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All LA County Library locations will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents Day. Our Digital Library is open 24/7.

Tool Lending Library

Borrow tools for free!

We now offer tool lending to customers at 6 of our libraries: Compton, Lancaster, Malibu, Norwalk, Rosemead, and San Fernando. Our tool lending program provides the community opportunities to check out tools and maker items at no cost. The inventory includes hammers, wrenches, electrical cords, cookware, sewing machines, gardening tools, power tools, and much more.

Musical Instruments Now Available to Borrow!

young adults playing keyboard and guitarReady to unleash your creativity, learn a new skill, or just jam out? LA County Library makes it easy! Our new musical instrument collection is now available for checkout, offering you the chance to explore the world of music without the upfront cost. Instruments available for borrowing include:

  • Acoustic Guitars: Perfect for strumming your favorite tunes or learning those first chords.
  • Keyboards: Explore melodies, harmonies, and different sounds with our versatile keyboards.
  • Electronic Drum Kits: Practice your beats quietly with headphones or plug into an amp for a fuller sound.

Each instrument can be checked out for 3 weeks, giving you plenty of time to practice and enjoy. Visit the Tool Lending Library nearest to you or check our online catalog to see what’s available and start your musical journey today!

Tool Catalog

Due to space availability, not all libraries have the same set of tools. Please review the catalog to determine if the tool is in the library collection and call in advance of visiting. Each library has a printed catalog to browse in the library.

POWER TOOLS
Cordless drill driver
Drill & screwdriver bit set
Orbital sander
Belt sander
Power washer

HAND TOOLS
Claw hammer
Ball pein hammer 
Dead blow hammer
Rubber mallet
Awl
Nail puller 
Nail set / punches
Pocket screwdriver 
Screwdriver set
Precision screwdriver set
Screw extractor set
Drill bit set
Socket set
Adjustable wrench
Monkey wrench
Wood chisel set
Staple gun
Plier set 1
Plier set 2
Bolt cutter, 24 in.
Bolt cutter, 14 in.
Cable cutter
Plier (tongue & groove) – 12 in.
Pliers (tongue & groove) – 9.5 in. and 6.5 in.
Hex key set 
Magnet, retrieving
Light bulb changer kit

MEASURING AND LAYOUT
Stud finder / Stud sensor
Tape measure
Laser level
48 in. level
24 in. level
T-Square
Square – combination
Square – rafter
Square – universal square
Contour marking gauge 
Caliper, digital

CLAMPS AND JIGS
Trigger clamp
Bar clamp
C-clamp
3-way edging clamp
Spring clamp
Locking pliers, Vise grip
Hand screw clamp
Assembly square
Angle clamp
Pocket hole jig

TECHNOLOGY
DVD Player

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Acoustic Guitars
Keyboards
Electronic Drum Kits

ELECTRICAL
Extension cord – 25 feet
Extension cord – 50 feet
Extension cord – 100 feet
Work light, LED
Circuit breaker finder
Multimeter
Voltage detector
Armored cable cutter
Wire stripper / cutter
Cable / wire tacker

GARDENING AND DIGGING
Pruning shears
Trowel 
Bulb planter
Garden hoe
Seed spreader
Shovel
Fruit picker
Tamper

BIKE REPAIR
Bike repair kit
Bike pump
Bike repair stand

SEWING AND CLOTHING REPAIR
Sewing machine
Sewing machine presser feet
Seam ripper set
Tape measure
Fabric scissors
Thread snips
Cutting mat
Buttonhole cutter
Turner and pressing tool
Tailors clapper
Pressing ham
Garment steamer
Mending Kit

COOKING AND BAKING
6 in. round cake pan
8 in. round cake pan
9 in. round cake pan
8 in. square cake pan
9 in. x 13 in. cake pan
Heart shaped cake pan, 10 in.
10 in. springform cake pan
Muffin tin
Bundt cake pan
Cookie cutters
Hand mixer

CRAFTING AND CREATING
Hot glue gun
Engraving tool
Cricut Explore Air 2
Cricut basic tool set
Jewelry making tool kit

AUTO REPAIR
Auto engine code reader
Oil filter wrench
Wrench set
Ratchet and socket set
Pry bar set
Portable work light

LA County Library cardholders over the age of 18 are eligible to borrow tools from the Tool Lending Library. Loan period for tools is seven (7) days and 21 days for musical instruments. No more than six (6) tools can be checked out at one time, with a maximum of two (2) from the following list: drill driver, sanders, pressure washer, sewing machine, Cricut machine, musical instruments. Tools will not be sent to other libraries for pick up, and must be returned in-person to owning library. View the complete Tool Lending Library Borrower Agreement here.

