A community lending library where members can borrow hand tools, power tools, gardening tools, bike tools, and more to fix up their homes, maintain their yards, build things, and start new projects. Learn more about our mission.
We’re at 1223 S Harmony St, Philadelphia, PA 19146. See our contact page for hours and directions.
We unofficially opened in September 2007 and held our grand opening on March 15, 2008.
A small paid staff of tool librarians handles day-to-day operations. We also rely on community volunteers and a steering committee for fundraising and policy decisions. Meet the team.
Yes! There are tool libraries in cities across the country, including Rochester, Buffalo, Columbus, Portland, Atlanta, Oakland, and many more. New ones pop up regularly, and we often serve as a model and resource for them.
Absolutely. We regularly hear from people looking for advice. Check out our resources page for guides, software options, and community connections.
Costs & Fees
Dues are on a sliding scale starting at $20/year based on self-reported income. We use the honor system. We also offer organizational memberships, gift memberships, and lifetime memberships ($1,000). See all tiers.
No per-tool fees for the vast majority of our collection. You can check out as many tools as you want during your membership year. A few tools with consumable parts may carry a small fee.
Yes—$1 per tool per day the library is open. If your tool is due Wednesday but you return it the following Tuesday, you’d owe $4 per tool (for Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, assuming normal hours). Holidays when we’re closed don’t count.
Becoming a Member
We offer individual, organizational, and gift memberships. Start by creating an account online, then visit us in person to complete the process. Full details on membership.
Not at all. We have active members from all over Philadelphia, neighboring counties, and even New Jersey.
Usually, yes. As long as your application is complete and we can reach your two references while you’re here, you can start borrowing the same day. If we’re busy, you may need to come back after we finish processing.
A government-issued photo ID
Proof of address (mail, lease, utility bill, etc.)
Names and phone numbers of two references we can call on the spot
Payment for your annual dues
Just come in and give us the name of the person who gifted it. We’ll look up the payment and get you started.
Borrowing Tools
Come in during open hours, browse the shelves or ask a librarian for help, and check out at the front desk. It’s like a regular library, but for tools.
Yes! Our librarians love hearing about projects and recommending tools and strategies. Each has different areas of expertise—carpentry, plumbing, gardening—and if the person working doesn’t know, another member might.
Around 4,000 tools including a wide array of power tools, hand tools, gardening tools, and automotive tools.
Up to seven days.
Yes, but you must bring the tool in on or before the due date. Renewals are at the librarian’s discretion based on demand and your borrowing history. Power tools and ladders cannot be renewed. We do not accept renewals by phone or email.
Members are expected to return tools in the condition they received them, minus normal wear and tear. You’re responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any tool you damage or lose.
We encourage members to try new things, but some tools (especially saws) can be dangerous. If you’re not confident with a particular tool, consider signing up for one of our classes for hands-on instruction.
We require two forms of ID and two personal references at sign-up. Late tools incur daily fees, and if tools aren’t returned after 30 days, we’ll contact references and may charge replacement costs. The community trust system has worked well since 2007.
How to Help
We accept donations of money, tools, and time. Visit our donate page for all the details.
Volunteers help with everything from inventory to teaching classes. You can even join a committee to help steer the organization’s future. Details on our donate page.
The West Philly Tool Library is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are generally tax-deductible. Check with your tax professional for specifics.
West Philly Tool Library