Tool Libraries Make a Comeback, Saving Families Hundreds of Dollars for Home DIY Projects

Planning a DIY project but don't have the right tools? Your local tool library likely has what you need. During the pandemic, tool libraries had a successful comeback when many families decided to get on with those needing home renovations.

According to WGRZ, a tool library in New York saved members almost $150,000 in home upgrades in 2020 as the families rented the tools instead of buying new ones to complete a project. Since then, its membership has grown to more than 600 people who could borrow any of the 3,500 tools and equipment for their projects.

In Oregon, the North Portland Tool Library has been around since 2004, and its membership has grown to 5,000. The library estimates they have saved members more than $447,000 in-home project costs or about $60 per tool rented out in the last two decades.

Tool library members only need to pay an annual membership that will allow them to rent out five or six tools a week. They may also consult with volunteers who lend their expertise on repair, renovation, and DIY projects.

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Finding tool libraries in your community

Tool libraries, also known as the Library of Things, were believed to have started in 1943 in Michigan by a local Rotary Club. The trend has caught on all over the world. These facilities are either subsidized by the government or supported by non-profit organizations.

The facility helps members access tools and equipment, and how-to instructional materials for various development projects. Occasionally, the members get together for a repair event, where they can bring broken appliances and other items that could be fixed for free. In essence, tool libraries are a type of community sharing initiative.

Some tool libraries have been established for years and are likely on Facebook and other social media sites where they interact with the community. Some are listed in the Local Tools map, a database for all tool libraries worldwide. Other tool libraries may also be within the public library, local makerspace, or community workspace.

In May, the Los Angeles County Library kicked off its Tool Lending Library Program, servicing public library members from San Fernando, Rosemead, Norwalk, Lancaster, and Compton. Some tools include kitchen utensils, garden tools, sewing machines, electrical cords, hammers, wrenches, and a good selection of power tools for heavy DIY projects.

The Louisville Tool Library also opened in Kentucky this year, where members may also borrow cameras or pasta makers. The library has a seed bank for gardening enthusiasts as well. Members also share or donate their own tools so the community may have use for it.

"Libraries of things have been growing in popularity as an antidote to waste, the excess of consumerism, and the issue of ongoing inequality," according to the Albany Tool Library, per News 10.

Etiquette for borrowing at the tool library

As with borrowing library books, members are expected to promptly return the tools before they can borrow another set. Late fees will be charged for borrowers who turn over the tools after the due date.

Borrowers are expected to return the items in the same condition before they were borrowed. Tools are expected to be cleaned before returning. The borrower must immediately notify the library of tools that are in a state of disrepair. Borrowers must be willing to pay for the charges that will be incurred for loss or damage.

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