Book lenders have been one of the most vocal groups to speak out against the USA Patriot Act, which (among other things) prohibits libraries and bookstores from informing their patrons if the FBI has sought records about them. One of these protests comes in the form of "The Patriot Library," a collaborative project between future librarian Christy Thomas and the L.A.-based artist collective Finishing School. For the installation, the Lucky Tackle Gallery has been transformed temporarily into a reference library stocked with books, periodicals, and multimedia about subjects that could be deemed "dangerous" in the current political climate. "TPL" allows anonymous access to information about aviation training, bomb making, chemistry, engineering, propaganda, and weapons. It's a bold experiment and one that's sure to be controversial, but librarians aren't hiding behind the stacks. "The Patriot Library" opens today with a reception from 6:30 to 10 p.m. (and runs through May 24) at Lucky Tackle, 6608 San Pablo (at 68th Street), Oakland. Admission is free; call (510) 484-4373 or visit www.finishing-school.net/patriotlibrary.