South Burlington Public Library: Library of Things
location_onSouth Burlington, Vermont
infoAbout South Burlington Public Library: Library of Things
The Library of Things is a public library collection at the South Burlington Public Library, 180 Market Street in South Burlington, Vermont. In the library's words, it is "a collection of items - such as games, consumer electronics, and tools - that you can check out with your library card." The collection is on the second floor near the DVDs and audiobooks.
Borrowing
Items are checked out at the Circulation Desk by patrons 16 or older. All patrons, including Homecard holders and nonresidents, can borrow. Holds are placed through the Link to Catalog for each item. Most loans are 2 weeks with no renewals, and borrowers may be asked to sign a borrower agreement. Items go back to the Circulation Desk, or curbside return can be arranged by calling ahead.
What You Can Borrow
The library's Yard, Home & Garden list includes a 3500 psi electric power washer, a BLACK+DECKER mouse detail sander, a 39-piece household toolkit, a stud finder, hedge trimmers, hand pruners, a post hole digger, a wheeled garden edger, a garden shovel, a rake, a small garden tool set, a bulb planter, an 8-gallon wet/dry shop vac, a wallpaper steamer and a foldable hand truck, alongside kitchen items.
Donations
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow from South Burlington's Library of Things?
Patrons 16 or older with a library card. All patrons, including Homecard holders and nonresidents, can check out items.
help_outlineWhat tools are available?
The Yard, Home & Garden list includes a power washer, a detail sander, a 39-piece household toolkit, a stud finder, hedge trimmers, pruners, a post hole digger, a garden edger and a shop vac.
help_outlineHow long is the loan?
Most check-out periods are 2 weeks with no renewals, though items may differ.
help_outlineWhere is the collection?
On the second floor near the DVDs and audiobooks, at 180 Market Street, South Burlington.
help_outlineCan I donate an item?
Yes. Email item details to sbplinfo@southburlingtonvt.gov.
help_outlineCan I return items curbside?
Curbside return may be arranged by calling the library in advance at 802-846-4140.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that South Burlington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fletcher Free Library: Library of Things | Burlington, VT | 2 mi | — | — |
| Northeastern Tool Library | Keeseville, NY | 15 mi | — | Sliding scale: $25, $50, $75 or $100 per year; no one turned away for inability to pay |
| Brooks Memorial Library: Field to Fork Tool Cottage | Brattleboro, VT | 115 mi | — | Library cardholders |
| Tool Library Albany | Albany, NY | 128 mi | star5.0 | 20 |
| Portland Maine Tool Library | Portland, ME | 155 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
Interested in South Burlington Public Library: Library of Things?
Become a member and start borrowing tools today.
searchFind More Tool Libraries Near You