Temescal Tool Lending Library Fights Blight

One of our favorite public institutions is the Temescal Tool Lending Library at the North Oakland Public Library. While small, the Tool Lending Library is chock full of tools for the house and garden. Everything you need to maintain your home in tip-top shape is available. Really, there is no excuse for property owners or renters to not fix a problem with their house for lack of tools. With a library card and attention to a few simple rules, you can get access to carpentry and woodworking tools, floor and wall tools, plumbing and drain cleaning tools, concrete and masonry tools, ladders, clamps, material handling equipment, power tools, electrical equipment, and mechanical tools.

In addition to tools, they Library has a wealth of books on every imaginable subject related to home repair and maintenance and several very friendly and helpful staff.

Lending Guidelines:

1. Lending period is three (3) days, seven (7) days for house jacks only.
2. Fines: $1.00-$20.00 for each day a tool is late, depending on the value of the tool.
3. Up to two (2) renewals if no prior requests; renewals in person only.
4. Tools must be returned to the Tool Lending Library during open hours.
5. No registrations after fifteen (15) minutes before closing time.
6. Because of high demand, tools marked with an * are not renewable.
7. For new patrons, limit 3 tools (1 power tool only) per checkout for the first 6 weeks. After 6 week probationary period, patron is allowed 8 tools (no more than 3 power tools) for each checkout.

The Tool Lending Library, located at 5205 Telegraph Avenue, is open Monday from 12:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Friday from 12:oo pm to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. For more information please see the Tool Lending Library Web Page.