What libraries have a Tool Lending Library?

LA County Library has a Tool Lending Library at the following library locations: Compton Library, Lancaster Library, Malibu library, Norwalk Library, Rosemead Library, and San Fernando Library.

Do you accept donations of tools?

Thank you for thinking of the library, but we are not accepting any donations of tools at this time.

How long can I borrow the tool?

Tools can be checked out for 7 days. Musical Instruments can be checked out for 21 days. Tools and musical instruments cannot be renewed.

Can a tool be sent to my closest library for pick up?

No. Tools must be borrowed and returned to owning Tool Lending Library location and cannot be sent to other library locations.

Do the six Tool Lending Library sites have the same tools?

No, due to space availability, not all libraries have the same set of tools. Please review the catalog to determine if the tool is in the library collection and call in advance of visiting. Each library has a printed catalog to browse in the library.

What are the requirements for borrowing tools?

• Adult cardholder (18+ age) in good standing.
• Borrowers must sign the Liability Waiver and Indemnification Form.
• Only the person borrowing the tool shall use the tool.

How many tools can be checked out at a time?

Six (6) tools can be checked out at one time, with a maximum of two (2) from the following list: drill driver, sanders, pressure washer, sewing machine, Cricut machine, musical instruments.

How do I return my tools?

Tools must be returned in-person to the lending library. Return the tools to a staff member. Do not return in the book drop.

Will staff show me how to use the tools?

The borrower acknowledges that they are capable of using the tool in a safe and proper manner. Library will include any instruction manuals. Library staff are unable to provide assistance with using the tools beyond the provided manufacturer’s instructions.

Who provides the supplies needed to use the tools?

Only the tool is provided by the library. Borrower needs to supply all expendable materials such as staples for the staple gun, glue sticks for the hot glue gun, materials and mats for the Cricut machine, sandpaper for the sander, thread & notions for the sewing machine, and garden hose for the power washer. Please review notes in the catalog and inquire at the library.

Why don’t you have a particular tool in the collection?

Due to cost, space, and safety concerns, LA County Library is unable to have all desired tools in the Tool Lending Library. A selection of hand tools, creative tools, and repair tools are available.

This program is supported by the City of Malibu and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

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Downloads and Streaming

Digital Media

With your LA County Library card, you can download or stream eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, music, and movies on your computer, tablet, or phone. It's free and you'll never have to worry about overdue fines!

You'll need a library card in good standing and a PIN to access most downloadable & streaming content.

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Kindle Paperwhite eReader

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Welcome to a New Way to Read...

Have you walked into a library and wished you could check out more books than you could possibly carry? Check out a Kindle Paperwhite at participating libraries with a collection of titles that you are sure to enjoy. Each Kindle has been loaded with expert-selected books.

You don’t need internet access - all the books are pre-loaded onto the Kindle so you are ready to read.

  • Three week checkout
  • Renew up to 3 times, as long as no one else is waiting
  • Must be 18 or older (or under 18 with parent permission)
  • eBooks cannot be added to this device by user

How do I get one?

  • Visit a participating library to check out or place a hold on a Kindle Paperwhite. Kindles are not sent to other libraries for pick up.
  • Note: Selection of genres varies per library. Click on a library below to see the list of genres.

Library Locations with eReaders

Click on the library to view list of genres available.

Many of our libraries offer enhanced resources, computers, and online services to support your homework needs. Check with your local library!

Family Place

What is Family Place?

A Family Place Library is a center for early childhood information, parent education, emergent literacy, socialization, and family support. Family Place builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parent involvement, and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development. Each Family Place Library features the following core elements:

  • A bright, colorful, and welcoming space for young children and their parents.
  • A collection of books, toys, videos, music, and other materials for babies, toddlers, parents, and service providers
  • Access to resources that emphasize emergent literacy, reading readiness, and parent education.
  • Developmentally appropriate programming, such as baby and toddler storytimes for younger children and their parents.
  • Outreach to new and underserved populations.
  • The Parent-Child Workshop is a five-week workshop featuring local professionals, such as nutritionists, speech and language therapists, and child development experts, who serve as resources for parents.

