Love this place. I have rented for free with my library card a drill and bits, shovels and mattock, grinder, post hole digger, fence post pounder, skill saw, long handle pruner. They let you have it for a week. Thank you for this service. read more

I unequivocally recommend this business. I wish I would have heard about it 10 years ago. The tools are good quality and there is a good variety available. The staff is efficient. read more

Oakland Tool Lending Library - Entrance on 52nd - Libraries Near Me - Oakland, California

Such a great amenity for oakland residents! Definitely such a nice option to check out tools for any house projects- big or small! Only street parking- metered and non a little bit around the place. They also offer free classes- I went to a plumbing class lead by a wonderful plumber who happened to have her own local plumbing business. Super informative and helpful! Do pay attention to the signs- I was dumb and tried to go in while there is a 2 person max inside due to the size of the space. Very helpful employees too! read more

An invaluable resource that is overlooked by the community. Not only is there a wide variety of tools available for lending but the staff is very helpful and there are instructional materials and even occasional courses. read more

I have been renting tools from this Tool Lending Library the entire time I have been in the east bay. They are SUER helpful there, always willing to give a tip or add some thoughtful insight into your do it yourself project. read more

I've gone back to the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and I've begun to have more positive experiences! Dylan has been especially helpful. I'm only giving four starts because there's still no guaranteed method for getting a receipt when returning a tool. You must accept for a receipt before returning the tool, but sometimes the workers close out the screen before betting the receipt. It seems unfair to hold patrons accountable for lost or unreturned items, but to not have an efficient system to account for returned items. read more

The Temescal Tool Lending Library is adjacent to the Temescal Branch Oakland Public Library. Patrons with an Oakland Library Card show their Oakland Library Card here & get a sticker from the Temescal Tool Lending Library on top of their card to check out tools. They offer a wide variety of tools for home improvement, repairs, gardening, & landscaping. It is awesome that this is a free service to borrow tools here for residents of Oakland, Piedmont, & Emeryville. New TLL patrons are limited to 2 tools, valued under $200 each. After these initial tools are returned patrons can borrow up to 8 tools (no more than 3 power tools) per checkout. Loans are 7 days for most tools, 2 days for more popular items. Late Fines: $1 to $20 per day , depending on the tool's value. Up to 2 renewals allowed depending on availability & demand. Renewals can be made 24-7 by calling a renewal line or online. Holds for tools are place through TLL staff. Tools must be returned to the TLL during open hours. TLL Registration is required even if you are a patron of the Oakland Public Library & no registrations are done 15 min before closing time. I think it is awesome that a Tool Lending Library exists as I'm not that handy w/ tools yet can be costly to buy tools & find a place to store them as well. Besides tools for the home there are also plenty of gardening tools for those w/ a green thumb. Another lesser known gem of the TLL is that next to it is a bicycle pump to fill your tires w/ some air or some bicycle tools if you are good w/ the mechanics of bikes. read more

See all

I can't say enough good things about the Oakland Tool Lending Library. We regularly borrow tools the support our Boy Scout Troop's Service Projects and Eagle Projects. What a fantastic program to support our community! read more

Amazing, helpful staff. Great selection of tools. Generous lending policy. They even have parking! Honestly one of the best community services in the area; I am so thankful for this spot! read more

I only have one question: how can you give the Temescal Tool Lending Library any less than 5 stars? The staff is friendly and helpful - need them to hold something? Call! Not sure what tool for the job? Ask! The TLL is an amazing resource for when you don't really want to hire a professional for lack of tools or buy tools yourself. They have high quality tools and are very helpful. Just remember to borrow things when you need them and get it done, then return promptly to avoid late fines. read more

The guys who volunteer this event are the Nicest! They are very knowledgeable, patient, and funny. It was fun to stop by and a great cause to support. I wish my dad lived here so he could volunteer at this event. Thank you for your service! read more

This library is AWESOME. I walked in as a brand new member and got all set up even though I forgot an addressed piece of mail. The clerk accepted me showing the official USPS change of address (Oakland to Oakland) email on my phone, which was really nice. I signed out an 18x3 sanding belt and a 1" chisel. 2 item limit for newbies. There was an issue with the chisel, and the system actually forgot that I had it/deleted my checkout. Whatever, I brought it back with the sanding belt after the third AUTO-RENEWAL of the sanding belt. Yeah - the system auto-renews your checkout days before it's due if it's an elligible item and emails you to inform you of your new due date. Hella cool. A little too lenient for those of us who procrastinate, if you ask me, but you will have TIME for your project with this system. Both of the people who helped me made it a quick and easy visit each time. Parking is tight lengthwise. I was able to park both times, but I drive a Fit. There are 3-4 spaces next to the Tool Lending entrance off of 52nd. I can checkout up to 10 items now that I've successfully returned my first checkout. And it's all free. Libraries are magical. read more

