Borrow Tools For Free From the Library

FREMONT, CA — Whether your home improvement project calls for an air impact wrench, an air compressor and nailer, or something simple like a shovel, hoe or rake, consider checking the tool out for free from the Irvington and Centerville branches of the Alameda County Library.

Launched on Valentine's Day, the new program includes dozens of choices in the tool lending collections.

If you plan to use a tool just once, or even a couple of times a year, you may now can borrow them for free rather than purchasing them.

"With free access to tools, we are removing cost barriers and creating opportunities for our communities to learn, build, restore and cultivate sustainable neighborhoods. Much like book lending, tool lending encourages the reuse and sharing of resources that reduce our environmental footprint," said Cindy Chadwick, County Librarian.

The Irvington Tool Lending Library has tools to tinker, repair, make, and build with. Some of the tools in this collection include a ladder, pipe wrench, heat gun, orbital sander, multi-bit screwdriver, claw hammer, and mechanics tool set. The tool collection can be used for home, car, and phone repairs as well as DIY projects like building a fence. The Irvington Library also has a makerspace. As the makerspace expands, it will include sewing machines, 3D printers, a heat press, a die cutting machine, and more. Unlike the tool lending library, the makerspace equipment is for indoor library use only and cannot be borrowed.

The Centerville Gardening Tool Lending Library has gardening tools to dig, plant, pick, weed, prune, and trim with. Funded by the California State Library, the collection has a sustainability focus that features electric and battery powered garden equipment and hand tools to reduce noise and air pollution. Some of the tools in this collection include a shovel, hoe, weed popper, tree pruner, fruit picker, manual lawn edger, lawn aerator, and battery-powered leaf blowers and string trimmers. The tool collection will lower the cost of garden maintenance, reduce waste by sharing resources, assist communities in adopting greener technology tools, and improve outdoor spaces. This summer the Library will host educational programs to teach members how to use the tools and create greener neighborhoods.

These collections are small to start but will grow as the Library receives feedback from members.

How Tool Lending Works:

• An Alameda County Library card and signed waiver is required before borrowing tools.
• Tools can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks and cannot be renewed or placed on hold.
• Tools must be picked up at and returned to the owning library.