Sonoma County Tool Library
location_onSanta Rosa, California
infoAbout Sonoma County Tool Library
Sonoma County Tool Library operates from 427 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa, inside the co LAB building, and offers free borrowing access to a collection of approximately 2,000 tools across multiple categories. The organization functions as a community resource designed to reduce individual tool ownership while fostering shared access to equipment for home repair, construction, gardening, and woodworking projects.
Location and Access
Location and Access
The library occupies a shared space within the co LAB building located at 427 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa. The facility maintains limited but accessible hours, operating Wednesday evenings from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This schedule accommodates both working professionals who can visit after hours on weekdays and individuals with weekend availability. Parking is available on-site at the co LAB building, though visitors should note that one reviewer specifically cautioned against parking in red-zone spaces to avoid potential citations or towing.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Friendly, helpful staff and volunteers (mentioned in 5+ reviews); excellent tool selection and inventory; easy reservation/pickup/dropoff process; saves money by avoiding tool purchases for one-time projects.
GOOD TO KNOW
Parking has some restricted areas (red zone)—be mindful of where you park; this is a quiet, peaceful space if you want a calm environment while browsing.
SOME NOTE
No meaningful criticism identified in these reviews—all ratings are 5 stars with no complaints about operations, availability, or policies.
BEST FOR
DIY enthusiasts and homeowners tackling one-time projects; people looking to save money on tool purchases; community-minded folks who appreciate local resources and volunteering opportunities.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat is the Sonoma County Tool Library?
The Sonoma County Tool Library is a community tool lending library located in Santa Rosa, CA that offers free access to thousands of tools for home repair, gardening, and other projects. Members can borrow tools to complete projects without having to purchase them.
help_outlineWhere is the Sonoma County Tool Library located?
The Sonoma County Tool Library is located at 427 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA, inside the co LAB building.
help_outlineWhat are the hours of operation?
The Sonoma County Tool Library is open on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
help_outlineIs there a membership fee?
No, membership is completely free. You can register as a borrower at no cost and start borrowing tools immediately.
help_outlineHow many tools are available to borrow?
The Sonoma County Tool Library has over 2,000 tools available for borrowing across various categories.
help_outlineWhat types of tools does the library have?
The Sonoma County Tool Library offers tools across multiple categories including power tools, woodworking tools, and gardening tools, as well as equipment for yard work and general home repair projects.
help_outlineHow do I get started borrowing tools?
To get started, visit the Sonoma County Tool Library in person at 427 Mendocino Ave in Santa Rosa during operating hours (Wednesday 5:00 PM-7:00 PM or Saturday 9:00 AM-2:00 PM) to register as a borrower. You can also call (707) 229-3949 or visit their website at borrowtools.org for more information.
help_outlineWhat is the Sonoma County Tool Library's rating?
The Sonoma County Tool Library has a 5.0 out of 5 star rating on Google based on 26 reviews.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Sonoma County 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 | 48 mi | star4.6 | Free |
| Klamath Tool Library | Klamath Falls, OR | 266 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| ToolBox Project | Eugene, OR | 387 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Los Angeles Tool Library | Los Angeles, CA | 390 mi | star5.0 | Free |
| Central Oregon Tool Library | Bend, OR | 396 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. |
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