Needham Free Public Library: Library of Things
location_onNeedham, Massachusetts
infoAbout Needham Free Public Library: Library of Things
The Library of Things is a public library collection at the Needham Free Public Library, 1139 Highland Avenue in Needham, Massachusetts, borrowed with a library card. In the library's words, it is "a collection of nontraditional items available for the Needham community to borrow such as tools, technology, and other fun equipment."
Borrowing
Borrowers need a valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing and must be 18 or older. Items are checked out and returned at the Circulation Desk on the first floor, not the book drop. Non-residents can borrow, but must also pick up and drop off at the Needham desk. Loans are up to 2 weeks, renewable up to two times unless someone is waiting. Each item has a Request Item link to the catalog.
What You Can Borrow
The Tools section lists a cordless drill with 14 drill bits, a Craftsman 57-piece toolkit, a stud finder, a cross-line laser level, needle-nose and five-piece plier sets, a wire stripper, woodworking clamps, a coax cable crimper kit and a thermal camera. A wood carving kit sits under Arts & Crafts, and a stand-up weed puller and a seeding kit under Outdoor Activities. The rest of the collection covers kitchen gear, music, games, technology and assistive devices.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow from Needham's Library of Things?
Anyone 18 or older with a valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing. Non-residents can borrow but must pick up and return at the Needham Circulation Desk.
help_outlineWhat tools does it have?
A cordless drill with 14 bits, a Craftsman 57-piece toolkit, a stud finder, a laser level, plier sets, a wire stripper, woodworking clamps and a thermal camera, among others.
help_outlineHow long can I keep an item?
Up to 2 weeks, renewable up to two times unless another borrower is waiting.
help_outlineWhere do I return items?
To the Circulation Desk on the first floor. Do not use the book drop.
help_outlineCan I request a specific item?
Yes. Each item on the Library of Things page links to the catalog to request it.
help_outlineWhen is the library open?
Monday-Thursday 9 am-9 pm, Friday 9 am-5:30 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 1-6 pm (1-5 pm in summer).
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Needham Free Public 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morse Institute Library: Library of Things | Natick, MA | 6 mi | — | Minuteman patrons with no outstanding fines above $100 |
| Boston Public Library | Boston, MA | 9 mi | star4.8 | Free |
| Brooks Memorial Library: Field to Fork Tool Cottage | Brattleboro, VT | 78 mi | — | Library cardholders |
| South Portland Electric Tool Library (SPETL) | South Portland, ME | 104 mi | — | Free for South Portland residents over 18 with a South Portland Public Library card |
| Portland Maine Tool Library | Portland, ME | 108 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
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