Lexington Tool Library
location_onLexington, Kentucky
infoAbout Lexington Tool Library
The Lexington Tool Library (LexTools) is a member-run tool library at artfarm, 1123 Winchester Road in Lexington, Kentucky. In its own words, it is "A library of things for making our homes and communities better. The borrowing of commonly-held tools, provided to all members, regardless of ability to pay, aims to reshape our relationship to ownership, community, and consumption."
Membership
Borrowing tools is free for members, and membership is pay-what-you-can, with dues on a sliding scale based on your personal financial situation.
What You Can Borrow
The library lists power tools, hand tools, kitchen equipment, camping gear, and gardening, lawn and landscaping tools. The inventory is online at lextools.myturn.com; the library says it is still filling out the inventory and will prioritize items people ask for.
How It Runs
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineHow much does the Lexington Tool Library cost?
Membership is pay-what-you-can on a sliding scale, and borrowing tools is free for members.
help_outlineWhere is it?
At artfarm, 1123 Winchester Rd, Lexington, KY.
help_outlineWhen is it open?
Wednesday-Friday noon-6 PM and Saturday 9 AM-6 PM.
help_outlineWhat can I borrow?
Power tools, hand tools, kitchen equipment, camping gear, and gardening, lawn and landscaping tools.
help_outlineCan I see the inventory online?
Yes, at lextools.myturn.com.
help_outlineWho runs it?
Volunteers. The library is governed democratically by its members.
help_outlineCan I donate tools?
Yes. The library accepts tools and money, and is fundraising for a mobile LexTools.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Lexington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville Tool Library | Louisville, KY | 71 mi | star5.0 | sliding scale donation |
| Wayne County Public Library: Library of Things | Wooster, OH | 233 mi | — | Wayne County patrons with a library card and PIN |
| Carbondale Tool Library | Carbondale, IL | 260 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Charlotte Community ToolBank | Charlotte, NC | 279 mi | star4.9 | — |
| Garden Resource Center: Tool Library & Supply Depot (GRC) | Pittsburgh, PA | 295 mi | — | From $30 |
Interested in Lexington Tool Library?
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