OC Public Libraries: Library of Things (Brea Library)
location_onBrea, California
infoAbout OC Public Libraries: Library of Things (Brea Library)
OC Public Libraries' Library of Things includes tools at the Brea Library at 1 Civic Center Circle in Brea, California. The system says, "With your OC Public Libraries card, you have access to much more than books!" It is a public library collection: you borrow from it with a library card, the same way you borrow a book.
What You Can Borrow
The library catalog shows the Brea Library holding these tool and garden tool items: Tool Set, Bicycle Tool Set, Sprinkler Tool Kit, Bulb Planter, Garden Tools Set, Cordless Electric Leaf Blower and Planting Auger and Drill Kit. It also holds a power meter, thermal imaging camera and seed starting kit. The system describes its Tools category as "Tools for home improvement or projects around the house" and its Garden Tools as "Items to help you start or maintain your garden!"
Borrowing
Pick an item from the Library of Things display, or bring the displayed placeholder to the service desk for larger items, and check it out at self-checkout or the desk. Library of Things items check out for three weeks, cannot be renewed or placed on hold, and must be returned inside the branch you borrowed from, not the book drop. The limit is two per card.
Membership
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat tools are at the Brea Library?
The catalog shows Tool Set, Bicycle Tool Set, Sprinkler Tool Kit, Bulb Planter, Garden Tools Set, Cordless Electric Leaf Blower and Planting Auger and Drill Kit.
help_outlineWho can borrow tools?
Adults 18 and older with a full-privileges OC Public Libraries card in good standing.
help_outlineHow long is the loan?
Three weeks. Library of Things items are not renewable.
help_outlineCan I place a hold?
No. Contact the owning branch for more information.
help_outlineWhere do I return items?
Inside the same branch you checked the item out from, not the book drop.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that OC Public Libraries: Library of Things (Brea Library) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Tool Library | Los Angeles, CA | 25 mi | star5.0 | Free |
| Fix Way Tool Library & Common Space | Ventura, CA | 85 mi | — | Pay what you can (suggested $100/year) |
| Oakland Public Library: Oakland Tool Lending Library | Oakland, CA | 365 mi | star4.6 | Free |
| Richmond Tool Library | Richmond, CA | 373 mi | star4.9 | Free |
| South Jordan Library | South Jordan, UT | 563 mi | star4.5 | Free |
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