Traverse Area District Library: East Bay Branch Tool Library
location_onTraverse City, Michigan
infoAbout Traverse Area District Library: East Bay Branch Tool Library
The East Bay Branch Tool Library is a public library collection of the Traverse Area District Library (TADL), at the East Bay Branch Library, 1989 Three Mile Rd. in Traverse City, Michigan. It is borrowed with a library card. TADL announced it in June 2025: "Need a drill? Garden tools? You can now borrow tools from our brand-new Tool Library!" and "All you need is your library card!"
Borrowing
Visit the East Bay Branch with your library card. TADL links to its catalog to browse the Tool Library items. Its Library of Things guidelines ask borrowers to return Things inside where they picked them up, not in the drop boxes, with all parts and materials in the original container. A replacement cost can be charged for items returned overdue, damaged or incomplete, and a $10 cleaning fee may be charged for items returned in poor condition.
What You Can Borrow
TADL's announcement names drills and garden tools. Its system-wide Library of Things page also lists tools such as a laser level, stud finders, a moisture meter, a laser measure and a thermal leak detector.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhere is the TADL Tool Library?
At the East Bay Branch Library, 1989 Three Mile Rd., Traverse City, MI 49696.
help_outlineWhat do I need to borrow tools?
TADL says all you need is your library card.
help_outlineWhat tools can I borrow?
TADL's announcement names drills and garden tools. Its Library of Things page also lists a laser level, stud finders, a moisture meter and a laser measure.
help_outlineWhen did the Tool Library open?
TADL announced the brand-new Tool Library on June 23, 2025.
help_outlineHow do I return a tool?
Return it inside where you picked it up, not in the drop boxes, with all parts in the original container.
help_outlineWhen is the East Bay Branch open?
Tuesday and Thursday 10 am-7 pm, Wednesday and Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-3 pm; closed Sunday and Monday.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Traverse Area District Library: East Bay Branch 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Lansing Public Library | East Lansing, MI | 146 mi | star4.7 | Free |
| Wayne County Public Library: Library of Things | Wooster, OH | 327 mi | — | Wayne County patrons with a library card and PIN |
| Minnesota Tool Library - St. Paul Branch | St Paul, MN | 371 mi | star4.9 | 25 |
| Garden Resource Center: Tool Library & Supply Depot (GRC) | Pittsburgh, PA | 411 mi | — | From $30 |
| Louisville Tool Library | Louisville, KY | 448 mi | star5.0 | sliding scale donation |
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