I would highly advice anyone using the tool library to ensure you ask for a receipt/record of your account to ensure that they do not accuse you of not returning a tool. The old timers/workers do know how to ensure you don't end up with a tool that you never took out in your account. However, any of the new employees, including the "manager" will very possibly add the wrong number to your lending account. If and when you make a case of such mistake not caused by you, they will not do a thing other than charge you for it or until you return the tool back, which you don't have. So, please, don't let them jack you with their constant mistakes, cus they will charge you and care less. read more

This place is amazing. Such a great service for the community. Great people too. I wish I'd known about it sooner. Impressive selection and from what I've seen, everything has been in great working order too. Wish every community had something like this. read more

The only place that is full of Tools you want to goto. Don't have a stepladder? Lost your circular saw? Come down toting your library card and a piece of mail... you will be moments away from that carpenter/plumber role-play you and your "special friend" have been talking about. Genius concept, way to go Oakland! read more

Its the age old tale. Two girls in their twenties move into an old Victorian house in the Temescal and need to hang paintings from entirely plaster walls. They, of course, do not own any sort of power tool and are completely broke and can in no way purchase one. One of the girls found out about the Temescal Tool Lending Library and they both lived happily ever after. (Although the hours are weird, so the second girl spent a couple of afternoons taking the power drill on walks around the neighborhood as they were closed. It needed fresh air?) read more

There just isn't anything cooler than this. I've rented dozens of different things and all you need is a library card. Super nice people too. The best read more

I heart the tool lending library. Need a sander for your floor? They have. Hedge trimmer? Yup. Cherry picker? Ratcheting screwdriver? Gizmo that pokes holes in your lawn? Sure, and it's all free as long as you remember to return it on time (otherwise there's a $5 per day fee). Not only do they have tools, the guys that work there are total jokesters. It's like taking a trip to see Click and Clack, the tool shop version. read more

If you need it they got it! They are so helpful and since they have everything I need I don't have to buy or store things I rarely use!

OMG, omg...omg...the best thing evah! So I've been fixing up our turn of the Century apartment building for the last 5 years. Since the building had been unloved for at least 50 years, there was a list of to-dos that could have wallpapered every unit :( But I soon learned to have no fear! With the TLL there to save me money and to provide numerous helpful hints, and a wink and a smile, I always felt as though a friendly neighbor was peaking over my shoulder making sure my projects were completed correctly, and quickly. LOL Yes, a fine or two is a PITA, but it guarantees your projects will be completed in a timely manner. read more

Omg I love the concept and this actual place. The staff is super friendly and they literally have every possible tool you need. Only issue is that they don't ever pick up their phone. read more

Whoever invented tool lending libraries was a genius! What a good, simple, and fantastic ideas to help many people simply and to tie neighborhoods together. Loved the Bosch electric planer! Yay! The only downside is the short borrowing time. Sometimes it's not realistic to finish a project in 3 days. read more

My parents were coming to town in a week, and my fiance and I finally decided it was time to get cracking on those long neglected home improvement projects. Between the two of us we were able to rent about six things, including monster power drill and bits, bolt cutter, and saw. It was everything we needed to put up new closet doors and take care of a host of other projects around our place. The only downside is that we had to bring everything back within three days, and the library closes early except for Tuesday nights, but that inconvenience was totally outweighed by the value this place offers. Plus, the service is great. read more

I over looked the TTLL for some time. I wish I had looked into it sooner, but none-the-less, It's a great resource and I appreciate friendly service at the front desk. Instead of buying new tools, that I may use once or twice, I'll double check the libraries inventory. Certain equipment goes really fast and only is available on certain days (for example chain saws). read more

Another shout-out on the awesomeness that is the OPL--tool division!! Staff is friendly and knowledgeable; items are more than you might think, like ability to check out tool books and videos too. There's also a waiting list for very popular items, like tile saws and table saws, and they really do call you as soon as your tool is ready. I've gotten everything from wrenches and paint scrapers to heat guns and sawzalls to a concrete breaker and chainsaw (chainsaw is a Friday-only thing--note). My only complaint is that not everyone takes care of things the way they should. I have rented tools that don't work because the person before me caused damage, and some things are too dirty and dusty. I try to return my tools better than I got them just to pass some courtesy on to the next DIY-er, and I hope to see others do the same! read more

