Borrow a tool from Greenpoint Library!
The Greenpoint Library Tool Library was created with the knowledge that repair and maintenance have a meaningful role to play in environmental and planetary health. Born out of Repair Hub, a Brooklyn Public Library Incubator project, Greenpoint Library's Tool Library empowers patrons to borrow tools to work on home projects, repair their possessions and learn new tool skills. In making tools accessible to the community, Brooklyn Public Library is promoting environmental responsibility, sustainability and equity for all.
Our Tools
Tool Library Lending Policy
Brooklyn Public Library patrons with an adult library card may borrow up to three tools at a time. This number includes one power tool. This free service is currently available at the Greenpoint branch by following these steps:
- Place your tool on hold by using the links in the tool list below or by navigating to our catalog and searching there. Greenpoint is the only branch you may pick up or return your tool.
- When your tool is ready for pickup, we will notify you by email and you may come and pick it up. You must show ID with current address. Tools not picked up within 7 days will be taken off hold.
- When you are done with your tool, or when your week is up, please return it to the reference desk at Greenpoint Library. Please make sure to return cleaned tools with all their components, in the original case/box. Tools may not be left in book drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may place a hold on the tool you would like to borrow.
No, you must wait until you receive a notification that the tool is ready for pickup.
You may borrow three tools, including one power tool.
Tools are only available for pickup and return at Greenpoint Library.
All tools may be borrowed for one week.
Yes, as long as there are no other patron holds on the tool.
Tools will be held for seven days.
Yes, the first time you borrow a tool you must sign a liability waiver.
After you've received an email confirmation that the tool is ready for pickup, you may ask for your tool at Greenpoint Library's front reference desk. You will be asked to sign a waiver, show your ID and proof of current address. There are no same-day-request pickups.
No, only the cardholder may pick up the tool.
You must wait to pick up a tool until you have received notice that the tool is available. You may return the tool during Greenpoint Library's open hours and please do not return in the book drop.
If you have more than $15 in billed tool materials, you may not borrow a tool until your account is in good standing.
You have seven days to pick up the tool.
You will receive an email reminding you of your late tool. After 14 days past the return date, tools will be marked as missing, and a replacement fee will be assessed and added to your account.
Replacement fees depend on the cost of the tool to be replaced and will block the patron from borrowing, renewing, and making holds for other library materials in the interim. This fee will be removed from the account upon return of the tool.
Please return tools and don't let them gather dust in your home! This is a community Tool Library, and we want to ensure access of the tools to our neighbors.
At this time, we are not taking donations.
This project is made possible by the generous support of the Greenpoint Community Enviornmental Fund.
Upcoming Events
Projects in Machine Sewing: Zippered Pouch
Join us to learn the use of the zipper foot
You will make a small zippered pouch to take away with you.
Sewing machines are provided but you are welcome to bring your own.
Prerequisites: Sewing Machine Basics or the ability to thread the machine and sew a basic straight…
Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making
We will be making different jewelry pieces each week or continuing a piece from the previous week. We will provide some material so you can also practice at home if you would like, but you must have your own pliers for doing at home. We have beads, wire, pliers, findings, and other tools here to…
Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making
We will be making different jewelry pieces each week or continuing a piece from the previous week. We will provide some material so you can also practice at home if you would like, but you must have your own pliers for doing at home. We have beads, wire, pliers, findings, and other tools here to…
Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making
We will be making different jewelry pieces each week or continuing a piece from the previous week. We will provide some material so you can also practice at home if you would like, but you must have your own pliers for doing at home. We have beads, wire, pliers, findings, and other tools here to…
Clothing Repair Lab
Do you have socks with holes in the toes or a garment that needs hemming? Bring it to our repair lab and fix it! Sewing machine, instruction, and some supplies provided.
Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making
We will be making different jewelry pieces each week or continuing a piece from the previous week. We will provide some material so you can also practice at home if you would like, but you must have your own pliers for doing at home. We have beads, wire, pliers, findings, and other tools here to…
Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making
We will be making different jewelry pieces each week or continuing a piece from the previous week. We will provide some material so you can also practice at home if you would like, but you must have your own pliers for doing at home. We have beads, wire, pliers, findings, and other tools here to…
Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making
We will be making different jewelry pieces each week or continuing a piece from the previous week. We will provide some material so you can also practice at home if you would like, but you must have your own pliers for doing at home. We have beads, wire, pliers, findings, and other tools here to…
Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making
We will be making different jewelry pieces each week or continuing a piece from the previous week. We will provide some material so you can also practice at home if you would like, but you must have your own pliers for doing at home. We have beads, wire, pliers, findings, and other tools here to…
Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making
We will be making different jewelry pieces each week or continuing a piece from the previous week. We will provide some material so you can also practice at home if you would like, but you must have your own pliers for doing at home. We have beads, wire, pliers, findings, and other tools here to…
