Berkeley Tool Lending Library
Library · South Berkeley ·

Berkeley Tool Lending Library

Library · South Berkeley ·

Borrow tools for DIY, home repair, and projects

Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by jamesgage7 (Atlas Obscura User)
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by jamesgage7 (Atlas Obscura User)
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by jamesgage7 (Atlas Obscura User)
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by jamesgage7 (Atlas Obscura User)
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by jamesgage7 (Atlas Obscura User)
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by jamesgage7 (Atlas Obscura User)
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by jamesgage7 (Atlas Obscura User)
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by jamesgage7 (Atlas Obscura User)
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null
Berkeley Tool Lending Library by null

Information

1901 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94703 Get directions

Information

Static Map

1901 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94703 Get directions

+1 510 981 6101
berkeleypubliclibrary.org
@berkeleypubliclibrary
𝕏
@berkeleypublic

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Dec 9, 2025

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A Collection of 13 Eclectic Collections

"You won’t find any shushing librarians at this library. Instead, you’ll find shelves packed with a medley of tools that will bring any construction project clanging to life. Berkeley residents or property owners over the age of 18 can check out a variety of tools from this unusual library. Its most recent home is attached to the Berkeley Public Library’s South Branch, though the collection has lived elsewhere within the decades since it was founded. The tool library was established in 1979, thanks to funding from a federal grant. It was first run out of a portable trailer that stocked about 500 different tools. Borrowing from the humble collection was free to those of low or moderate income, and cost between 50 cents to $3.00 for all others. Over time, the library continued to grow, expanding into a small assembly of trailers and sheds. Now its thousands of tools fill a space right next to a more traditional, book-based library. And thanks to the city’s 1988 property-based library tax, borrowing a tool is free for any Berkeley resident or property owner. The small hub is packed with rakes, shovels, demolition hammers, wheelbarrows, clippers, ladders, and even cement mixers, making it perfect for those who want to tackle a project but might not have the money or space for tools. It’s also a great way for people to take advantage of their tax dollars. Most states don’t have tool lending libraries at all, but California’s Bay Area now has several, with libraries in Berkeley, Santa Rosa, Marin, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Leandro, and Oakland." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/eclectic-collections
jamesgage7 (Atlas Obscura User)
Berkeley Tool Lending Library

Achint S.

Google
It’s amazing that this resource exists. They have all sorts of tools and kitchen gear (e.g. if you’re hosting a party and need bigger appliances or something special). The staff are very helpful if you need advice.

Zack F.

Google
It’s no Deichman Bjørvika, but it’s a step in or two right direction. Such a wonderful resource to have in our neighborhood. Very thankful it’s here and for the staff being very helpful, humorous, and kind. Public libraries are great and it’s always nice when there are other well managed services such as this.

Josh E.

Google
Amazing resource. The staff are friendly and helpful and the selection of items they have is amazing everything from power tools and kitchenware.

Martin T.

Google
The Berkeley Tool Library is an absolute gem. An incredible community resource that makes DIY projects, repairs, and creative work accessible to everyone. So grateful for this service and the community that supports it!

Allen White (KLOVER NELLA F.

Google
Thank you Angel for helping me with my project. It fits perfect. Jigsaw, plus a blade, extra power extension cable, and frame square. So grateful.

Joffrey D.

Google
The fight against Big Tool is fought one borrow at a time.

Shannon S.

Google
This library of tools is one of my favorite places in Berkeley. Everyone that I have interacted with there has been super helpful and the selection of tools is incredible. Great for the DIY community. I have done so many home projects thanks to this library.

Ross B.

Google
I love that Berkeley has a tool lending library. Sometimes I need a tool one time. This is an amazing community based solution. Staff is generally very helpful.
google avatar

Brianne M.

Yelp
The staff are hostile both in-person and on the phone, and they appear to be committing some kind of organized identity fraud. One day, I got a notification from the Berkeley Library system saying I had a $100+ overdue bill for a saw that I had not rented. When I called them to inform them of the error, they became defensive and told me to to go away and that they'd fix it.

D B.

Yelp
Depending on the day they can be helpful and other days down right rude. Asking if you used a tool before is fine, but then if you ask for clarification they say "well you would know if you used it before." As a heads up some tools that involve a length to it do come in other lengths I chose not to say anything because I am a women and when I go there they treat me like I'm an idiot. However if I bring my partner they treat him like he knows everything when he actually doesn't. I only bring him so I get a better respectful experience. As a FYI toilet snakes come in more than one length 3ft is standard and I understand that but they do make a 6ft. That's why I asked the length! Then I asked about 25-50 ft ones but I wasn't referring to the toilet one I was asking it for the regular pipes. Please do not be sexist! Do not assume that women don't know what they are doing! Also don't think you know everything about some of the tools either just because you work there. Please be respectful and show better customer service!
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Shane S.

