The Carlisle Tool Library
location_onCarlisle, Pennsylvania
infoAbout The Carlisle Tool Library
735 Factory St, Carlisle, PA 17013, is the home of The Carlisle Tool Library, a volunteer-run organization focused on empowering the community by providing access to tools and workshops. Founded with the mission to cultivate skills and foster resourcefulness among local residents, the library operates under a model reminiscent of conventional lending libraries. Here, members can borrow tools without rental fees, contributing instead through a yearly donation that ensures the library's sustainability and growth.
Inventory and Membership Model
The Carlisle Tool Library boasts an extensive inventory of tools spread across multiple categories, including power tools, woodworking equipment, gardening supplies, and automotive tools. This remarkable assortment caters to a wide range of needs for community members engaging in home repairs, gardening, crafting, and other D.I.Y. projects. The diverse selection includes everything from drills and saws to specialized gardening implements, ensuring that both novice and experienced users find what they need.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Most customers consistently praise the helpful staff (4 mentions), the variety of tools available (4 mentions), and the valuable workshops and community events, such as the fall fix-it fair (2 mentions).
GOOD TO KNOW
Some reviews note that the library is a great resource for local residents and mention the presence of the Carlisle Seed Share Library, which enhances the community aspects of the library.
SOME NOTE
A few customers mentioned operational hours, specifically that some visitors experienced issues with the library closing earlier than expected (1 mention).
BEST FOR
The Carlisle Tool Library is best suited for local residents looking to borrow tools for home projects, those interested in participating in community workshops, and anyone wanting to share or obtain gardening supplies.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat is The Carlisle Tool Library?
The Carlisle Tool Library is a tool lending library that empowers the community by providing access to tools, shop space, and expertise. Members can borrow tools just like they would borrow books.
help_outlineHow do I become a member of The Carlisle Tool Library?
To become a member, you make a yearly contribution, which grants you access to borrow tools. There are no rental fees.
help_outlineWhat types of tools are available for borrowing?
The Carlisle Tool Library offers a variety of tools including power tools, woodworking tools, gardening tools, and automotive tools.
help_outlineAre there classes or workshops offered?
Yes, The Carlisle Tool Library offers classes and workshops to help members learn how to use tools and complete various projects.
help_outlineWhere is The Carlisle Tool Library located?
The Carlisle Tool Library is located at 735 Factory St, Carlisle, PA 17013.
help_outlineHow can I contact The Carlisle Tool Library?
You can contact The Carlisle Tool Library by phone at (717) 386-5616 or visit their website at http://www.carlisletoollibrary.org/.
help_outlineIs The Carlisle Tool Library volunteer-run?
Yes, The Carlisle Tool Library is volunteer-run.
help_outlineWhat is the Google rating of The Carlisle Tool Library?
The Carlisle Tool Library has a Google rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that The Carlisle 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.
Pay-What-You-Can Annual Membership
compare_arrowsNearby Tool Libraries
| Name | Location | Distance | Rating | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC Tool Library | Washington, DC | 88 mi | star5.0 | Free for DC residents |
| West Philly Tool Library | Philadelphia, PA | 107 mi | star4.7 | $20/year (sliding scale) |
| All Tool Rental inc. | Brooklyn, NY | 171 mi | star4.8 | — |
| New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building | New York, NY | 173 mi | star4.7 | Free |
| Total Tool Rental | Brooklyn, NY | 174 mi | star4.2 | — |
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