Community Homeworks Tool Library

Borrow the tools, build the skills, and get the job done for less. Our tool library is open to Kalamazoo County residents and pay-what-you-can, because everyone deserves the tools to get the job done safely.

Two woman holding a bag over a counter in the Community Homeworks building.

Don't Buy...Borrow!

The Community Homeworks Tool Library puts a full range of hand tools, power tools, and equipment within reach, so you can fix what’s broken, keep your home safe, and build what you’ve been planning, all without having to buy, rent, or store tools. 

Get the right tool for the job.

How Our Tool Library Works:

Tuesday: 2pm–6pm

Thursday: 11am–3pm

Friday: 11am–3pm

Need another time? Ask us about an appointment.

All Kalamazoo County residents, age 18 and up are eligible to join.

View our membership agreement for full details before you join.

Individual yearly membership is a pay-what-you-can model, with a suggested fee of $35. Members may choose to pay whatever amount is affordable to them at the time of joining the library, whether it is $0 or $100, it is truly up to the member to determine what is affordable.

The loan period for borrowing tools is typically 7 days, with some exceptions for high-demand items. Renewals may be possible if you need more time.

We offer a variety of workshops throughout the year and have robust workshop offerings to help you have the confidence to complete your project. Our supportive staff are happy to assist with your questions and help you find the resources you need. No experience required. 

Why Join the Tool Library

Save Money

Get the right tool for the job without the price tag of owning it.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Sharing tools instead of buying new means less manufacturing and waste.

Learn New Skills

Our free workshops build the confidence to tackle your projects.

Tackle Problems Early

A quick fix now protects your family’s health, safety, and peace of mind.

Build Home Equity

Create generational wealth by easily completing repairs, maintenance, and projects.

Join A Community

Members share more than tools; they share project tips and hard-earned know-how.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Community Homeworks Tool Library?

The Tool Library is a lending service designed to provide Kalamazoo County residents and organizations with access to a variety of tools for home repairs, maintenance, and community projects. Members can borrow tools for up to 7 days to help maintain safe and sustainable homes.

Residents of Kalamazoo County aged 18 and up are eligible to join.

To become a member, you must be 18 or older and a resident of Kalamazoo County. Individual Yearly membership is a pay-what-you-can model, with a suggested fee of $35. Members may choose to pay whatever amount is affordable to them at the time of joining the library, whether it is $0 or $100, it is truly up to the member to determine what is affordable. You’ll also need to sign a membership agreement and liability waiver.

We offer a wide range of tools, including hand tools, power tools, and outdoor equipment. Browse our current catalog here. Tools are added regularly.

The standard borrowing period is 7 days, with some exceptions. If you need the tools for longer, you may request a renewal, depending on availability.

The loan period for borrowing tools is typically seven (7) days, with some exceptions for high-demand items. Up to ten (10) hand tools and three (3) power tools may be borrowed at a time, with some exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

It is recommended that members borrow tools for one project at a time so the most possible tools are in circulation and available to the community at any given time.

We are here to serve you. We seek to create a space for trust and belonging. Remember that the tools you are borrowing are being shared among the whole community – please care for them, bring them back, and communicate needs early to help us collectively maintain a good experience for all members.

As a member of the Library, you will not be charged fees for tools that are late, lost, or damaged. If you lose or damage a tool, we will welcome a replacement or monetary donation. We have adopted a no-fee policy as a commitment to our values of inclusivity, accessibility, and charity.

Membership operates on a pay-what-you-can model. The suggested annual membership fee is $35, but members may pay more or less, according to their budget.

We are not accepting tool donations at this time.

We welcome feedback and tool suggestions if you see something missing and will put it on our wish list! If you have questions or wish to help contribute to our tool fund, please contact us at toollibrary@communityhomeworks.org.

The Tool Library drop-in hours are:

  • Tuesday: 2pm – 6pm
  • Thursday: 11am – 3pm
  • Friday: 11am – 3pm
  • By Appointment: If these hours don’t work for you, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

The library will be closed on holidays and may be closed during inclement weather. Please check the Community Homeworks Facebook page for closure announcements and other important information about our work and how you can get involved! Members will receive notification via email in the event of the library being closed during regular business hours and loan return date will be delayed.

You can reach us at toollibrary@communityhomeworks.org  or call (269) 998-3275 ext. 304. Our location is at 810 Bryant St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

ENNA Foundation

Stryker Logo

Want to learn before you borrow?

Our free education offerings teach the skills and confidence to take on your next any project, no experience needed.