Oakland Public Library: Oakland Tool Lending Library
location_onOakland, California
infoAbout Oakland Public Library: Oakland Tool Lending Library
Oakland Tool Lending Library
The Oakland Public Library: Oakland Tool Lending Library operates at 5205 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, offering free tool borrowing to residents of Oakland, Emeryville, and Piedmont. The library maintains a 4.6-star rating across 58 Google reviews and provides access to power tools, woodworking equipment, and gardening implements without membership fees. This public resource serves as a practical alternative to purchasing or renting tools for households undertaking home improvement, remodeling, repairs, gardening, and landscaping projects.
Inventory and Borrowing Model
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Friendly, helpful staff who go above and beyond to assist (mentioned in ~6 reviews); excellent selection of tools for small-to-medium home projects; the concept itself as a valuable community resource for renters and those without tool access.
GOOD TO KNOW
Only two patrons allowed in the room at once. Pro tip from a reviewer: photograph/document borrowed items and verify your checkout list before leaving to avoid discrepancies in returned item records.
SOME NOTE
One reviewer reported a negative interaction with a specific female staff member who was occasionally passive-aggressive, though most staff interactions were praised; occasional item tracking/recording errors have occurred.
BEST FOR
Renters and homeowners tackling small-to-medium DIY projects who don't own tools; Oakland residents looking for a free, community-supported resource for occasional tool needs.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat is the Oakland Tool Lending Library and what can I borrow?
The Oakland Tool Lending Library is a service of Oakland Public Library that allows you to borrow tools instead of buying them. They offer power tools, woodworking tools, and gardening tools for home improvement, remodeling, repairs, gardening, landscaping, and more.
help_outlineIs there a membership fee to use the Oakland Tool Lending Library?
No, membership is completely free. There is no membership fee to join or borrow tools from the Oakland Tool Lending Library.
help_outlineWho is eligible to use the Oakland Tool Lending Library?
The Oakland Tool Lending Library is available for Oakland, Emeryville, and Piedmont residents. For specific eligibility requirements, visit their website at https://oaklandlibrary.org/otll/ or call (510) 597-5089.
help_outlineWhere is the Oakland Tool Lending Library located?
The Oakland Tool Lending Library is located at 5205 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, California 94609.
help_outlineWhat are the hours of operation for the Oakland Tool Lending Library?
The library is open Monday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Tuesday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Wednesday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Friday 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM. It is closed on Sundays.
help_outlineDoes the Oakland Tool Lending Library offer classes or workshops?
Yes, the Oakland Tool Lending Library offers classes and workshops to help you learn how to use tools effectively.
help_outlineHow can I contact the Oakland Tool Lending Library?
You can reach the Oakland Tool Lending Library by phone at (510) 597-5089 or visit their website at https://oaklandlibrary.org/otll/ for more information.
help_outlineWhat is the rating of the Oakland Tool Lending Library?
The Oakland Tool Lending Library has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 58 customer reviews.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Oakland Public Library: Oakland Tool Lending Librarydoesn'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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klamath Tool Library | Klamath Falls, OR | 304 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| Los Angeles Tool Library | Los Angeles, CA | 343 mi | star5.0 | Free |
| ToolBox Project | Eugene, OR | 430 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Central Oregon Tool Library | Bend, OR | 433 mi | star5.0 | Sliding scale, suggested minimum $1 per $1,000 annual income (e.g., $50/year for $50,000 income), no one turned away for inability to pay. |
| Southwest Portland Tool Library | Portland, OR | 528 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
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