Check Out Tool Libraries
Lawn mowers. Ladders. Lathes. Leaf blowers.
Car repair. Compressors. Chainsaws. Camping gear.
Perhaps you have an occasional need for a given implement or item. Understandably, you don’t want to go out and buy equipment for which there may be only a single use.
An attractive solution? Tool libraries.
They’re places where you can go and borrow tools – in the same ways you check out and return library books.
Tool libraries are sprinkled throughout the country (and, indeed, in places throughout the world.)
They vary in the ways they are organized and operated. Some are co-operatives. Some are volunteer-driven. Some work on a membership basis.
They may or may not have fees. Almost all of them are not-for-profit groups. Accordingly, rental charges (if any) are eminently reasonable.
There are several indirect benefits. They’re environmentally friendly. They pool and leverage equipment purchases, thereby lowering costs. They increase accessibility to items that may not be readily available.
So – the next time you have a special project or need, go online and see if there is a tool library near you!
Resources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/good-news/2022/06/17/tool-lending-library-providence-ri-adding-items-for-other-activities-camping-photography/7569240001/
https://tools.resourcecentral.org/
https://www.chicagotoollibrary.org/