New York State has emerged as a national leader in the "Libraries of Things" movement, with a network of institutions offering a remarkable variety of non-traditional items for public use. This trend goes far beyond simple tool lending, reflecting a broader commitment by libraries to promote sustainability, community access, and self-sufficiency. From the boroughs of New York City to the rural towns of Western New York, these programs are transforming how communities think about ownership and access.
The Brooklyn Public Library, a giant in the world of public institutions, has a pioneering Tool Library at its Greenpoint branch. This project, which grew out of a library incubator program, is a cornerstone of the Greenpoint community. It allows patrons to borrow a wide array of tools for home projects, repairs, and DIY endeavors. The collection is extensive, including both hand tools and power tools, helping patrons avoid the cost and waste of buying items they'll only use once.
Specifics on Loan: Patrons can borrow up to three tools at a time, with a limit of one power tool. The loan period for these items is seven days, with the option to renew if no one else has placed a hold on the item. The library requires patrons to sign a liability waiver and show proof of a current address for the first time they borrow a tool. This careful process is in place to protect the library’s assets and ensure the collection remains available and safe for the entire community.
Noteworthy: The Greenpoint branch's commitment to community is clear in its policies. They emphasize that the Tool Library is for neighbors and ask for items to be returned on time to ensure others can use them. They also run a Culture Pass program that gives cardholders free access to dozens of cultural institutions, further solidifying the library's role as a hub for community enrichment beyond just books.
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has a variety of non-book lending programs, though they are often more focused on technology and educational materials than home improvement tools.
The Queens Public Library (QPL) has a strong focus on community access and technology lending.
Beyond the major public library systems, smaller, more specialized lending libraries operate throughout the city.
In Buffalo, The Tool Library is an independent, non-profit organization that has become a powerful force for neighborhood revitalization and community empowerment. It operates much like a traditional library, but its collection of over 5,000 items is a testament to its mission of providing access to the tools needed for a wide range of projects.
Specifics on Loan: This library operates on a tiered membership model. For an annual fee, individuals and organizations can borrow from a massive collection of tools, with no additional rental fees. The membership levels are:
The inventory is comprehensive, from basics like power drills, saws, and shovels to more specialized items like pressure washers, lawn mowers, and even canopy tents for community events. They also have a small selection of "Super Tools" for a daily rental fee.
Noteworthy: The Tool Library in Buffalo is a model of community equity. Thanks to the Paul Borenstein Memorial Scholarship Fund, they provide free memberships to neighbors who cannot afford the annual fee, ensuring that access to tools is not limited by income. They also host hands-on workshops and classes, teaching valuable skills like carpentry and home repair.
Throughout the rest of New York State, smaller public libraries are embracing the "Library of Things" concept with highly curated collections that reflect their specific communities.
Their "Library of Things" focuses heavily on technology. Their collection includes:
The Greenburgh Public Library's collection is a great example of how these programs are expanding beyond just tools for home repair and into technology, media, and health.
This organization has a tool lending library located at their Parts Warehouse. This program, which started in 2022, makes home maintenance more accessible to residents of New York's capital city.
This library's collection is a perfect example of how a small-town library can cater to diverse interests. Their "Library of Things" includes a circulating Nintendo Switch, Ukulele Kits, and telescopes. They also provide passes for local museums and parks, a common offering in many New York libraries.
This library's focus is on technology and recreational gear. They lend out a variety of electronics like Roku streaming devices, mobile hotspots, and laptops. For outdoor enthusiasts, they also offer a popular NYS Empire Pass, which provides free vehicle entry to state parks.
The Sachem Public Library's "Library of Things" offers a wide variety of items for loan, including technology, games, and household tools. Some of the items they list are:
The items are categorized by type, and you can place a hold request on most of them through their website. The library's main location is at 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook, New York.
A Diverse Collection. The Tuckahoe Public Library has a collection focused on technology, education, and entertainment. Their "Library of Things" includes:
The Victor Farmington Library has a diverse collection that goes well beyond books. Their collection is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a loan period of 7 days and a renewal option for another week. They have a limit of 5 items per cardholder at a time.
Their collection includes items that fall into several categories, from home and hobbies to education and wellness. Some examples are:
On Long Island, libraries are merging practicality with creative tools.
The collection at this library is incredibly diverse, ranging from practical items like sewing machines and scanners to fun gear like a bubble machine and karaoke machine. Their "Memory Kits", designed for patrons with memory challenges, are a unique and compassionate offering that includes items like a "Remembering the 1940s and 1950s" kit.
This library's "Library of Things" is dedicated to providing "unconventional items." Their collection includes an automatic photo to USB scanner for digitizing old photos, an Atari Flashback for a nostalgic gaming experience, and educational robots like the Bee-Bot to introduce children to basic coding. They also have a Birding Backpack containing binoculars and field guides, and a Badminton Set for outdoor fun.
