Library of Things

What is a Library of Things?

It is a collection of physical objects that people can borrow instead of buying. This can include anything from tools and equipment to games and toys. The goal of it is to reduce waste and encourage people to share resources.

A Little Bit of History

The first official Library of Things as a brand was founded in 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Called the "Borrow Station". Created by a group of artists and designers. The Borrow Station was a success and it inspired other communities to start their own Libraries of Things.

You will find this movement in many parts of the world. In over 20 countries, including the USA, UK, Spain, Hungary, Ireland, Nigeria, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Uganda and more. The concept dates back in many cultures' history [Tool Libraries].

Seattle is home to an old operating tool library set up in the 1970s that began with some University of Washington students wanting to clear out their dorm rooms!

In 2012, the first official 'Library of Things' in the United States was founded near to Seattle. In Portland, Oregon. Called the "Portland Tool Library". It was created by a group of community activists. It was a success and it inspired other communities to start their own Libraries of Things.

There are now over 100 Libraries of Things in the United States, and the number is growing rapidly.

"Libraries loaning “stuff” isn’t a new concept. Framed paintings were available for checkout at the Newark (N.J.) Public Library back in 1904. “Libraries were sharing before sharing was cool.”

Director of the American Library Association’s Center for the Future of Libraries

Types of Libraries of Things

There are many different types of Libraries of Things. Some run by libraries. Others run by community organizations or businesses. Some Libraries of Things focus on a specific type of object, like tools or musical instruments. Others have a wider range of objects.

The Benefits

**Reduced waste:** When people borrow instead of buy, they reduce the amount of waste that is produced.

**Encouraged sharing:** Libraries of Things encourage people to share resources. This can help to build community and reduce costs. The power of connection can help communities to build ethically.

**Access to new things:** Libraries of Things give people access to new things.

How to find a Library of Things in the USA

We have listed some here below. You can search online, contact your local library, or ask your community organization.

Ann Arbor District Library, MI

This library has a wide variety of items available for loan, including tools, musical instruments, and camping gear. Lends a wide variety of items, including musical instruments like ukuleles and the electronic instrument, the otamatone.

Arlington Public Library, VA

Lends American Girl dolls. The dolls can be borrowed for a seven-day period and can be renewed up to three times if there are no other holds. The library has 19 different dolls available for loan, and the program is made possible by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library. It might seem unusual at first, but the Arlington Public Library's program to lend American Girl dolls is quite popular and serves several purposes:

• Accessibility: American Girl dolls can be expensive (around $160 each), making them inaccessible for many families. This program provides access to children who might not otherwise be able to experience the dolls.
• Educational Connection: Each doll comes with a book and a guide about the historical era it represents, connecting children with history and promoting reading.
• Community Engagement: The program involves the Center for Local History and encourages donations from the community.
• Promoting Library Use: It's another way for libraries to attract patrons and show the variety of resources they offer beyond traditional books.

Berkelely Public Library, CA

Home to one of the oldest operating tool libraries in the country.

Boulder City Library, CO

Discover an incredible variety of non-traditional items available for checkout at the Boulder City Library. The Library of Things collection features everything from baking essentials like cake pans and cookie cutters to technology and outdoor equipment, including mobile hotspots, car code scanners, hiking GPS units, and new Hiking & Creature Discovery Backpacks. Visitors can also explore board games, Watch Boxes, Book Club Kits, and family-friendly resources like Steam Kits and Storytime To Go Kits (limited to one per family), or borrow garden tools (waiver required). Because these items are not searchable or requestable online, loan rules are posted directly with each collection—just drop by the Information Desk for assistance.

Nevada State Park Library Passes & Federal Support

Thanks to the Nevada State Parks Service, community members can also check out a Nevada State Park Pass. Valid for entry at any of Nevada’s 28 State Parks for one passenger vehicle (up to eight people), the pass checks out for one week and must be returned directly inside the Boulder City Library. If a pass is available, simply take the exchange card located near the Youth Magazines and GPS units to the Circulation Desk, or contact staff to be added to the holds list. This community enrichment is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums, advancing access to trusted information, culture, and learning opportunities.

Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Collection of tools and equipment borrowed for free.

