La Crosse Public Library: Tool Library
location_onLa Crosse, Wisconsin
infoAbout La Crosse Public Library: Tool Library
The Tool Library is a public library collection at the La Crosse Public Library Main Library, 800 Main Street in La Crosse, Wisconsin, borrowed with a library card. The library says it "provides access to circulating tools, home maintenance materials and so much more." It was established with funding from a 2022 AARP Community Challenge Grant, and its goal is "to help our community reduce cost-related barriers to home improvement, while also encouraging the exploration of new DIY skills and hobbies."
Borrowing
Winding Rivers Library System (WRLS) cardholders 18 or older with full borrowing privileges can borrow tools, with outstanding fines under $10. Borrowers sign a waiver form once a year, in front of a witness at the first-floor Welcome Desk. The limit is 5 items, the loan period is 7 days, and items can be renewed if no one else has requested them. Place a hold first and wait for confirmation that it is ready before coming in. Return items to the first-floor Welcome Desk.
What You Can Borrow
The library lists power tools like drills, saws and sanders, plus a lawn aerator, leaf blower and garden cart, tool kits, repair sets and meters, along with sewing machines and kitchen items. Search the library catalog for "LPL Tool Library" to see items and availability, or use the printable PDF catalog on the Tool Library page.
Donations and Volunteering
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow from the La Crosse Public Library Tool Library?
Winding Rivers Library System cardholders 18 or older with full borrowing privileges and fines under $10. A waiver must be signed annually at the Main Library's first-floor Welcome Desk.
help_outlineHow many tools can I borrow and for how long?
Up to 5 items for 7 days, renewable if no one else has requested the item.
help_outlineWhat tools are available?
Drills, saws, sanders, a lawn aerator, leaf blower, garden cart, tool kits, repair sets and meters, among other items. Search the catalog for "LPL Tool Library".
help_outlineDo I need to place a hold?
Yes. Place holds before arriving and wait for confirmation that the item is ready for pickup.
help_outlineWhere do I return tools?
To the first-floor Welcome Desk at the Main Library, 800 Main Street.
help_outlineCan I donate tools?
The library asks tool donors to email info@lacrosselibrary.org. It also takes monetary gifts toward new tools.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that La Crosse Public Library: Tool 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Tool Library - St. Paul Branch | St Paul, MN | 123 mi | star4.9 | 25 |
| Sioux Falls Tool Library | Sioux Falls, SD | 274 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| Traverse Area District Library: East Bay Branch Tool Library | Traverse City, MI | 288 mi | — | Library card |
| East Lansing Public Library | East Lansing, MI | 348 mi | star4.7 | Free |
| Carbondale Tool Library | Carbondale, IL | 433 mi | star5.0 | — |
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