Prince William Public Libraries: Library of Things
location_onManassas, Virginia
infoAbout Prince William Public Libraries: Library of Things
Prince William Public Libraries runs a Library of Things that patrons in Prince William County, Virginia can borrow from. In the library's words, it "offers patrons a growing collection of useful, nontraditional items to borrow with a library card." It is a public library collection: you borrow from it with a library card, the same way you borrow a book. This page uses Central Library at 8601 Mathis Avenue in Manassas as its address; items are sent to whichever branch you choose.
Borrowing
Browse the items on the library's Library of Things page, place a hold through the Online Catalog, and pick up your selection at your preferred branch. The county announced the collection in August 2026, and a 26 October 2026 county news post describes it as PWPL's "expanded Library of Things."
What You Can Borrow
Tool items on the library's list include a Hand Tools Kit with Carrying Case (described as an 86-piece kit for household repairs), Bicycle Repair Kits, and a Bullseye Auto-Leveling Laser/Stud Sensor, which the library describes as a two-in-one leveling laser and stud finder that can also detect wires. A thermal camera for finding hot and cool spots in your home is also listed. The county's August 2026 announcement said the collection would include a pressure washer; it does not appear in the item list on the library page.
Membership
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineHow do I borrow from the Prince William Library of Things?
Place a hold through the Online Catalog and pick the item up at your preferred branch.
help_outlineWhat tools can I borrow?
The list includes an 86-piece Hand Tools Kit, Bicycle Repair Kits and a Bullseye Auto-Leveling Laser/Stud Sensor.
help_outlineDoes it cost anything?
No. Items are borrowed with a Prince William Public Libraries card.
help_outlineIs there a pressure washer?
The county's August 2026 announcement mentioned one, but it is not on the library's current item list.
help_outlineWhen did the Library of Things start?
The county announced it would launch in August 2026.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Prince William Public Libraries: 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC Tool Library | Washington, DC | 26 mi | star5.0 | Free for DC residents |
| Harrisburg Tool Library | Harrisburg, PA | 108 mi | star5.0 | 0 |
| West Philly Tool Library | Philadelphia, PA | 145 mi | star4.7 | $20/year (sliding scale) |
| Garden Resource Center: Tool Library & Supply Depot (GRC) | Pittsburgh, PA | 175 mi | — | From $30 |
| Summit Free Public Library: Library of Things | Summit, NJ | 212 mi | — | Available to Summit residents 17 and over, paid members, and those employed in Summit |
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