List of tool-lending libraries

The following tool-lending libraries allow library patrons to borrow tools, equipment and "how-to" instructional materials, usually free of charge.

A tool lending library was started in Columbus, OH in 1976. Originally run by the City, the Tool Library is now operated by Rebuilding Together Central Ohio, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that works to preserve and revitalize homes and communities in Central Ohio. The RTCO Tool Library makes available over 4,500 tools free of charge to both individuals and non-profit organizations.[1] One of the first tool libraries was the Berkeley Tool Lending Library, which started in 1979 with a $30,000 community block grant.[2][3] A variation of the tool lending library model exists in Atlanta, Georgia. At the Atlanta Community ToolBank, the tools are reserved for use by nonprofit and other community-based organizations who are performing volunteer and facility maintenance projects. The ToolBank tool inventory is not available to individuals. Most recently, the community of West Seattle in Washington started the West Seattle Tool Library, which will provide a wide variety of tools and resources for individuals and organizations while specifically encouraging sustainable urban living.

Contents

Australia

Canada

United States

Arizona

Colorado

California

Georgia

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Maryland

The Takoma Park Tool Library is no longer in business. The City of Takoma Park closed it down in 2007 due to poor utilization.

Michigan

Missouri

Montana

New Mexico

Santa Fe - Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity ReStore Tool Lending Library

New York

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Utah

Vermont

Washington

References

  1. ^ "Tool Library welcomes borrows in Columbus." The Columbus Dispatch. October 18, 2009.
  2. ^ "Tool Lending Library". Berkeley Public Library. http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about_the_library/neighborhood_branches/tool_lending_library/index.php. 
  3. ^ "Library Dispenses Tools and Home-Repair Advice". Berkeley Daily Planet. August 19, 2005. http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?archiveDate=08-19-05&storyID=22136. 
  4. ^ "Braybrook Community Centre". Maribyrnong City Council. http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Page/page.asp?page_Id=789. 
  5. ^ "Interview with Peter McElligott of Berkeley Tool Library". Jonathan Gray. http://jonathangray.org/2008/07/08/interview-with-peter-mcelligott-of-berkeley-tool-library/. 
  6. ^ "Atlanta Community ToolBank". Atlanta Community ToolBank. http://www.toolbank.org. 
  7. ^ "Tool-lending library a hit with residents for $25 a year". Des Moines Register. May 12, 2009. http://m.dmregister.com/detail.jsp?key=461108&full=1. 
  8. ^ "Library puts tools in people's hands". American Public Media. May 7, 2009. http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/05/07/nad_am_sc_horton_q/. 
  9. ^ "West Philly Tool Library". Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition. http://www.westphillytools.org. 
  10. ^ "Franklin Tool Library". Franklin's Hard Bargain Mt. Hope Redevelopment Association. http://franklintoollibrary.org/Home.html. 
  11. ^ "Tool Lending Library". City of Orem. http://www.orem.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=303&Itemid=289. 
  12. ^ "Tool Lending Library". Habitat for Humanity of Utah County. http://www.habitatuc.org/restore/tool_library.html. 
  13. ^ "Phinney Neighborhood Association Tool Lending Library". Phinney Neighborhood Association. http://www.phinneycenter.org/programs/tool-lending.shtml. 
  14. ^ "The West Seattle Tool Library". Sustainable West Seattle. http://www.sustainablewestseattle.org/tool-library/.