DC Public Library: Labs Tool Library
location_onWashington, District Of Columbia
infoAbout DC Public Library: Labs Tool Library
The Labs Tool Library is a public library collection at DC Public Library's Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW in Washington, DC, run by The Labs on the library's A-Level and borrowed with a library card. The library's policy says it "maintains a tool library with tools for do-it-yourself automotive, garden and home projects."
Borrowing
Borrowers 18 or older with an active DC Public Library card can borrow after completing a Labs Participant Release Form, which lasts one year, and showing an active government-issued ID. Up to 8 tools at a time, including no more than 3 power tools. Loans are 7 days, with up to two renewals if there are no holds. Tools are checked out and returned in person at the Labs during open hours and are inspected each time. Late or damaged returns carry a $15 fee for non-powered tools and $20 for power tools.
What You Can Borrow
The Labs' online inventory lists 115 items typed as tools, including spring, bar, C and quick clamps, cross peen and engineer hammers, 2-foot and 4-foot levels, cold and wood chisel sets, a tongue and groove plier set and a tin snip set. Reservations are made through the same site.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow from the DC Public Library Tool Library?
Borrowers 18 or older with an active DC Public Library card, after completing a Labs Participant Release Form and showing government-issued ID.
help_outlineHow many tools can I borrow?
Up to 8 tools at a time, including no more than 3 power tools.
help_outlineHow long is the loan?
7 days, with up to two renewals if there are no holds.
help_outlineWhere do I pick up tools?
In person at the Labs, A-Level of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW.
help_outlineWhat are the late fees?
$15 for non-powered tools and $20 for power tools returned late or damaged.
help_outlineHow do I see what's available?
Browse the inventory and make a reservation at thelabs.myturn.com.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that DC Public Library: Labs 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC Tool Library | Washington, DC | 3 mi | star5.0 | Free for DC residents |
| Prince William Public Libraries: Library of Things | Manassas, VA | 25 mi | — | Free with a Prince William Public Libraries card |
| Harrisburg Tool Library | Harrisburg, PA | 95 mi | star5.0 | 0 |
| West Philly Tool Library | Philadelphia, PA | 121 mi | star4.7 | $20/year (sliding scale) |
| Garden Resource Center: Tool Library & Supply Depot (GRC) | Pittsburgh, PA | 188 mi | — | From $30 |
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