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 and Video Blogging Equipment Now Available to Borrow
Unleash your inner artist, storyteller, or content creator! Whether you want to learn a new instrument or start your own digital channel, LA County Library has the gear you need to get started.
Aspiring Musicians can get ready to rock! You can check out a variety of musical instruments, including acoustic guitars, electronic keyboards, and electronic drum kits. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to try something new before making a purchase.
Creatives, storytellers, and entrepreneurs looking to share your story or build an audience can now borrow high-quality video and blogging equipment to help you produce engaging, professional-grade digital content. With digital cameras and GoPros, tripods and gimbals, and podcast microphones.
Whether you’re practicing your first beats or editing your first viral video, your library card is your backstage pass to creativity. Explore our collection and borrow your gear 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.
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
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.





