Thursday October 9th 2025 ↘
The Art of Repair: a conversation with local shopkeepers

Join Problem Library and Western Neighborhoods Project for a spirited panel discussion highlighting local businesses that repair the things we love on Thursday, October 9th, 6:00-8:00pm.

In a culture that encourages the replacement of things when they break or wear out, we’re gathering to celebrate the people who keep them going. Whether it’s a surfboard, an oboe, or a tennis racket, these objects carry the passions that shape our lives. For this evening, Dagan Ministero (Aqua Surf Shop), Gordon Lum (Golden State Tennis Shop), and Daniel Deitch (Deitch’s Woodwind Workshop) will be in conversation with Nicole Meldahl (Western Neighborhoods Project) to discuss the importance of their work and connecting it to the history of San Francisco’s west side.

This program launches a new series presented in partnership with Kathryn Hyde, who has interviewed and photographed more than 40 repair shops across the Bay Area. Her collaborative volunteer project, reEnvisionRepair, celebrates the art of preservation through the stories of those who keep things working. Every item repaired is a story preserved, and we’re delighted to share the stories of these shopkeepers with you.

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Doors open at 6:00pm
Panel discussion at 6:30pm

Tickets are free, but RSVP in advance is appreciated so we know how many to expect.

Please note that street parking can be a challenge, and that Problem Library (1288 15th Ave) is near the 15th & Lincoln stop (7 Haight/Noriega bus line) and the 15th & Judah stop (N-Judah streetcar line).

If you have any questions, please contact events@problemlibrary.org

About the shops & organizers

Aqua Surf Shop is located in the Sunset district, just a few blocks from Ocean Beach’s 3-mile stretch of sand and surf. Since 2000 the surf shop has been a beloved local institution.

Golden State Tennis is a tennis shop in San Francisco that serves all your tennis (and some pickleball) needs.

Deitch’s Woodwind Workshop repairs all woodwind instruments, from piccolos to contrabassoons, professional to student instruments. With over 40 years of experience they serve their clients with meticulous and genuine care.

Western Neighborhoods Project is your home for friendly neighborhood history. Since 1999, the organization has preserved and shared the history and culture of the neighborhoods in western San Francisco.

reEnvisionRepair celebrates the art of preservation by highlighting the work of local repair shops, showcasing the work of San Francisco Bay Area businesses who combat wastefulness through the art of repair.