Found out my local library in Irvine has free tool rentals for residents

I was at the Heritage Park Library last Tuesday picking up a hold, and I noticed this little flyer near the checkout desk. It said the library system offers tool lending for Irvine residents. I thought no way, so I asked the librarian and she confirmed it. They have things like hedge trimmers, stud finders, even a power washer. I borrowed a post hole digger this weekend to put up a mailbox and saved myself like 40 bucks buying one. It's limited to cardholders and you need to reserve online, but it's totally free. Has anyone else actually used this service and found something useful?

2 comments

2 Comments

troy_palmer7620d ago

Read somewhere that some libraries are even starting to loan out things like sewing machines and camping gear, not just tools. Heard the Irvine library system has a pretty solid selection based on a blog post I saw from a local DIY group. Sounds like a good deal for anyone doing yard work or small home projects without wanting to buy stuff they'll only use once.

abby_chen20d ago

Honestly gotta push back on this one @troy_palmer76. Libraries loaning out sewing machines and camping gear sounds great on paper but in practice its a mess. First off those things take up a ton of space that could be used for actual books or study areas. Plus who's gonna fix a sewing machine when it breaks or clean a tent thats been used in mud and rain? Staff are already stretched thin, they don't need to be repair techs on top of everything. Ngl this feels like a trend that sounds cool but falls apart once you think about the logistics.