Thomas Crane Public Library: Library of Things
location_onQuincy, Massachusetts
infoAbout Thomas Crane Public Library: Library of Things
The Library of Things at Thomas Crane Public Library's Main Library, 40 Washington Street in Quincy, Massachusetts, is a public library collection borrowed with a library card. The library calls it "a collection of tools, instruments, electronics, gadgets, and more — all available to borrow with a library card."
Borrowing
Things are free to borrow with a library card, under the library's Borrowing Agreement. Find and check out Things at the Main Library or place a hold online. All Things must be picked up at and returned to a Main Library Help Desk.
What You Can Borrow
The Tools category includes a pressure washer, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, grass shear, post hole digger, hacksaw, rotary tool kit, heat gun, stud finder, level, laser distance meter, combination square, bar clamp, pliers, pipe wrench, combination and torque wrench sets, a hand truck, drain cleaner, extension cord, thermal imaging camera and thermal leak detector. Car and bike gear includes an automotive diagnostic tool, jumper cables, a car vacuum, a bicycle multi-tool, chain checker, tire levers and a truing stand. Safety glasses and ear muffs are available too. Other categories cover health and recreation, hobby, home and tech items.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat tools can I borrow at Thomas Crane Public Library?
Among others: a pressure washer, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, post hole digger, rotary tool kit, heat gun, stud finder, level, laser distance meter, wrench sets, a hand truck and an automotive diagnostic tool.
help_outlineDoes it cost anything?
No. Things are free to borrow with a library card.
help_outlineWhere do I pick up and return Things?
At a Main Library Help Desk, 40 Washington St, Quincy, MA 02169.
help_outlineCan I reserve an item?
Yes. You can place a hold online or find and check out Things at the Main Library.
help_outlineWhen is the Main Library open?
Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Thomas Crane Public 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Public Library | Boston, MA | 8 mi | star4.8 | Free |
| Needham Free Public Library: Library of Things | Needham, MA | 12 mi | — | Valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing |
| Morse Institute Library: Library of Things | Natick, MA | 18 mi | — | Minuteman patrons with no outstanding fines above $100 |
| Brooks Memorial Library: Field to Fork Tool Cottage | Brattleboro, VT | 90 mi | — | Library cardholders |
| Portland Maine Tool Library | Portland, ME | 105 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
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