South Portland Electric Tool Library (SPETL)
location_onSouth Portland, Maine
infoAbout South Portland Electric Tool Library (SPETL)
The South Portland Electric Tool Library (SPETL) is a City of South Portland program in South Portland, Maine, borrowed with a South Portland Public Library card. The city says "The SPETL features all-electric EGO lawn care tools, which South Portland residents can borrow to use at home free of charge by simply using their South Portland Public Library card to sign out the equipment." Equipment is signed out at the SPETL shed next to the Swap Shop at the Transfer Station, 929 Highland Avenue.
Membership
SPETL tools are free to South Portland residents over 18 with a library card. Residents without one sign up at the Main or Branch library first.
Borrowing
The SPETL manager helps residents sign out equipment and gives a demonstration. Borrowers show a valid South Portland library card and sign an Equipment User Agreement. Tools are checked out for one week and are returned on a Wednesday or Saturday between 10 am and 3 pm. Late returns cost $1 per day for each piece of equipment, including batteries and chargers. Holds can be placed through the library catalogue.
What You Can Borrow
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow from the SPETL?
South Portland residents over 18 with a South Portland Public Library card. Borrowing is free.
help_outlineWhat tools are available?
Electric EGO lawn mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers and edgers.
help_outlineWhere is the SPETL?
In the shed next to the Swap Shop at the South Portland Transfer Station, 929 Highland Avenue.
help_outlineWhen is it open?
Seasonally April through November, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 am-3 pm.
help_outlineHow long can I keep a tool?
One week. Late returns are $1 per day for each piece of equipment.
help_outlineCan I reserve equipment online?
Yes. Check availability and place a hold through the library catalogue; the SPETL manager calls when the tool is ready.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that South Portland Electric Tool Library (SPETL) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Maine Tool Library | Portland, ME | 4 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| Town of Freeport Electric Tool Lending Library | Freeport, ME | 19 mi | — | Free for Freeport residents 18+ with an active Freeport Community Library card |
| Boston Public Library | Boston, MA | 96 mi | star4.8 | Free |
| Needham Free Public Library: Library of Things | Needham, MA | 104 mi | — | Valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing |
| Morse Institute Library: Library of Things | Natick, MA | 106 mi | — | Minuteman patrons with no outstanding fines above $100 |
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