FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Santa Rosa Tool Library?
The Santa Rosa Tool Library is a place where people who live and work in Sonoma County can borrow a variety of hand and power tools for home repair, landscaping, and automotive work.

How much does it cost?
Borrowing tools from the Santa Rosa Tool Library is free.  There is only an overdue fee is tools are returned past the due date.

What tools does the Tool Library carry?
The Tool Library currently carries over 300 different types of tools, from hand tools to power tools. Click here to view our list of tools and tool photo gallery.

Where is the Tool Library?
The Library is temporarily located at 642 5th Street  in downtown Santa Rosa. 

How do I borrow tools from the Tool Library?
To borrow tools, please select items from our list of tools then contact us at 707-576-0590 to arrange to pick up your first tools.  When you come in to borrow your first tool, you will be asked to sign a waiver form acknowledging liability. You will also be asked to review our Borrowers Rules.

What are its hours of operation?
The Tool Library is open Monday through Friday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm.  We are closed on Sundays and most major holidays.

How long has the Tool Library been open?
The Tool Library unofficially opened in March 2008 by our founder and now Executive Director Dustin Zuckerman.  SRTL became a licensed Non-Profit Organization in September 2008.

How long can I borrow tools?

Most tools have a 7 day loan period. Tools that are in high demand like Electric Mini-tillers and Pressure washers have a 4 day loan period.

Who runs the Tool Library?
Currently, the Tool Library has a Board of Directors of 6 people with the storefront run by SRTL’s executive director.  We receive help from a variety of volunteers and local professionals.

How does the Tool Library make sure that no one steals the tools?
We hope that our patrons will return the tools promptly and without undue damage. In order to help to ensure that tools are returned, however, we ask that all borrowers provide two forms of identification including one government-issued, California, photo ID and a recent piece of mail with current mailing address. If tools are not returned on time, borrowers will be assessed late fees.

What happens if I break or lose a tool?
Before members borrow their first tools, they must read and sign our Borrower’s Agreement. Borrowers are expected to return the tools in the same condition as they were issued, barring normal wear and tear. The borrower is expected to pay for the loss of or damage to any tool.

Do other tool libraries exist?
Yes. There are several other tool libraries in other cities in the United States, including Columbus, OH; 4 in Portland, OR; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; Berkeley, CA; and Oakland, CA.

Can I donate to the Tool Library?
Yes! We welcome all tool donations. SRTL is a 501(c)(3 )Public Charity, so all donations are tax deductible. We accept tools that are newer and in working order. We do not accept broken tools. If you are interested in donating funds to SRTL you can donate on our web site www.borrowtools.org or mail a check to SRTL 642 5th Street, Santa Rosa Ca. 95404.

How can I become more involved in the Tool Library?
We welcome others to become involved in starting and running the Library. If you would like to become more involved, please contact us at 707-576-0590 or fixit@borrowtools.org.

How can I find out more information?
Please contact us at 707-576-0590 or fixit@borrowtools.org for more information, or check out our website at www.borrowtools.org.

 

                                                     707-576-0590  •   642 5th Street  SANTA ROSA CA. 95404  MAP  FIXIT@BORROWTOOLS.ORG