How great this was. My first experience with this was when a friend's car battery died. We went to Walgreens for jumper cables and they wanted 30 bucks for a pair. After no one on earth had any I remembered that we were near the lending library and FOR FREE we were up and running. Today I needed a tool to fix my bike and I thought, "how will I ever describe this to the ppl at home depot?" That is if i could ever get one to help me and they had it. The other alternative was the bike shop and spend 10 million dollars over what the tool should cost for something I'll only use twice in 5 years. Then I remembered THE TOOL LENDING LIBRARY. so once again thanks for having this around Oakland; it really saved the day read more

I love this place. It makes so much sense to just borrow what you need. A true gem in our community.

I recently moved into the area and bought quite the fixer upper. I have several power tools, but somethings are just not economical to own. Some friends suggested we check this place out and i could not be happier. Amazing concept, well run and great selection of tools. This place is fantastic.....the staff are super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful too. Finally a PUBLIC SERVICE (that's right folks, a tax funded service, it does not cost a dime to borrow anything) for people who care to renovate their homes, improve their neighborhoods and generally get their own hands dirty.........without having to get addicted to alcohol/ crystal meth or crime first. Yes, that's right, actual tax payer money being spent on an actual tax payer!! AMAZING!!! KUDOS to the TEMESCAL TOOL LENDING LIBRARY!!!!!! read more

Amazing! So many useful tools, friendly knowledgeable service. Has saved me so much money, what a tremendous public service!

One of the crown jewels of the DIY home improvement scene in Oakland. You can find most everything you want here, including the coveted Sawzall and hammer drill to drill concrete, and any small tool you're looking for. Treat those heat guns gingerly people, I still have paint to scrape . . . read more

In all seriousness, this library makes me proud to be an American.

It's a tool lending library! What more should I say?! Coolest old school Oakland vibe, no new jacks, super knowledgeable staff and a great array of tools. Free! Be kind, rewind. read more

Everyone is SO helpful here, especially Tai. We were doing a little home renovation and had this crazy pipe sticking out of the wall. Tai walked us through what we needed and sent us home with a arsenal of tools to get it done. They've got it all: plumbing: pipe cutter, gigantic wrench painting: tarps and paint role extenders reupholstering: staple guns and extra staples (just ask!) also, if you've got the time, volunteer, they would love your help. read more

If this place ever closes we need to find out who's fault it is and make sure they do not get voted in at the next election.

How can anyone NOT give this place 5 Star? They're like your neighbor, except they have even more tools and all you need is your Oakland library card to borrow their shit. And when you forget to return it in a timely manner, all you do is pay a late fee instead of being permanently banned from their garage. I love this place. No gas powered tools, only electric...great selection of smaller stuff to. If live close, you should never have to rent/borrow again. read more

Hard to not love and support this place. Super friendly staff. Awesome tools and books.

This place is nothing short of incredible, exactly what a community needs. Two recommendations: call ahead to reserve power tools, esp. weed-eaters or chainsaws, and do all you can to go a couple of hours after they open, otherwise you'll have to wait about 10-15 minutes in line. My only complaint is that funding cuts have now forced them to close their doors on certain Fridays. read more

If you're doing any sort of interior or exterior home project, this place has just about got it all, right down to the "how to" books you might need for guidance. I've been borrowing stuff from them for eight years, and they have helped me through numerous projects. A couple of the same guys have been working there the whole time, including Tai and that friendly white-haired dude whose name I don't know. The customer service is terrific, and what's not to like about free access to such a wide variety of tools? It's just too bad they can't operate every day of the week! read more

I know nothing about tools I needed to put in posts in my back yard to terrace it to prevent soil erosion I was told I needed to dig at least two feet After an hour, and one feet later, I wonder how the mobsters can easily dig six feel in one night big enough for a body. I realized I may need more than a shovel and a pick. I thought I needed an electric auger. I was advised against it A girl of my size would not have been able to use it without hurting myself. They gave me a couple of suggestions and I can't wait to go home and try it read more

I love this place with all of my inept, clumsy, wanna-be-DIY heart. I have no idea what I'm doing with most tools, but that's ok; I go into the tool lending library, I say something like "uh, I broke my chair. it's wood. how do I fix it?" and they tell me 1000 helpful things, show me how to use the tools I need, and I get to bring them home for free. I've done all kinds of things that I didn't know I could do, thanks to the tool lending library and their staff. I also really, really appreciate that on most days I go there, there is at least one woman on staff. it really helps create a welcoming, equal-access feel. read more