Charlottesville E-Bike Lending Library, VA

Stop guessing and start riding. If you're considering an electric bike purchase but aren't sure where to begin, the Charlottesville E-bike Lending Library provides the perfect solution. This local nonprofit allows you to borrow an e-bike for up to a week, giving you the hands-on experience necessary to make a confident buying decision.

City of Hope Library of Things (CA)

Focuses on supportive care items for cancer patients and families, including durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, transport chairs, and home-care comfort aids.

Durham Tool Library / Keep Durham Beautiful (NC)

Provides home improvement and landscaping gear, ranging from power tools like electric lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and pressure washers to hand tools like loppers, post-hole diggers, and wheelbarrows.

Eckhart Public Library (IN)

Lends tabletop reflector telescopes equipped with instruction manuals, star charts, and protective carrying cases through national library telescope initiatives.

Emerald City / Seattle-Area Tool Libraries (WA)

Features heavy-duty building, re-modeling, party, and automotive gear, such as tile saws, ladders, circular saws, drills, rototillers, event pop-up tents, and car code readers.

Interfaith Community Services (MA)

Supplies essential household repair and basic maintenance tools—like drill sets, hammer collections, plumbing wrenches, and lawn care basics—to assist low-income families with home upkeep.

Johnson County Public Library (IN)

Offers a full formal wear closet ("Project Prom") with prom dresses, suits, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories for students attending special events.

Little Free Library (USA)

Operates small neighborhood book-sharing boxes offering fiction, non-fiction, children's books, graphic novels, and community-donated magazines.

Los Angeles Public Library (CA)

Provides beginner ukulele kits—including a soprano or concert ukulele, gig bag, electronic clip-on tuner, and chord guide—along with tech items like Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks.

 

Portland Tool Library (OR)

Features a broad inventory of home maintenance, woodworking, and gardening equipment—including miter saws, pressure washers, extension ladders, tiller machines, tile cutters, and cordless drills.

Recommended Reading Library (PA)

Focuses on local literacy and community media access, loaning popular fiction, non-fiction collections, children’s literature, educational graphic novels, and current magazine subscriptions.

San Francisco Public Library (CA)

Offers a wide range of "Library of Things" gear, including home repair tools, sewing machines, musical instruments, 3D printing equipment, cooking molds, and family activity kits.

Seattle Tool Library / NE Seattle Tool Library (WA)

Stocked with heavy-duty construction and DIY essentials like table saws, belt sanders, demolition hammers, drain snakes, lawn mowers, and camping gear.

Trinity Tool Library (CT)

Provides neighborhood access to basic hand and power tools for home improvement, landscaping, and urban gardening, such as wheelbarrows, shovels, cordless drivers, and hedge trimmers.

University of California, Berkeley (CA)

Offers campus equipment loans for students, faculty, and staff, featuring media gear (DSLR cameras, microphones, tripods), laptops, audio/visual accessories, and makerspace crafting tools.

University of Washington (WA)

Provides an extensive campus equipment collection including tech gear (laptops, chargers, DSLR cameras, video recorders), assistive technology devices, and event equipment for academic and student projects.

This is just a small sample of the many Libraries of Things that are available in the USA. We are putting together a comprehensive list for each state and have started with Library of Things New York.

Conclusion

Libraries of Things are a great way to reduce waste, encourage sharing, and access new things. If you are looking for a way to be more ethical, sustainable and to save money, do consider using one.

Here are some additional details about the movement in the USA:

• The Library of Things movement is growing rapidly in the USA. In the past few years, there has been a surge in the number of Libraries of Things opening up across the country. This is due in part to the growing awareness of the environmental and enterprising financial benefits of sharing resources, and instead of it dividing the people, it brings people together whatever political persuasion.
• Libraries of Things are not just for libraries anymore. In addition to traditional libraries, many other types of organizations are now offering these services. This includes community centers, businesses, and even schools.
• The types of items available at Libraries of Things are also expanding. In addition to traditional tools and equipment, many Libraries of Things now offer a wide variety of other items, such as musical instruments, camping gear, and even party supplies.
• The movement is a great example of how people are coming together to find more sustainable and affordable ways to live. By sharing resources, we can all reduce our impact on the environment, save money and help our community thrive.