Why I Love Tool Libraries (and you should too!)
This post first appeared in our weekly Make Waves Mondays email series on May 4, 2026.
Hello hello friend!
I am so thrilled to share today's blog post with you!
This blog is coming to you today from one of your fellow EcoWarriors, Kyla Wilson. Kyla has been part of the EcoWarriors since 2021 and it's been such a pleasure getting to know her personally and professionally over the years. This girl knows her stuff!
Today, Kyla is sharing some of her fabulous knowledge of tool libraries — what they are, why they absolutely rock, and how you can get involved with a tool library (even if you don't have one in your area yet!).
Before I "pass the mic" over to Kyla, on a personal note I wanted to share that my partner and I were members of the Tacoma Tool Library a few years ago when we were renting a house that required many projects and tools for upkeep.
From gardening tools to painting supplies and even a lawn mower and edge trimmer, we saved a BOATLOAD of money by joining the tool library rather than buying our own. I'm so grateful to have a resource like this in my area, and I do sincerely hope that after reading Kyla's post you'll be inspired to join (or even create) one in your area!
So with that, I'll hand things over to Kyla!
And if you prefer to listen to this post podcast-style, Kyla has even recorded the audio for this one so you can hear it in her voice, too.
Thank you so much, Kyla, for sharing your knowledge and experience with us today!
Why I Love Tool Libraries (and you should too!)
A Guest Post by Kyla Wilson
Dear fellow EcoWarriors,
Do you remember the feeling you got the first time you walked into a library as a kid and learned that you could take home any book you wanted for free? I love seeing adults experience this giddiness again when they walk into the Tacoma Tool Library for the first time.
I first heard about the Tacoma Tool Library when I was living in Seattle and working for a non-profit focused on waste reduction. I ended up moving to Sweden for grad school shortly after but the idea stuck. Tool libraries are this lovely overlap of community building, waste prevention, and opportunity for learning.
While attending a “Climate-thon” event in Sweden, I pitched the idea of a sharing community to a group of peers. It gained traction and suddenly we were starting up our very own non-profit to share items our university community needed, Circle Centre Lund. Naturally, when I ended up moving to Tacoma post-grad school, I became a Tacoma Tool Library member, started volunteering, joined the Board of Directors — you could say I’m a little obsessed.
Before I get too wrapped up in how freaking cool tool libraries are, let’s back up.
What is a tool library?
Much like a traditional “book” library where you can borrow media like print books, magazines, audiobooks, music, and movies, a “tool” library is a place where a member can borrow tools — anything from a table saw to a wood chisel.
And there are lots of different kinds of tools.
So while many tool libraries focus on the tools you might need to fix your car, your home, or your clothes, there are also musical instrument libraries, outdoor gear libraries, cooking and baking-ware libraries, and toy libraries. These services are sometimes referred to as “libraries of things” — especially if they do a little bit of everything.
Ok. I hope you are starting to get the picture… lots of things on shelves available for borrowing.
But how does a tool library work?
Some public libraries are starting to expand what they offer to include things like board games and toys which means these new items are put into the library’s catalog and circulated the same way new books are added.
Public libraries are funded through local taxes and often have the support of a philanthropic foundation to buy new materials, pay staff, and keep the lights on. Most tool libraries are not part of a public library and instead function as an independent non-profit, relying on donations and grants for funding.
Non-profit tool libraries usually have a membership fee or may charge a borrowing fee that’s still much cheaper than purchasing the tool or renting from a big box store. This income gives them flexibility and stability with their funding beyond competitive grants. Membership fees also serve another purpose: member buy-in. Tool libraries are communities, collectively owned, operated, and maintained by their members to meet the community’s needs.
What makes tool libraries so great?
The concept is simple and it’s really nothing new. Libraries have existed for centuries. But in the midst of an increasingly capitalistic society there is something radical about creating a place to share and opt out of consumerism. I think tool libraries are special and are the kind of resource our communities are craving.
Here are four reasons why I think you should love tool libraries too:
Saving money
Low to no cost access to resources is critical and can really make the difference for struggling families.
The other day I had a family come into the Tacoma Tool Library with a public nuisance letter from the city. They had to trim back a hedge to avoid fines and didn’t have the tools or money to do the job. There is nothing better than turning someone’s day around with a sliding-scale membership, some loppers, and a hedge trimmer. They walk away feeling empowered and in control of their situation and with so much gratitude for the community we’ve built.
And with the cost of, well, everything lately we can all benefit from some savings.
