The Chicago Tool Library boasts around 3,000 tools for residents to borrow, and around 5,000 tools for community groups to borrow.
It’s one of the largest tool libraries in the world in terms of square footage, borrowing and tool quantity, and it has saved Chicagoans over $2 million in rentals and purchases in its first four years of operation.
The library holds more than the standard tools customers find at large hardware stores. Camping supplies, kitchen appliances, lawn care equipment and a host of other specialty items can be borrowed.
Residents can sign up online for pay-what-you-can, general memberships that last one year and grant the user access to their vast collection.