Richmond Tool Library
location_onRichmond, California
infoAbout Richmond Tool Library
Richmond Tool Library operates at 3230 Macdonald Avenue in Richmond, California as a free tool lending service for city residents, with no membership fee required.
Location and Access
Location and Access
Richmond Tool Library occupies 3230 Macdonald Avenue in Richmond, California 94804. The facility functions as a public service operated by the city's Recreation and Neighborhood & Volunteer Services department. The library's official mission statement emphasizes providing opportunities for residents to be self-sufficient, take agency over their neighborhoods, and work towards a more sustainable Richmond. This institutional framework positions the tool library within Richmond's broader community development strategy rather than as a standalone commercial venture.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
The concept and accessibility (5 mentions) — customers praise it as an affordable alternative to buying tools; friendly, efficient staff (2 mentions); wide selection of tools available
GOOD TO KNOW
No specific practical details about parking, hours, or wait times mentioned in these reviews.
SOME NOTE
No areas for improvement identified — all 6 reviews are 5-star ratings with positive feedback only.
BEST FOR
People on tight budgets who need occasional tools; DIY enthusiasts who don't want to store equipment long-term; community members looking for sustainable, shareable resources.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat is the mission of Richmond Tool Library?
The Richmond Tool Library is a free service that lends tools to Richmond residents with the goal of providing opportunities to be self-sufficient, to take agency over their neighborhoods, and to work towards a more sustainable Richmond, California.
help_outlineIs there a membership fee to join Richmond Tool Library?
No, membership is completely free. Richmond Tool Library is a free service available to Richmond residents.
help_outlineWhat types of tools does Richmond Tool Library have available?
Richmond Tool Library offers a variety of tools including power tools, woodworking tools, and gardening tools.
help_outlineWhere is Richmond Tool Library located?
Richmond Tool Library is located at 3230 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94804.
help_outlineHow can I contact Richmond Tool Library?
You can reach Richmond Tool Library by calling (510) 620-5546 or visiting their website at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3254/Richmond-Tool-Library.
help_outlineWhat is the community vision of Richmond Tool Library?
Richmond Tool Library's vision is to build a sense of community by working collaboratively with neighbors to promote self-sufficiency, neighborhood agency, and sustainability in Richmond, California.
help_outlineWho is eligible to use Richmond Tool Library?
Richmond Tool Library is available to Richmond residents at no cost.
help_outlineWhat rating does Richmond Tool Library have?
Richmond Tool Library has an excellent Google rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Richmond Tool 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland Public Library: Oakland Tool Lending Library | Oakland, CA | 8 mi | star4.6 | Free |
| Klamath Tool Library | Klamath Falls, OR | 298 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| Los Angeles Tool Library | Los Angeles, CA | 350 mi | star5.0 | Free |
| ToolBox Project | Eugene, OR | 423 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Central Oregon Tool Library | Bend, OR | 427 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. |
Interested in Richmond Tool Library?
Become a member and start borrowing tools today.
searchFind More Tool Libraries Near You