Last year I started remodeling my bathroom and all the quotes were way outside my budget, so I decided to do it myself. I’ve borrowed 25 different tools for this project so far (and I’m not finished yet). To purchase all these tools would have cost me about $1,250. Lower upfront costs for gardening, DIY projects, crafts, and essential repairs means more opportunities to learn new skills, try new things, and get things done without the financial headache.
Increasing access
Tool libraries give people access to the tools they need to keep their homes in good repair but also pick up new skills, hobbies, and a DIY community that has their back.
🌈 Want to try stained glass making but you’re not ready to commit to high upfront costs of the tools you’d need? Borrow them.
💡 You need to replace a light switch but you’re not sure where to start or what you need? Ask the knowledgeable volunteers at the tool library.
👖 Your favorite jeans ripped? Bring them to a fix-it night or workshop hosted by your local tool library.
🏡 Need to mow your lawn but you don’t have a mower or a car? Good thing your neighborhood tool library is in walking distance.
By the way, these are all real examples I’ve encountered as a volunteer tool librarian.
While tool libraries across the world have different mission statements and membership structures, access is a common theme and often extends into educational or repair programs offered beyond just the available inventory. Tool libraries remove barriers — whether its cost, knowledge, or proximity, so that members can get their projects done.
Reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions
Often waste reduction efforts focus on single-use plastics like packaging which is important and makes up about two-thirds of all plastic production. Durable goods make up the other third.
But what’s the actual lifetime usage of some of these durable goods and how many extra goods are we producing just so every suburban home can have its own electric drill that sits in a garage or closet 99% of the time?
And it’s not just the plastic. There are the metals and rare earth minerals in the batteries and electrical components. Sharing means fewer new items need to be purchased and therefore produced in the first place. Sharing also means tool libraries can focus on higher quality items that last longer, keep them in good working order, and give donated tools a second life.
Last year Tacoma Tool Library diverted 1,741 lbs of waste by hosting weekly Fix-it Nights to repair people’s items for free. Just this past month 1,083 tools were borrowed instead of bought. That’s a lot of avoided waste.
Tacoma Tool Library only carries electric tools so no nasty air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions produced when you borrow a lawn mower or leafblower. Plus, they are quieter. Not so fun fact: gas-powered lawn equipment produced 30 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in 2020, that’s the same as 6.6 million cars on the road for a year.
Bonus environmental impacts: think about all the trees, pollinator gardens, litter pick ups, and crafty up-cycle projects made possible by having low cost access to tools!
Being part of a community
So many studies have shown that actively participating in a community where you form social bonds and feel supported makes you healthier and happier.
I know the small act of stopping by the tool library to pick up something I need, having a quick chat with the other patrons and volunteers, and even just seeing other people out and about in a shared space brightens my day. It’s nice having a place where I know I can go swap gardening stories or commiserate about living in an old, sometimes falling apart house.
These people get me. They don’t shy away from hard work. They’re thrifty and innovative and know how to make do with what they’ve got. And they care. SO MUCH. About this city, our community, the planet.
It’s heartwarming and I know I take it for granted.
How to get started with a Tool Library
If reading this makes you want to get involved in a tool library here’s some ways you can get started:
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Find a tool library near you and become a member, volunteer or donor!
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Don’t have a nearby tool library?
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Give the gift of membership to a friend or family member that does live near one.
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Start a tool library! I promise you can do this and the Tool Library Alliance can help!
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Find other ways to share tools with your neighbors through existing communities like Buy Nothing Groups, schools, churches, or workplaces.
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And one final plug for my local Tacomans. The Tacoma Tool Library is here for you and we know you’re here for us too! Due to the hellscape of federal and state funding cuts, we are running entirely on member donations and volunteers at the moment. We are committed to keeping tool lending open and accessible. No one is ever turned away for not being able to afford membership. Donate today or sign up to volunteer. No tool knowledge needed!
We could all benefit from owning less and sharing more.
DONATE TO THE TACOMA TOOL LIBRARY
Get to know Kyla!
Kyla Wilson is a sustainability planner for Pierce County's Office of Resilience and Climate Action and current board chair of the Tacoma Tool Library. She has an MSc in Sustainability Science and Environmental Studies from Lund University and a BS in Environmental Science from UCLA. She lives in Tacoma, WA with her partner and two cats. You can find Kyla frequenting cafes around town, loitering in thrift stores, and biting off more than she can chew with home DIY projects.
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