In 1979, Berkeley (Calif.) Public Library became one of the first libraries to start a tool lending program. Today, library patrons can choose from dozens of household options, from lawn mowers to miter saws, cold-press juicers to knife sharpeners. Public libraries continue to adopt this model, with Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library launching its first tool library last year.
These Library of Things collections allow carbon footprint–conscious locals to buy less, monitor their usage of natural resources, appreciate nature, and create a more sustainable environment. Most items are returned in their entirety, while others—like seeds and weather stripping—are intended for borrowers to keep what they need and return the rest.
Click to open an illustrated list of 21 popular tools promoting sustainability available in library collections across the US and Canada.
