Central Arkansas Library System: Tool Library (Dee Brown Library)
location_onLittle Rock, Arkansas
infoAbout Central Arkansas Library System: Tool Library (Dee Brown Library)
The CALS Tool Library is a public library collection at the Central Arkansas Library System's Dee Brown Library, 6325 Baseline Road in southwest Little Rock, borrowed with a library card. It is part of the CALS Library of Things, which the library describes as: "We loan out tools, telescopes, mobile hotspots, seeds, and more. All free. All returnable."
Borrowing
Any card-holding CALS patron 18 and older can check out up to 5 tools at a time, or 3 power tools. Tool pickup and return is by appointment during the library's normal hours, and tools must be picked up and returned only at the Dee Brown Library branch.
What You Can Borrow
The catalog sorts tools into automotive, bicycle, electrical, masonry, mechanical, remodeling, safety, woodworking, workshop, yardwork and other tools. Items in the catalog include a Makita random orbit sander, a palm router, a Kreg jig set and a clamping miter box with saw, plus a Worx cordless lawnmower, an electric tiller, a pole saw and pruner, a lopper and a garden hoe. Repair books are part of the collection too, and an outdoor bike repair station is open at all hours.
Membership
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow from the CALS Tool Library?
Any card-holding CALS patron 18 and older.
help_outlineHow many tools can I borrow?
Up to 5 tools at a time, or 3 power tools.
help_outlineWhere do I pick up and return tools?
Only at the Dee Brown Library, 6325 Baseline Rd, Little Rock, by appointment during the library's normal hours.
help_outlineWhat kinds of tools are there?
Automotive, bicycle, electrical, masonry, mechanical, remodeling, safety, woodworking, workshop and yardwork tools, such as a random orbit sander, palm router, cordless lawnmower and electric tiller.
help_outlineIs there a bike repair station?
Yes. The tool library includes an outdoor bike repair station that is accessible at all hours.
help_outlineDoes it cost anything?
No. CALS says Library of Things items are "All free. All returnable."
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Central Arkansas Library System: Tool Library (Dee Brown Library) doesn't lend — buy them once and finish the job. Every item below ships from Amazon.
Tool libraries lend the tools — but you bring your own PPE. These are the basics worth keeping on a shelf.
ANSI-Rated Safety Glasses
Anti-fog, scratch-resistant. The pair you'll actually wear.
Work Gloves (Cut-Resistant)
Level-5 cut resistance handles utility blades and rough lumber.
Ear Protection (NRR 28+)
Circular saws and routers exceed 100 dB. NRR 28+ is the safe floor.
N95 Dust Masks (10-pack)
Critical for sanding, sawing MDF, or drywall work.
Tool libraries don't lend the stuff that gets used up. Buy these once, finish your project.
Sandpaper Variety Pack
60 to 400 grit covers most rough-to-finish work.
Drill Bit Set (Titanium)
Goes through wood, plastic, and most metals. Lasts longer than HSS.
Utility Knife Blades (100-pack)
Standard-size, fit most retractable knives. Cheaper in bulk.
Wood Screws Variety Box
Mixed lengths and gauges — saves a hardware-store trip mid-project.
Cheap, used constantly, not worth a library trip. Build your own small kit with these.
25-ft Tape Measure
Magnetic hook, standout reach. The one tool you'll grab daily.
Combination Screwdriver Set
Magnetic tips. Phillips + flathead in the sizes you'll actually use.
Stud Finder (Magnetic + Electronic)
Multi-mode finders catch both magnetic fasteners and wood/metal studs.
9-in-1 Multi-Bit Driver
Replaces a kit of screwdrivers and nut drivers in one handle.
Books and plans that show you how to actually use the tools you're borrowing.
Reader's Digest Complete DIY Manual
Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, drywall — the household bible.
The Woodworker's Pocket Book
Joints, wood species, finishes — fits in a tool bag.
Black & Decker Wiring Guide
Code-current, illustrated, written for homeowners not electricians.
Pencil & Carpenter Marker Set
Mechanical carpenter pencils + deep-hole markers — endless small wins.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are editorially independent — picks based on what tool-library users typically need alongside borrowed tools.
location_onContact & Location
dashboardFeatures & Categories
card_membershipMembership & Pricing
Annual membership gives you access to the full tool inventory for borrowing.
compare_arrowsNearby Tool Libraries
| Name | Location | Distance | Rating | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbondale Tool Library | Carbondale, IL | 274 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Texas Tool Traders | Garland, TX | 278 mi | star4.2 | — |
| Lafayette Tool Library | Lafayette, LA | 308 mi | — | Free |
| Houston Community ToolBank | Houston, TX | 380 mi | star4.8 | — |
| Louisville Tool Library | Louisville, KY | 442 mi | star5.0 | sliding scale donation |
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