Hartford Public Library: Library of Things
location_onHartford, Connecticut
infoAbout Hartford Public Library: Library of Things
The Library of Things is a public library collection at Hartford Public Library in Hartford, Connecticut, borrowed with a library card. The library describes it as "a collection of non-traditional items to provide unique opportunities for lifelong learning, discovery, and engagement. It promotes sustainability by encouraging sharing, and the ability to try before you buy." Items are "all FREE to check out with your Library card!"
Borrowing
Hartford residents can reserve items through the library catalog using the Library of Things filter, and choose a pickup location. Items are limited to one per household and lend for 7 days, renewing automatically for 7 more if no one else has a hold. Items cannot be picked up from the Story Stash Locker. There are no late fees, but unreturned items are billed.
What You Can Borrow
The Home Improvement list includes a tool set with power drill, a stud finder, a car fault code reader, a car air pump, a bike pump and a Kill-A-Watt meter. The Outdoors & Garden list includes two gardening tool sets. Other categories cover arts and crafts, games, cooking, health, music and technology.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can reserve Library of Things items in Hartford?
Hartford residents, through the library catalog with their library card.
help_outlineWhat tools can I borrow?
A tool set with power drill, a stud finder, a car fault code reader, a car air pump and gardening tool sets.
help_outlineHow long is the loan?
7 days, renewing automatically for 7 more days if there are no holds.
help_outlineHow many items can I borrow?
One item per household.
help_outlineAre there late fees?
No, but items that are not returned are billed.
help_outlineWhere do I pick items up?
At the location you choose when placing the hold. Items cannot be picked up from the Story Stash Locker.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Hartford Public Library: Library of Things 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Memorial Library: Field to Fork Tool Cottage | Brattleboro, VT | 76 mi | — | Library cardholders |
| Morse Institute Library: Library of Things | Natick, MA | 77 mi | — | Minuteman patrons with no outstanding fines above $100 |
| Needham Free Public Library: Library of Things | Needham, MA | 82 mi | — | Valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing |
| Tool Library Albany | Albany, NY | 84 mi | star5.0 | 20 |
| Boston Public Library | Boston, MA | 91 mi | star4.8 | Free |
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