The first three years of a child's life lay the foundation for learning. Get the tools and resources you need to give your child the best possible start.

Family Place Library Children playing music in Family Place Library

citizenship in a bag

Citizenship-in-a-Bag contains:

  • Settlement information for new immigrants to the United States
  • Information on the U.S. naturalization process;
  • Study materials for the naturalization test
  • Reference materials on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship
  • Multimedia tools including DVDs and an audio CD
  • Teaching guides and planning resources
  • flash cards and books

Checkout or place a hold on a Citizenship-in-a-Bag toolkit.

Great! Thank you for sharing your photos with Catalina PhotoShare, a community history project of LA County Library.

Your photos will be reviewed and if they meet the criteria, they will be added to the Catalina PhotoShare online collection.

If you have any questions, please contact: digitalprojects@library.lacounty.gov

Terms of Service and Laptop Library Locations

Laptops in this kiosk can be checked out by customers with a LA County Library card in good standing.  The laptop is due back in the kiosk before the library closes on the same day it is checked out.

If you do not return the laptop to the kiosk on the same day you check it out, your library account will be charged the full replacement cost of the laptop.

When you check out a laptop from this kiosk, you agree to use it within the library only.  If you remove the laptop from the library, you may held criminally responsible for theft of the laptop and/or be charged the full replacement cost of the laptop.

You are responsible for the laptop and you agree that you will reimburse the LA County Library for any damages if the laptop is damaged, lost or stolen while checked out to you.

If you check out a laptop and it is damaged, you will give it to library staff immediately.

You must save to a removable storage device (such as a USB drive) since your work will not be saved to the laptop beyond your current checkout.

LA County Library will not be held responsible for any damage or loss of data or media due to any cause while you are using a laptop from this kiosk.

By using this laptop, you must adhere to the Library’s Acceptable Use Policy. Laptops are available at the following libraries:

A C Bilbrew Library

Artesia Library

Culver City Julian Dixon Library

Clifton M Brakensiek Library

East Los Angeles Library

El Camino Real Library

La Mirada Library

La Puente Library

Leland R Weaver Library

Manhattan Beach Library

Paramount Library

Quartz Hill Library

Sorensen Library

South El Monte Library

South Whittier Library

Temple City Library

View Park Bebe Moore Campbell Library

Walnut Library

West Hollywood Library

Willowbrook Library

Consumer Health Information Program

The Consumer Health Information Program assists the public with medical research by providing information from reliable sources. Customers are invited to use the Norwalk Library collection which consists of books, magazines, videos, and online databases related to health topics. We also provide individualized research services.

Please be aware, we do not provide medical advice, nor are the materials we provide a substitute for a professional medical opinion.

What Can We Do for You?

We can provide you with information on topics such as:

  • Medical conditions or diseases
  • Prescription medications
  • Surgical procedures
  • General physician and hospital information
  • Book and website recommendations for further reading

How to Contact Us

Location: Norwalk Library

Phone: (562) 868-4003

Fax: (562) 868-4065

Email: chips@library.lacounty.gov

Online Resources

Health Databases *

Health & Fitness eBooks and Audiobooks *

LA County Library Californiana Collection

Accessing the Collection

The Californiana Collection is in closed stacks at the Norwalk Library located at 12350 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650.

About the Collection

The Californiana Collection consists of over 24,000 books and over 200 magazine and newspaper titles in paper and on microfilm as well as a collection of state documents including state and county budgets. The goal of this collection is to present a complete picture of the history, culture, environment and artistic expression of the people of California and to some extent, the western United States.

Collection Highlights

  • California Census Schedules from 1850 to 1910
  • Copies of The Alta California newspaper 1849-1891, as well as dozens of other 19th century newspapers from Gold Rush boomtowns, the Owens Valley and San Francisco
  • The Los Angeles Star newspaper 1851-1879
  • City directories dating from the 19th century
  • Official city and county histories from the 19th and 20th centuries
  • Materials on the Donner Party, California water projects, famous California crimes, Hollywood culture, biographies of Californians, pioneer narratives of the early days of California, and histories of the state written over the course of 150 years