Southgate Veterans Memorial Library: Library of Things
location_onSouthgate, Michigan
infoAbout Southgate Veterans Memorial Library: Library of Things
Southgate Veterans Memorial Library lends tools through its Library of Things, a collection kept next to the front desk of the library at 14680 Dix-Toledo Road in Southgate, Michigan. In the library's words: "The library has a collection of a wide variety of non-traditional items to borrow! Games, tools, electronics, and more are available."
Borrowing
Items in the Equipment, Tools, & Toys section must be borrowed from, and returned to, the Southgate library. Each item on the library's list links to its catalog, where you can see whether it is available and place a hold. Library of Things items check out for three weeks. A few items are age restricted.
Membership
Library of Things items can be borrowed by anyone with a Southgate library card, and by patrons of other libraries in The Library Network (TLN). Southgate residents register in person with a valid photo ID and proof of residency, and can request a temporary card online. People from communities outside TLN can get a card only if they attend school or work in Southgate.
What You Can Borrow
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhere is the Southgate Library of Things?
Next to the front desk of Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, 14680 Dix-Toledo Rd, Southgate, MI 48195.
help_outlineWho can borrow tools?
Anyone with a Southgate library card, and patrons of other libraries in The Library Network. A few items are age restricted.
help_outlineWhat tools can I borrow?
The list includes a drill and impact driver combo set, a tool kit, gardening tools, a leaf blower, a post hole digger, tree trimming loppers, a furniture dolly, a carpet cleaner and an OBD2 scanner.
help_outlineHow long can I keep a tool?
Library of Things items check out for three weeks.
help_outlineCan I return a tool to another Library Network library?
No. Equipment, Tools, & Toys must be borrowed from and returned to the Southgate library.
help_outlineHow do I get a library card?
Southgate residents register in person at the circulation desk with a valid photo ID and proof of residency. A temporary card can be requested online.
help_outlineWhen is the library open?
Monday through Thursday 10 AM-9 PM and Saturday 10 AM-5 PM. Closed Friday, Sunday and major holidays.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Southgate Veterans Memorial Library: 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. Warren Tool Library | Detroit, MI | 19 mi | star4.5 | Free |
| East Lansing Public Library | East Lansing, MI | 75 mi | star4.7 | Free |
| The Well CDC | Akron, OH | 118 mi | star4.8 | — |
| Garden Resource Center: Tool Library & Supply Depot (GRC) | Pittsburgh, PA | 209 mi | — | From $30 |
| Louisville Tool Library | Louisville, KY | 305 mi | star5.0 | sliding scale donation |
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