How does the Tool Library work?
- Take A Class
- Learn proper tool use and DIY skills in our supportive and personalized classes. Make something awesome. Members get a 20% discount, but everyone's welcome to participate!
- Sign Up for Membership and Access:
- Our Lending Library of Over 5,000 Tools
- Check out everything you need for your Home-Improvement, DIY, Lawn & Garden, and Pinterest Projects! Tools are checked out for a 7-day period and returned to the same location.
- Our Workshop Space
- Build in community - no need to give up your garage. Both locations have on-site equipment (like table saws, jointers, and lathes) for member use.
- Tool and Project Advice
- Our members, staff, and volunteers share their skills, experience, and knowledge to support eachother. Whether you're an experienced tradesperson or haven't ever held a hammer - we have a place for you at the library.
We're more than a lending library - MTL is a growing community of DIY'ers, Makers and Craftspeople who support eachother to share skills and knowledge. Our annual MAKE IT Challenge is a celebration of that DIY spirit, creativity and skill, that brings neighbors together and makes lasting memories.
Will you accept the challenge?
* MAKE IT has been postponed due to COVID-19. Don't let that get you down though - now you have more time to create! We'll post a new showcase date once we have a better idea of the situation in the coming weeks/months. In the mean time, we encourage you to MAKE the most out of this situation and practice social distancing by building beautiful custom storage pieces.
STAY CALM and BUILD ON ... We'll get together and share later this fall.
Challenge 2020: Build a Custom Storage Solution
No matter how much you may Marie Kondo, there will always be treasures that need to be stashed. This year we challenge you to "Spark Joy" by building a beautiful, functional, and custom storage solution - for whatever you may need to store!
Face Masks for First Responders
Join us in supporting our healthcare and other essential workers who are working tirelessly to help combat the spread of COVID-19. As this health crisis continues, there is increased need for additional protective gear, and while DIY face masks are not ideal, they can play an important role in helping to protect our frontline as the stock of N95 respirators becomes stressed.
So, while you’re wondering what to do with yourself the next few weeks… Grab your sewing machine (or check-out one of ours) and let’s make some masks! #MTLFaceMasks4FirstResponders
Earlier this May MTL passed the 5,000 mask mark! Our members continue to sew and donate masks to local nonprofits, small-businesses, and individuals in need.
Support the MN Tool Library
DonateYour tax-deductable gift allows MTL to continue to provide low-cost access to tools, training, and workspace - so that everyone has the opportunity to Fix Your Stuff & Fix the World. The Minnesota Tool Library is incorporated with the State of Minnesota and is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
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Locations
NE Minneapolis
Thorp Building1620 Central Ave NE
Suite #126
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-440-8665
Tool Library Hours
- By Appointment
- Wednesday 4 PM — 7 PM
- Saturday 10 Am — 2 PM
Entry & Parking
The Tool Library is located in the main level of the Thorp Building, on the 1620 Central Ave side (slightly north of Diamonds Coffee Shoppe). Visitors can enter from the door at Dock #1, just behind the Tires & More shop on the corner of Central and 18th Ave. Upon entry, turn right into the main hallway, following signage to suite #126.
Saint Paul (Midway)
755 Prior Ave NSt. Paul, MN 55104
651-383-7082
Tool Library Hours
- By Appointment
- Saturday 1 PM — 4 PM
- Sunday 10 AM - 1 PM
Entry & Parking
The Tool Library is located in the basement level of the Priorworks Building, on the south side (between Flannel Jacks and the Garage Murals). Visitors can park across the street or in the yellow dot lot, enter the double doors, and take the elevator on your left down to our suite. *During the COVID-19 Crisis the building doors will be locked. Please follow the posted directions for access.
