Riverside Public Library: Riverside Tool Lending Library (Main Library)
location_onRiverside, California
infoAbout Riverside Public Library: Riverside Tool Lending Library (Main Library)
The Riverside Tool Lending Library is a public library collection offered at the Main Library, 3900 Mission Inn Ave in Riverside, California, and borrowed with a library card. In the library's words, it is "a new service that allows cardholders to borrow basic hand tools, home improvement items, gardening tools, and more, just like you would a book!" The Main Library is one of three Riverside Public Library locations listed for the Tool Lending Library.
Borrowing
Borrowers must be library cardholders, 18 or older, in good standing, with a signed tool use waiver. Browse the collection, fill out the waiver form, pick up tools from a participating location, and return them clean and on time. Tools are for personal, non-commercial use only.
What You Can Borrow
The library lists hammers, screwdrivers and pliers, wrenches, gardening tools, measuring tools, clamps and jigs, electrical tools, auto repair tools and bike repair kits.
Membership
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow tools?
Riverside Public Library cardholders 18 or older, in good standing, who have signed the tool use waiver.
help_outlineWhat tools can I borrow?
Hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, gardening tools, measuring tools, clamps and jigs, electrical tools, auto repair tools and bike repair kits.
help_outlineDoes it cost anything?
No. The library says tools can be borrowed for free with a library card.
help_outlineWhere do I pick up tools at the Main Library?
At 3900 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501. The other participating locations are listed on the Tool Lending Library page.
help_outlineCan I use the tools for work?
No. The library says tools are for personal, non-commercial use only.
help_outlineWhen is the Main Library open?
Tue-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sun 10am-6pm.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Riverside Public Library: Riverside Tool Lending Library (Main 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 | 53 mi | star5.0 | Free |
| Fix Way Tool Library & Common Space | Ventura, CA | 112 mi | — | Pay what you can (suggested $100/year) |
| Oakland Public Library: Oakland Tool Lending Library | Oakland, CA | 382 mi | star4.6 | Free |
| Richmond Tool Library | Richmond, CA | 389 mi | star4.9 | Free |
| South Jordan Library | South Jordan, UT | 544 mi | star4.5 | Free |
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