+ What are your hours?

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 5 pm - 8 pm

Saturdays and Sundays: 9 am - 1 pm

+ How do I join the library & borrow tools?

You can join online or in-person at the library during our hours!

+ How many tools can I Borrow?

8 tools at a time for 1 week. The full Borrowing Policy can be found HERE.

+ How do I renew tools?

Tools can be renewed ONCE! Thereby allowing you to have it for a maximum of 2 weeks. Renew by:

• WEBSITE: Go to Tool Borrowing, then Renew Tools and fill out a quick form.
• PHONE: 410-347-0850 - leave a voicemail & you’ll be emailed a receipt. Late fees incurred are prorated from the date you phoned, not the date we actually listened to the machine - don’t panic.
• EMAIL: sntl.librarian@gmail.com - same as above.
• NOTE: If tools are already late when you contact us to renew, you are responsible for late fees up until then and your tools will still be due 1 week from the original due date.

+ What if my tools are late?

Late fees are $1 per day per tool - even on days we are closed because someone else could be using them. We are all sharing these tools! You will not be charged more than the value of the tool When tools are 60 days late, members will be given 1 week to return them before membership is potentially revoked and a replacement fee may be charged.

+ My tools are so late I’m embarrassed!

We get it, life is crazy and sometimes people forget stuff. Don’t do that shame spiral thing where you feel like you can never show your face again - we are cool if you are cool, everyone makes mistakes and it’s more important for us to get tools back then to shame someone or burden them financially with late fees - we’ll work it out! That being said, don't take advantage of our goodwill, it's bad karma.

+ Can I reserve tools?

Unfortunately no, it is first come first served.

+ Can someone else borrow tools under my name?

No, spouses/bff's/roommates/cousins/neighbors/etc must have their own memberships for liability reasons.

+ Can you show me how to use a tool?

Absolutely! Our librarians are volunteers, so if you can be patient and wait for them to have a free moment, they are happy to help you! Please don’t hesitate to ask, there are no stupid questions and many of us started here as new tool users!

+ What if the tool I checked out is broken?

Please return it and tell us so we can fix it!

+ What if a tool breaks while I am using it?

It happens, tools break. Please return it and tell us so we can fix it! You may be asked to pay a fee if the tool was broken from misuse.

+ What if my tool is damaged or stolen?

No worries, please let us know and replace it with a similar tool of equal value (ideally the same make and model if not better!).

+ Do you provide consumables?

Things like saw blades, drill bits, and sandpaper are not provided, you just kind of luck out if we have them here leftover from other generous members.

+ Do you accept donations and what does the library need?

We are not currently accepting donations of used tools or building materials. You can always help us with a cash donation! Read more about donations and find alternatives HERE.

+ Do you accept volunteers?

Yes, when we have shifts available. All volunteers must be members first for at least 3 months. Click HERE for more information or email info@toollibrary.org.

+ How can I start a lending library in my own city/neighborhood?

So glad you asked! Here are some really good online resources to check out that helped us get started:

• Sharestarter - How to start a lending library - a little outdated, but a good start.
• New Dream Webinar - same topic.
• Google Drive Folder - TONS of shared docs/templates/videos from a recent Lending Library Symposium that we hosted here.
• Join the Google Group of Tool Libraries - tons of great threads.
• Email lynn@toollibrary.org for more info!

+ Are you hiring?

Not at the moment, but join our mailing list for updates!

+ Can kids join the library and use Open Shop?

• Library members must be 18 or older, sorry!

+ Do you sell gift cards?

Yes! Click HERE to buy one online or you can come by in person to get a fancy handmade gift card to present to the recipient for a class or membership!

+ What is Sliding Scale Membership?

We suggest that you pay at least $1 for every $1,000 a year that you make. Example, if you make $30,000 a year, you'd pay at least $30 for your annual membership.

Paying more when you're able means that we can continue to offer this amazing resource to every member of our community. There is NO additional fee to borrow tools!

+ Do I need to show proof of income?

No, it is honor system and we trust you.

+ Do Memberships auto-renew?

Yes! Memberships auto-renew annually, but you can email us at info@toollibrary.org or call 410-347-0850 x200 to change your membership amount or cancel at any time.

You don't have to be actively using your membership to see community benefits from it.

Even if you have finished your home renovation, for example, and don’t think you will use us much this year - by supporting us annually you help to make us a robust resource for everyone and ensure that we’ll have what you need when you DO need us again!

+ Do you offer Family/Group Memberships?

No. Due to liability reasons, each individual in a household, group, company, or organization that wishes to borrow and use our tools must have their own membership.

+ How do I cancel my membership?

Memberships are the heart of our organization! Each member is an owner of this amazing community resource. However, we understand that life is unpredictable and things change. Email us at info@toollibrary.org or call 410-347-0850 x200 anytime to reduce your payment or cancel.

+ Do I have to be a member to use Open Shop?

Yes! And you have to complete Shop Safety.

+ Which machines can I use during Open Shop?

• Shop Safety certifies you to use the: miter saw, panel saw, band saw, drill press, scroll saw, and sanders
• Woodworking I certifies you to use the: table saw, planer, jointer.

