The LA County Library announced the launch of a Tool Lending Library that provides the community opportunities to check out tools and maker items at no cost using their library card.
“We are so excited to offer the Tool Lending Library to our customers and host complementary events that will help them learn new skills and complete new and existing projects,” said LA County Library Director Skye Patrick.
5 branches were selected to start the program: Compton, Lancaster, Norwalk, Rosemead, and San Fernando.
The tools vary by participating libraries with inventory including hammers, wrenches, electrical cords, cookware, sewing machines, gardening tools, power tools, and much more. The tools vary by participating library.
The Compton Library has power tools and items for baking, along with books to teach children corresponding activities.
As part of the program, special virtual and in-person events related to tool lending will be offered to enhance the customer experience, offering tips on using the borrowable tools. Event topics will include sewing, gardening, building, repair, and more.
LA County Library cardholders over the age of 18 are eligible to borrow from the Tool Lending Library. Tools can be checked out for 7 days and cannot be renewed. The terms for borrowing tools are subject to the Tool Lending Library Borrower Agreement.
The program is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
For more information and availability, including a catalog of tools available to borrow, visit LACountyLibrary.org/tools.
**Special THANK YOU to the Compton Library staff for providing the photos**
1 Comment
The City of Compton in the 1960s and 1970’s used to run a tool library for free for the community. I remember going there, I believe on Greenleaf, to borrow a lawnmower, clippers, rakes, hoes and other equipment to take care of the lawn and plant a garden. A lot of people in the neighborhood frequented the tool shack. Many mentioned the city should bring this program back, like summer jobs for youth at the parks, but given the climate, here popped up a non-profit requesting grandiose amounts of money to do the same. So thank you, county library, for cutting out the middle man and making it plain and simple. I used to live at the library on El Segundo when a kid. Good stuff.