Chattanooga Public Library: Tool Library
location_onChattanooga, Tennessee
infoAbout Chattanooga Public Library: Tool Library
The Tool Library is a public library collection at the Chattanooga Public Library's Downtown Library, 1001 Broad Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee, borrowed with a library card. The library says: "Our Downtown location has hand tools, gardening tools, power tools, electronics, and more for you to check out." It thanks Elder's Ace Hardware and the Chattanooga Public Library Foundation for their support.
Borrowing
Library cardholders 18 and up can check out up to 3 tools at a time for one week. A liability waiver and tool use policy must be signed before checkout. Tools are checked out and returned through the 4th Floor Makerspace at the Downtown Library.
What You Can Borrow
The tool list links each item to the library catalog. It includes a cordless circular saw, jigsaw, reciprocating saw, impact driver, belt sander, random orbit sander, compact router, oscillating multi-tool, heat gun and bench grinder; an electric pressure washer, string trimmer, hedge trimmers and leaf blowers; shovels, rakes, a wheelbarrow, loppers and pruning saws; step ladders; a stud finder, laser level and digital multimeter; and a bicycle tool kit.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow from the Chattanooga Tool Library?
Library cardholders ages 18 and up, after signing a liability waiver and tool use policy.
help_outlineHow many tools and for how long?
Up to 3 tools at a time for one week.
help_outlineWhere do I pick up tools?
At the 4th Floor Makerspace in the Downtown Library, 1001 Broad Street.
help_outlineWhat tools are available?
Saws, drills and drivers, sanders, routers, a pressure washer, string trimmer, leaf blowers, ladders, garden tools, a stud finder, a laser level and more.
help_outlineWhen is the Downtown Library open?
Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm. Closed Sunday.
help_outlineWho do I contact with questions?
Call 423-643-7753 or email 4thfloor@chattanooga.gov.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Chattanooga Public Library: Tool 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville Tool Library | Louisville, KY | 222 mi | star5.0 | sliding scale donation |
| Charlotte Community ToolBank | Charlotte, NC | 251 mi | star4.9 | — |
| Carbondale Tool Library | Carbondale, IL | 286 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Wayne County Public Library: Library of Things | Wooster, OH | 438 mi | — | Wayne County patrons with a library card and PIN |
| Garden Resource Center: Tool Library & Supply Depot (GRC) | Pittsburgh, PA | 476 mi | — | From $30 |
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