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!
Ready 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.
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.
Thank you for thinking of the library, but we are not accepting any donations of tools at this time.
Tools can be checked out for 7 days. Musical Instruments can be checked out for 21 days. Tools and musical instruments cannot be renewed.
No. Tools must be borrowed and returned to owning Tool Lending Library location and cannot be sent to other library locations.
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.
• 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.
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 must be returned in-person to the lending library. Return the tools to a staff member. Do not return in the book drop.
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.
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.
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.
