East Portland Tool Library
location_onPortland, Oregon
infoAbout East Portland Tool Library
East Portland Tool Library operates at zero membership cost from a parking lot space at Cherry Park United Methodist Church, 1736 SE 106th Ave, and serves residents living east of 82nd Avenue in Portland through an entirely volunteer-run model.
Location and facility access
Location and facility access
Located in the Cherry Park United Methodist Church parking lot, the library occupies a shared facility space in a neighborhood roughly bounded by SE 106th Avenue. The building itself is not a dedicated structure but rather an organized section within the church's parking area, making it accessible during posted hours for members who live within the designated service boundary map (east of 82nd Avenue). The church location is in outer Southeast Portland, in the 97216 zip code area. The explicit geographic boundary reflects both neighborhood identity and intentional access equity within Portland, with the library specifically restricting membership to residents east of 82nd Avenue rather than serving the entire city. This boundary-based model allows the volunteer-run organization to focus its limited resources on a defined community.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Free tool lending (mentioned/implied in all reviews), friendly and helpful volunteer staff (4+ mentions), and the wide selection of tools including hand tools, garden tools, saws, and specialized equipment (multiple mentions).
GOOD TO KNOW
The library serves East Portland residents (east of 82nd Avenue). They stock hand tools, garden tools, stationary and portable saws, and specialized equipment for one-time or occasional use.
SOME NOTE
Not enough reviews provided to identify consistent improvement areas or complaints.
BEST FOR
DIY enthusiasts and homeowners who need tools occasionally rather than owning them, and budget-conscious East Portland residents looking for free access to quality equipment.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhere is the East Portland Tool Library located?
The East Portland Tool Library is located at 1736 SE 106th Ave, Portland, OR 97216, in the parking lot of Cherry Park United Methodist Church.
help_outlineIs there a membership fee to join the East Portland Tool Library?
No, there is no membership fee. The East Portland Tool Library offers free membership to eligible residents.
help_outlineWho is eligible to become a member?
If you live within the East Portland Tool Library's boundary map, you can become a member. Visit their website at https://eastportlandtoollibrary.org/ for specific boundary details.
help_outlineWhat types of tools does the East Portland Tool Library have available?
The library offers power tools, woodworking tools, gardening tools, and automotive tools for lending.
help_outlineDoes the East Portland Tool Library offer classes or workshops?
Yes, the East Portland Tool Library offers both classes and workshops to help members learn how to use tools effectively.
help_outlineHow is the East Portland Tool Library operated?
The East Portland Tool Library is 100% volunteer operated. Volunteers work 3-hour shifts on Saturdays, and there is always another volunteer present to help during shifts.
help_outlineCan I volunteer at the East Portland Tool Library?
Yes, you can volunteer! The library welcomes volunteers for Saturday shifts (3 hours each), as well as help with social media and other tasks. Visit their website for more information on how to get involved.
help_outlineWhat is the East Portland Tool Library's rating?
The East Portland Tool Library has a 5.0/5 rating on Google based on 7 reviews.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that East Portland Tool Librarydoesn'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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Portland Tool Library | Portland, OR | 7 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| North Portland Tool Library | Portland, OR | 8 mi | star4.8 | Free |
| ToolBox Project | Eugene, OR | 106 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Central Oregon Tool Library | Bend, OR | 117 mi | star5.0 | Sliding scale, suggested minimum $1 per $1,000 annual income (e.g., $50/year for $50,000 income), no one turned away for inability to pay. |
| Tacoma Tool Library | Tacoma, WA | 120 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
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