What is a "tool library" or "library of things"?

Tool Libraries are like a big garage you share with your neighbors. Instead of books, we borrow tools and things out to our neighbors. Borrowed tools and items are used to fix your homes, yards, or for crafts and hobbies.

Tool libraries are great for EVERYONE. It's a WIN-WIN-WIN. Learn more below.

How does it work?

Register for an account, provide proof of ID & address, and start borrowing!

Check our full catalog in the left menu to see what you can borrow.

How much does it cost?

Borrowing is always free! We are committed to providing equitable access to tools, which means providing free access to folks who need it, and accepting donations from those who can afford it. Learn more about our funding here.

Do people really bring things back?

Yes! People take pride in caring for community-owned items.

How long can I borrow items for?

Loans are good for 1 week.

What happens if I return items late?

We charge a late fee of $1/ week / item.

Stay in touch to avoid late fees!

• We allow free renewals on low-demand items for 2 additional weeks.
• You can renew tools through your online account, or by calling and emailing during library hours.

How many tools can I borrow at a time?

Free, Supporting, and Sustaining Members can borrow up to 10 tools at a time from our full catalog.

Tools-for-All member can borrow up to 3 tools at a time. (No electric or digging tools.)

Can I reserve items or be added to a waitlist?

Almost all items in the library are first come, first served. Reservations are required for:

• Oversized or specialty items (stored off-truck).
  • Reservations must be made by 3pm the day before.
• Self-serve lending locker items
  • Can be reserved same day. Learn more about lending lockers here.

What happens if a tool stops working while I am borrowing it?

STOP using the item immediately and report the issue. 

Broken items will be resolved on an individual basis.

• Consumables like blades and sandpaper should be replaced by the member.
• Normal wear and tear that is repairable by the library is supported through member donations.
• Damage caused through misuse of item will be charged to the member, up to full replacements cost.

Do you teach classes?

Yes! Check out our Events calendar here. Most of our classes have a small registration fee, but we offer sliding scale discounts for folks. 25%, 50%, 100% off.

Can I do use tools at your location?

No, we do not have a  makerspace at our location.  Besides workshops, tools are intended to be used at your home and brought back,

Can I donate tools?

We accept donations of electric and manual tools. Battery powered tools must include all components (no NiCad). We do not accept Gas Powered tools. 

Working tools are preferred, repairable are acceptable. 

See our tool wishlist here!

How are you funded?

We are a community non-profit, so we are supported by community members like you!

Donate one time, join as a Supporting or a Sustaining member, or donate when you borrow.

We try to keep operational costs low, but keeping the lights on requires your support.

We also occasionally apply for grants to support programs and operations, but grant money is not guaranteed, is often restricted, and requires additional reporting and administrative time.

How can I get involved?

Fill out this form and let us know how you want to get involved! There are so many ways to connect with and support your community. Our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out about next steps.

• Tool Librarian
• Repair Technician
• Outreach Team
• Workshops & Special Events
• Join a committee! (Finance, Tool Library, Events)
• and more!

Tool libraries are for everyone! It's a WIN-WIN-WIN!

• You save MONEY by borrowing instead of buying.
• You save SPACE by owning less.
• You save the ENVIRONMENT by using shared, donated, repairable, tools.

Share models like tool libraries help...

• Save resources by manufacturing less tools to do the same job.
  • See your personal carbon savings on your account by borrowing instead of buying new!
• Keep tools in circulation longer!
  • Donated tools make up 99% of our inventory, giving new life to used items.
  • Repairs are completed by a community of fixers, instead of the maintenance falling all on one household. 
• Reduce waste in our communities! 
  • Using donated tools diverts working and repairable items from the waste stream.
  • Items are responsibly disposed of at the end of their life, meaning less trash and waste in our community.