Yelp
The Tool Lending Library is adjacent to the Berkeley South Branch Public Library. If you are a Berkeley resident over the age of 18 or own property in Berkeley you can check out up to 10 tools at a time. Tools may be borrowed for 3 or 7 days, depending on the item. There aren't just hammers here yet if you are in need of one there is about 30 different kinds you can borrow. There are 2,500 tools for home & garden projects in the TLL collection. Besides the tools you will find knowledgeable & friendly staff on how to get your project done. For reference there is a sizable collection of how-to-books, DVDs on construction projects, gardening, plumbing, & much more to get your weekend project completed. It is a great concept to lend tools as opposed to having to buy them along w/ storing them. I am not much of a handy man yet like the concept. I feel more libraries should offer this service for environmental & economical reasons. Late Fines: $1 to $18 per day , depending on the tool's value. Another lesser known gem of the TLL is that next to it is a bicycle pump to fill your tires w/ some air or some bicycle tools if you are good w/ the mechanics of bikes.
google avatar

Gregory W.

Yelp
Installed a TV and sound bar wall mount with free rentals of drill, bits, socket and wrench, hammer, extension cord --- excellent quality brands and near brand new condition tools --- and of course no cost for one-time use tools. A real gem of an amenity in Berkeley! Every city needs one!
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Grace L.

Yelp
Berkeley is so lucky to have its own Tool Lending Library- it's seriously amazing if you are looking to borrow any tool you need for a week! You can even borrow tools for your backyard to clean up and tools for inside the house if you need to install a new light switch. I highly recommend if you don't need to buy a one off tool that you need for a project and you can call in advance to reserve what you need to make sure it is available for pick-up!
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Alex W.

Yelp
I'm so grateful for this place! After days of getting jerked around by sexist plumbers, I came by for an electric snake to clear a blocked sewer line from the house to the city lateral. Based on the quotes ($300-650), I thought it was going to be a tough job, but the Berkeley Tool Lending Library staff set me up (goggles and all), and I unclogged the pipe in under an hour, even with the time to watch a how-to video on youtube. The staff are helpful, the tools are in good shape, they thankfully have long hours (at least on Wednesdays?), and you'll get such a sense of satisfaction from turning down the condescending plumbers and doing it yourself!
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Bryan M.

Yelp
Great resource for borrowing tools, but the dudes who work the counter have ego-attitudes and just generally aren't very friendly. It's almost like they forgot that they work in customer service...

Lowell F.

Yelp
Very knowledgeable staff and a great collection of serious tools. The hold system and notifications work well.
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Mikey J.

Yelp
Love the Tool Library! Never seen anything like it before and it's fantastic! So many tools, so many options, free, and friendly service! They have a great variety of almost every tool you'll need with expert opinions. For example, I needed a shovel to plant a plant and they had at least 6 different kinds. I was thoroughly impressed! Check it out!
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Andrea Y.

Yelp
If you need extra tall ladders for very high windows, they have them here. You need to live in Berkeley or own property in order to use them, it's like a regular library, though the lending time is much shorter. They also have a great selection of hand tools and carts. I saw a lady borrow a weed-wacker and return a pair of large shears. There is a worker who keeps the tools in working shape. This is a wonderful resource.

Safy A.

Yelp
Great place to borrow tools with a library card! No rental fees, free access. I love this place!
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Leah O.

Yelp
I accidentally had to rebuild our entire kitchen sink. Have you ever tried to do this? It started with such a simple thing- the sink was draining slowly- and so I undid the U-pipe and BAM- the connecting pipe crumbled in my hands. So, like a good millennial, I did my internet research and watched a bunch of boring YouTube videos and figured out what I needed to do- but turns out I don't own a wrench. I also don't own the seven other tools I ended up needing in this project, as the sink around the sink I was repairing kept deteriorating, piece by piece, like some kind of joke. I didn't just need a wrench- I needed a metal-cutting saw! Whoops, the pieces from the hardware store do not fit AT ALL- so also a pipe cutter!? Also big wrench! Also small wrench! I needed a tool that had a flip-around head thingy for the specialized weirdness of under-sinks! The super kind gentlemen who staff this place were a godsend. I kept dragging my dejected ass back in there time after time, and they'd laugh and troubleshoot the latest snafu with me, and that camaraderie meant the world when I was 10 steps into what should have been a 1-step process. A tool lending library is a genius invention, and I tip my hat to the folks who made this possible for me and the community. It's solid gold.

Lankun G.

Yelp
This this is what makes Berkeley great again and again and again. The service is five star, more tools than you can shake a stick at
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Francis W.

Yelp
Incredible place! They have so many useful tools including things like demolition hammers, table saws and 28' ladders! The best thing is the staff, they're helpful, funny and always super friendly.
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Bryce N.

Yelp
Thanks for being there! It's great not to have to buy tools I need only occasionally. The staff is great too, often willing to supply advice.
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Stephen W.

Yelp
Amazing place, friendly helpful staff, I've used this for countless landscape projects at the house. Just wish there was more than 2 parking spots out front!

david s.

Yelp
What a great place! Been borrowing tools from here for years. And they're reopened during COVID with convenience and safe protocols. Big selection of tools, all that I borrowed were in good condition, friendly and helpful people...really appreciate this part of the Berkeley Public Library system.

Terry S.

Yelp
Happy to live in a town that has this resource! Why buy a tool you will use for one day a year --and store it for the other 364 days? Here you have a giant tool shed --and friendly advisors-- at your disposal 6 days a week. Love it!