LA County Library: Tool Lending Library (San Fernando Library)
location_onSan Fernando, California
infoAbout LA County Library: Tool Lending Library (San Fernando Library)
The Tool Lending Library at San Fernando Library, 217 N Maclay Ave in San Fernando, California, is one of six LA County Library tool lending sites. It is a public library collection, borrowed with an LA County Library card. The library says the program "provides the community opportunities to check out tools and maker items at no cost. The inventory includes hammers, wrenches, electrical cords, cookware, sewing machines, gardening tools, power tools, and much more."
What You Can Borrow
The library's tool catalog lists hand tools (claw hammer, socket set, adjustable wrench, wood chisel set, bolt cutters), power tools (cordless drill driver, orbital sander, belt sander, power washer), measuring tools (stud finder, laser level), clamps and a pocket hole jig, electrical tools (multimeter, voltage detector, circuit breaker finder), auto repair tools (engine code reader, oil filter wrench), bike repair tools, sewing machines and garden tools (pruning shears, shovel, garden hoe, fruit picker). The library notes that not every branch has the same tools, so check the catalog and call before you visit. Each library also has a printed catalog.
Borrowing
LA County Library cardholders 18 and older in good standing can borrow tools after signing the Liability Waiver and Indemnification Form. Tools check out for 7 days and cannot be renewed. You can have six tools at a time, no more than two of them from this list: drill driver, sanders, pressure washer, sewing machine, Cricut machine, musical instruments. Tools are not sent to other libraries; pick up and return them in person to a staff member at the owning library, not the book drop. Borrowers supply consumables such as sandpaper, staples and a garden hose for the power washer.
Donations
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineDoes San Fernando Library lend tools?
Yes. San Fernando Library is one of six LA County Library Tool Lending Library sites, with Compton, Lancaster, Malibu, Norwalk, Rosemead and San Fernando.
help_outlineWho can borrow tools?
LA County Library cardholders 18 or older in good standing who sign the Liability Waiver and Indemnification Form.
help_outlineHow long can I keep a tool?
7 days. Tools cannot be renewed.
help_outlineHow many tools can I check out?
Six at a time, with no more than two from: drill driver, sanders, pressure washer, sewing machine, Cricut machine, musical instruments.
help_outlineCan a tool be sent to my nearest library?
No. Tools must be borrowed from and returned in person to the owning Tool Lending Library location.
help_outlineDo all six sites have the same tools?
No. The library says space varies, so review the catalog and call before visiting.
help_outlineDoes the library accept tool donations?
Not at this time, according to the library's FAQ.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that LA County Library: Tool Lending Library (San Fernando Library) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Tool Library | Los Angeles, CA | 18 mi | star5.0 | Free |
| Fix Way Tool Library & Common Space | Ventura, CA | 49 mi | — | Pay what you can (suggested $100/year) |
| Oakland Public Library: Oakland Tool Lending Library | Oakland, CA | 325 mi | star4.6 | Free |
| Richmond Tool Library | Richmond, CA | 333 mi | star4.9 | Free |
| South Jordan Library | South Jordan, UT | 561 mi | star4.5 | Free |
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