Brooks Memorial Library: Field to Fork Tool Cottage
location_onBrattleboro, Vermont
infoAbout Brooks Memorial Library: Field to Fork Tool Cottage
The Field to Fork tool cottage is the garden-tool part of the Library of Things at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St in Brattleboro, Vermont. It is a public library collection borrowed with a library card: "Cardholders can borrow seasonal garden tools from the Field to Fork tool cottage and many other items from the circulation desk on the first floor."
Borrowing
The library says garden tools are available spring through fall, can be reserved ahead of time, and have their own location and schedule for pickup and return. Year-round items such as kitchen tools are reserved and checked out at the first-floor circulation desk. For questions, the library asks borrowers to call (802) 254-5290 ext 0.
What You Can Borrow
The library's online reservation catalog lists 56 items at the Field to Fork Tool Shed, including a Black & Decker hedge trimmer, an EGO leaf blower, a push lawn mower, a bow saw, a cutter mattock, a digging bar, an edger, garden forks, hoes, rakes, cultivators, grass shears, a hori hori garden knife and a fold-up hand truck.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat is the Field to Fork tool cottage?
The seasonal garden-tool collection of Brooks Memorial Library's Library of Things in Brattleboro, VT, open to library cardholders.
help_outlineWhen can I borrow garden tools?
Spring through fall. The 2026 tool shed hours are Wednesday 5-7 pm, Friday 4-5:30 pm and Saturday 10 am-noon.
help_outlineWhat tools are in the cottage?
The catalog lists items such as a hedge trimmer, an EGO leaf blower, a push lawn mower, a bow saw, a digging bar, an edger, garden forks, hoes, rakes and cultivators.
help_outlineCan I reserve tools ahead?
Yes. The library says garden tools can be reserved ahead of time.
help_outlineWho can borrow?
Brooks Memorial Library cardholders.
help_outlineWho do I contact with questions?
Call (802) 254-5290 ext 0 or email circulation@brookslibraryvt.org.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Brooks Memorial Library: Field to Fork Tool Cottage 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tool Library Albany | Albany, NY | 63 mi | star5.0 | 20 |
| Morse Institute Library: Library of Things | Natick, MA | 73 mi | — | Minuteman patrons with no outstanding fines above $100 |
| Needham Free Public Library: Library of Things | Needham, MA | 78 mi | — | Valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing |
| Boston Public Library | Boston, MA | 83 mi | star4.8 | Free |
| South Burlington Public Library: Library of Things | South Burlington, VT | 115 mi | — | Library card; all patrons, including Homecard and nonresidents |
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