+ Can a monitor during Open Shop just help me?

Open Shop monitors are there to look out for everyone and; therefore, may or may not be able to give you individualized instruction during those times. Please feel free to ask fellow members or take additional skill-building classes to get you where you want to be!

+ What if I have lots of experience?

You still need to take Shop Safety and Wood I to use the machines. If you have lots of experience in a shop then you know that every shop is different and working in a community shop is really different. The Safety classes ensure that everyone is on the same page and gives you a nice introduction to our community and the quirks of each machine here.

+ Do you have project storage?

Sadly, no. We are a great place to get your feet wet, but if larger undertakings are your thing you may consider our neighbors at Open Works!

+ Can kids join the library and use Open Shop?

• Minors can be library members if their parents are library members and must have parent/guardian consent on their Membership forms.
• Minors must also be at least 8 years old, accompanied by an adult member to borrow tools and use Open Shop after both adult and child have completed Shop Safety.

+ Are there restrictions on materials I can use in the shop?

As a communal woodshop we do have to be particular about what materials are being used in the space to both ensure the longevity of our tools but also to protect the experience of all of our members.

Generally we do NOT allow materials that:

• deposit excessive amounts of pitch (resinous or sticky materials) onto the blades of the machines
• off gas when cut (foams, pressure treated lumber, plastics)
• have a finish on them (paint, poly, wax, etc)

We do have table saws, band saws, and circular saws in the library inventory that can be borrowed to cut these materials outdoors.

We recommend bringing your own table saw blade for super dense woods as ours may not be sharp enough to leave a good finish. We discourage cutting through excessive amounts of epoxied woods due to off-gassing, and require every member to clean up after themselves after using a tool especially if they are cutting through materials that require extra cleanup.

+ COVID Precautions and Expectations

• CAPACITY LIMITS: Classes are capped between 6-8 participants per class, depending on the size of the classroom. Smaller class sizes help reduce risk, create more time for one-on-one instruction, and allow for social distancing.
• MASKS OPTIONAL: All participants, volunteers, and staff are encouraged to wear a mask while on-site.
• AIRFLOW: Ceiling and exhaust fans are used at all times for air circulation.

+ I am new to making, where do I start?

Start by signing up for Shop Safety. In that class we go over using basic shop machines, library membership, Open Shop, and common pathways for learning.

+ Do I have to be a member to take a class?

No, you only have to be a member to borrow tools and use Open Shop hours.

+ Do you have a list of classes?

Yes! View our list of classes here.

+ How much are your classes?

• Shop Safety is $50 and a prerequisite for Open Shop and most classes.
• All other classes range from $65 - $265 depending on the length of the class, materials cost, and what you walk away with.
• We also offer class scholarships and payment plans for people who cannot afford to pay for a class out of pocket.

+ What should I wear to class?

Close-toed shoes!!! No exceptions! Loose clothing and baggy sleeves are not machine friendly; however, layers are encouraged in the winter as it gets a little chilly! Long hair should be tied back and long necklaces should be removed. Work gloves are nice for handling materials but must be removed when using machinery. Eye and ear protection is provided.

+ Why can’t I sign up for this class?

Likely because it’s sold out, please try another date or sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when new dates are listed.

+ Can I register multiple people for a class?

We’d love that! Depending on how you navigate to our registration page, you may see an option to Register Another Person. If not, try doing so in separate transactions and either way, call or email us at info@toollibrary.org to confirm.

+ Do you sell gift cards?

Yes! You can buy one online or come by in person to get a fancy handmade gift card to present to the recipient for a class or membership!

+ What is your class cancellation policy?

• Cancelations must be made a minimum of 48 hours prior to the start of the class. Please let us know as soon as possible, so we can try to fill your seat.
• Exceptions are made in the case of illness, including cold and flu symptoms. If you do have symptoms please DO NOT come to class! :)
• Cancelations will be returned to your account as class credit.
• Cancelations and schedule changes can be made through your online account or over the phone up to 48 hours prior, or anytime by emailing classes@toollibrary.org.
• Class credit must be used within one year of your original class date. Contact us if you're getting close and need to double check or request an extension.

+ Do you have kids classes?

While we do not offer youth-specific classes, most of our classes are designed with the beginner in mind. Some classes like Shop Safety and our craft-based classes are appropriate for kids as young as 8 to take with their parent/guardian. At this time, we only offer a parent/child discount for Shop Safety. If you are interested in registering a child aged 8-16, please contact the Director of Education (classes@toollibrary.org) to discuss expectations.

+ Do you offer custom group classes/events?

Yes! Please email classes@toollibrary.org for information on custom learning experiences for groups or to host an event here!

+ I'm having trouble using my gift card to register online.

Check out this how-to guide! If you're still having trouble, please email info@toollibrary.org for assistance. Keep in mind that gift card balances are good for one year from the date of purchase.

+ I'm having trouble registering multiple people/multiple classes online.

Sorry about that! Please make sure you are logged in. Otherwise please email classes@toollibrary.org for assistance.