GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — The Library of Tools from the East Bay Branch Library is a new program for people to do just that, check out tools.
Not every library has this program, but the East Bay Branch Library does.
From bar clamps to drills, to leaf blowers and even power washers, this tiny shed has it all.
Don’t worry of you don’t know how to use it, the library has a plan fo that.
Chantel Lentz, the East Bay Branch Library Manager, says “In October, we have some classes coming up that we partnered with NMC to do some like basic homeowners tips and tricks to kind of teach people how to use some of these tools”
⅓ of the collection is currently checked out, and with patrons of the library expressing positive feedback.
Matt Archibald with the East Bay Branch Library tells us “Everyone that we’ve talked to about it, whether they’ve, used it yet or not, is really excited. We have a lot of, tools that people use once a year. And, they don’t necessarily want to buy,” adding “And then we also have, some patrons that, can’t afford it, and it makes, these tools more accessible to people.”
The East Bay Branch Library is part of the Traverse City Area District Library.
The Library of Tools has been active for about a month now, and it functions just like a normal library, all you need is a library card.
Lentz adds “We have just a handful of the items in our collection so far are a little more dangerous or maybe more expensive. And those ones, you have to be 18 or older to check out, because we do just have a waiver for you to sign. ”
The Library of Tools is part of a program by Traverse City Area District Library called the Library of Things, where people can borrow anything from a sewing machine to baking pans to PA Speakers.