Hub Tool Share at Mother Hubbard's Cupboard
location_onBloomington, Indiana
infoAbout Hub Tool Share at Mother Hubbard's Cupboard
The Hub Tool Share is a lending library run by Mother Hubbard's Cupboard (the Hub), a community food resource center at 1100 W. Allen Street in Bloomington, Indiana. In its own words: "The Hub Tool Share is a free lending library with a wide range of cooking and gardening tools, designed to make growing and cooking more accessible."
Membership
Membership is free for all community members. Sign up in person at the Hub or create an account online through the Tool Share's MyTurn page. Local organizations can sign up for a Community Partner membership to use tools for their programs.
Borrowing
The Tool Share is open any time the pantry is open. Tools cannot be reserved, but members can call to check whether an item is available.
What You Can Borrow
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhere is the Hub Tool Share?
At Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, 1100 W. Allen St, Bloomington, IN 47403.
help_outlineWhen can I borrow tools?
Any time the pantry is open: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12-6 PM.
help_outlineHow much does it cost?
Nothing. Membership is free for all community members.
help_outlineWhat kinds of tools are there?
Cooking and gardening tools, such as pasta-makers, shovels and crockpots.
help_outlineCan I reserve a tool?
No. Tools cannot be reserved, but you can call (812) 355-6843 to check if an item is available.
help_outlineCan organizations join?
Yes. Local organizations can sign up for a Community Partner membership.
help_outlineCan I donate tools?
Yes. The Hub reviews potential tool donations; contact mhc@mhcfoodpantry.org.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Hub Tool Share at Mother Hubbard's Cupboard 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville Tool Library | Louisville, KY | 77 mi | star5.0 | sliding scale donation |
| Carbondale Tool Library | Carbondale, IL | 175 mi | star5.0 | — |
| East Lansing Public Library | East Lansing, MI | 270 mi | star4.7 | Free |
| E. Warren Tool Library | Detroit, MI | 293 mi | star4.5 | Free |
| The Well CDC | Akron, OH | 298 mi | star4.8 | — |
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