Tompkins County Public Library: Library of Things
location_onIthaca, New York
infoAbout Tompkins County Public Library: Library of Things
Tompkins County Public Library at 101 East Green Street in Ithaca, New York lends tools through its Library of Things. The library says it "offers a collection of non-traditional items such as museum passes, sewing machines, seeds, cookware, umbrellas, phone chargers, fishing gear, tools and more that you can check out and use in-house or take home with you." It is a public library collection: you borrow from it with a library card, the same way you borrow a book.
What You Can Borrow
The current collection list includes a drill kit, tool kit (hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, level), level, gardening tool kit, car diagnostic tool, bicycle tire pump, soldering kit and safety goggles.
Borrowing
Take a card from the display in front of the Library of Things shelves to a staff member at the Howard P. Hartnett Circulation Desk in the Lobby. You can borrow up to five items at a time for one week. Holds are not available on Library of Things items.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat tools does TCPL lend?
Items include a drill kit, tool kit (hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, level), level, gardening tool kit and car diagnostic tool.
help_outlineHow do I check out a tool?
Take the card from the Library of Things display to the Howard P. Hartnett Circulation Desk.
help_outlineHow long is the loan?
One week.
help_outlineHow many items can I borrow?
Up to five Library of Things items at a time.
help_outlineCan I place a hold?
No. Holds are not available on Library of Things items.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Tompkins County 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tool Library Albany | Albany, NY | 140 mi | star5.0 | 20 |
| Harrisburg Tool Library | Harrisburg, PA | 151 mi | star5.0 | 0 |
| Ridgewood Public Library: Library of Things | Ridgewood, NJ | 159 mi | — | Ridgewood Public Library or BCCLS member in good standing |
| Summit Free Public Library: Library of Things | Summit, NJ | 162 mi | — | Available to Summit residents 17 and over, paid members, and those employed in Summit |
| Maplewood Library: Library of Things | Maplewood, NJ | 166 mi | — | Valid adult resident Maplewood Library card |
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