Matteson Area Public Library District: Library Of Things
location_onMatteson, Illinois
infoAbout Matteson Area Public Library District: Library Of Things
The Library Of Things at Matteson Area Public Library District, 801 School Avenue in Matteson, Illinois, is a public library collection borrowed with a library card. The library's pitch: "Borrow, Don't Buy! Interested in buying an item but, want to try it out first? If we have it in our Library Of Things, you can try it out!"
Borrowing
Library of Things items are for MAPLD cardholders only, and borrowers must be 18 or older. Items circulate for two weeks and cannot be placed on hold. Up to three items can be checked out at a time. Take the case and item to the Public Services Desk to be checked, then check it out at the Customer Service (front) desk.
Fees
Late items cost $1 per day, and lost items are charged half the cost of the item.
What You Can Borrow
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow from Matteson's Library Of Things?
MAPLD cardholders who are 18 or older.
help_outlineHow long is the loan?
Two weeks. Items cannot be placed on hold.
help_outlineHow many items can I take?
Up to three items at a time.
help_outlineWhat tools are available?
The tools category lists a drill and home tool kit, stud finder, Bosch laser distance measure, code scanner, dolly mover straps and a carpet cleaner.
help_outlineWhat are the fees?
$1 per day late, and half the cost of the item to replace a lost item.
help_outlineWho do I contact with questions?
The Public Services Desk: asdept@mapld.org or 708-748-4431.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Matteson Area Public Library District: 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Lansing Public Library | East Lansing, MI | 187 mi | star4.7 | Free |
| Traverse Area District Library: East Bay Branch Tool Library | Traverse City, MI | 247 mi | — | Library card |
| Louisville Tool Library | Louisville, KY | 250 mi | star5.0 | sliding scale donation |
| Carbondale Tool Library | Carbondale, IL | 273 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Wayne County Public Library: Library of Things | Wooster, OH | 305 mi | — | Wayne County patrons with a library card and PIN |
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