Check out tools to help you tackle home repair, gardening, and creative ideas!

Santa Barbara Public Library (SBPL) and the City of Santa Barbara Sustainability & Resilience Department are excited to announce the launch of a circulating Tool Library, a subset of SBPL's Library of Things.

This brand-new collection features 40+ items to help community members tackle home & gardening projects, repairs, and creative ideas. From cordless drills and a hand sander to a gardening tool kit and a fruit picker, even a measuring tape and more - this new, sustainable collection will help patrons explore and experiment, without the commitment of buying.

"Not everyone has the space or budget to own the tools they might need for a home improvement project," said Paige Sundstrom, SBPL Adult Programming Librarian. "The Tool Library helps solve that problem while supporting the Library's mission by expanding the community's access to needed items and providing opportunities for people to learn new skills."

"When a community shares items they might need just once or twice a year instead of every household owning one, fewer tools are manufactured, shipped, purchased, sitting idle most of the time, and eventually ending up in the landfill," said Julie Lawrence, Sustainability & Resilience Department Clean Community Manager. "We are thrilled to continue partnering with the Library on their growing Library of Things to encourage borrowing instead of buying and promoting real waste reduction."

SBPL and Sustainability & Resilience are inviting everyone to get a sneak peek at the collection at the Tool Library Launch Party! Join in the fun to explore all the items, check out DIY and crafting books, bedazzle a mini measuring tape, learn about everything the Library of Things has to offer, and chat about your home improvement ideas!

The tools will be available for checkout (or to put on hold) on Friday, October 23.

Tool Library Launch Party!
Thursday, October 22, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Central Library, Faulkner Gallery (40 E. Anapamu St.)
Event Info | Add Event to Your Calendar

For more information, visit Tool Library (SBPLibrary.org/ToolLibrary).

About Library of Things
Library of Things is a collection of unexpected and useful items you can borrow from the Library, such as musical instruments, sewing machines, community experience and museum passes, kits for kids and seniors, Book Club in a Bag and more. For more information, visit Library of Things (SBPLibrary.org/LibraryofThings)

About City of Santa Barbara Sustainability & Resilience Department
The mission of the Sustainability & Resilience Department is to advance solutions that protect natural resources, address climate change, and support a thriving community. Department efforts include creek restoration, climate preparedness, waste reduction, clean energy, and building community capacity to take meaningful action.

About Santa Barbara Public Library
Santa Barbara Public Library, established in 1882, offers free access to books, technology, programs, and resources for all. Everyone is invited to explore our collections, connect with the community, and enjoy a wide range of events. From the Stacks to the Streets, SBPL promotes literacy through community. We are books, and more!

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