
• Temescal Branch, Second Saturday of the month from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
• Piedmont Branch, Third Saturday of the month from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
• Dimond Branch, Fourth Saturday of the month from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
• West Branch, Every Saturday from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm (Feb. 7 – Apr. 11, 2026)