Minnesota Tool Library - St. Paul Branch
location_onSt Paul, Minnesota
infoAbout Minnesota Tool Library - St. Paul Branch
Minnesota Tool Library's St. Paul Branch at 1010 Dale Street North operates a lending collection of over 8,000 tools and serves as a volunteer-run community resource for tool access without purchase. The organization's model centers on membership-based borrowing, with a $25 annual starter membership that reviewers report pays for itself within four typical tool rentals when compared to commercial rental rates. The branch maintains a 4.9 out of 5 rating across 84 Google reviews, reflecting consistent member satisfaction with the resource and its operational execution.
Inventory and Borrowing Structure
The St. Paul Branch stocks power tools, woodworking equipment, and gardening implements alongside hand tools and specialty equipment. The collection spans categories relevant to home repair, vehicle maintenance, and creative projects, with tools organized accessibly and maintained in working condition. Members can borrow tools for one week or longer periods, with the ability to renew loans online—a requirement that reviewers note requires internet access and can present challenges during extended projects that run beyond the standard weekly loan window. The online renewal system allows members to extend borrowing periods without returning to the physical location, though this convenience depends on consistent digital access during the branch's operating hours.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Exceptional value (membership pays for itself in 4 loans), extensive tool selection organized and well-maintained, incredibly helpful and friendly staff/community atmosphere, educational classes offered for all skill levels
GOOD TO KNOW
Limited parking available at St. Paul location; online account management required for weekly renewals during projects; limited operating hours; membership as low as $10/month or $55/year starter option
SOME NOTE
Parking is tight at this location; limited hours can be challenging for some scheduling needs
BEST FOR
Homeowners tackling DIY projects, people who need tools occasionally rather than regularly, budget-conscious individuals interested in learning new skills through classes
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat is the Minnesota Tool Library - St. Paul Branch?
The Minnesota Tool Library - St. Paul Branch is a tool lending library located at 1010 Dale St N, St Paul, MN 55117. Their mission is to empower communities, reduce waste, and improve neighborhoods by sharing tools, trade skills, and shop space. They operate on the principle of 'access over ownership.'
help_outlineHow many tools are available to borrow?
The Minnesota Tool Library has over 8,000 tools available for members to borrow, including power tools, woodworking equipment, and gardening tools.
help_outlineWhat is the membership fee?
The membership fee for the Minnesota Tool Library is $25. Members gain access to the lending library of over 8,000 tools and receive a 20% discount on classes and workshops.
help_outlineDo you offer classes and workshops?
Yes, the Minnesota Tool Library offers classes and workshops to help members and the community learn proper tool use and DIY skills in a supportive and personalized environment. Members receive a 20% discount on classes, but everyone is welcome to participate.
help_outlineWhat types of tools can I borrow?
The Tool Library offers a wide variety of tools including power tools, woodworking equipment, and gardening tools. With over 8,000 tools in their collection, you can check out everything you need for your projects.
help_outlineHow is the Minnesota Tool Library run?
The Minnesota Tool Library is volunteer-run, which helps keep costs low and allows the organization to focus on their mission of empowering communities and reducing waste through tool sharing.
help_outlineWhat is the library's rating and how do I contact them?
The Minnesota Tool Library - St. Paul Branch has an excellent Google rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 84 reviews. You can contact them by calling (651) 383-7082 or visiting their website at http://mntoollibrary.org/
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Minnesota Tool Library - St. Paul Branchdoesn'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.
No registration, drop-in access for all
compare_arrowsNearby Tool Libraries
| Name | Location | Distance | Rating | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Tool Library - NE Minneapolis Branch | Minneapolis, MN | 6 mi | star4.9 | 25 |
| Sioux Falls Tool Library | Sioux Falls, SD | 203 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| Mr Rental Inc | Escanaba, MI | 296 mi | star3.3 | — |
| Sandy Knoll Rental Center | Bear Lake, MI | 345 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Chicago Tool Library | Chicago, IL | 345 mi | star4.9 | 60 |
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