Maplewood Library: Library of Things
location_onMaplewood, New Jersey
infoAbout Maplewood Library: Library of Things
The Library of Things (LOT) is a public library collection of the Maplewood Library in Maplewood, New Jersey, borrowed with a Maplewood Library card. The library says "Patrons can borrow items they may only need once, want to try before purchasing, or find otherwise cost-prohibitive from the LOT." The tool items are kept at the Hilton Branch Library, 1688 Springfield Avenue.
Borrowing
Borrowers must be 18 or older and hold a valid adult resident Maplewood Library card with less than $10 in fines, and must show the card or ID at checkout. Items are checked out from and returned in person to the circulation desk at the item's home location. Loans run up to 14 days, with three items per household at a time. Items can be reserved up to 3 months ahead through the library's online reservation page; a reservation not claimed within five days is forfeited. Late items are fined $5 per day.
What You Can Borrow
The reservation catalog's Tools category lists a Foting Power pressure washer (4800 PSI, with four quick-connect nozzles and a foam cannon) and a Coast rechargeable magnetic work light; both are reserved from the Hilton Branch. The wider collection includes a projector, Yoto and Tonie players, binoculars and yard games.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhere are the Maplewood Library of Things tools?
The pressure washer and work light are reserved from the Hilton Branch Library, 1688 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040.
help_outlineWho can borrow?
Adults 18 or older with a valid adult resident Maplewood Library card with less than $10 in fines.
help_outlineWhat tools are available?
The Tools category lists a 4800 PSI pressure washer and a rechargeable magnetic work light.
help_outlineHow long is the loan?
Up to 14 days, with three items per household at a time.
help_outlineCan I reserve ahead?
Yes. Items may be reserved up to 3 months in advance on the library website. Unclaimed reservations are forfeited after five days.
help_outlineWhere do I return items?
In person to the circulation desk at the item's home location, not the book drop. Returns to the book drop or the wrong location carry a $5 fine.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Maplewood 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit Free Public Library: Library of Things | Summit, NJ | 5 mi | — | Available to Summit residents 17 and over, paid members, and those employed in Summit |
| Ridgewood Public Library: Library of Things | Ridgewood, NJ | 20 mi | — | Ridgewood Public Library or BCCLS member in good standing |
| West Philly Tool Library | Philadelphia, PA | 73 mi | star4.7 | $20/year (sliding scale) |
| Tool Library Albany | Albany, NY | 136 mi | star5.0 | 20 |
| Harrisburg Tool Library | Harrisburg, PA | 142 mi | star5.0 | 0 |
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