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.
Space To Learn
MTL is looking for volunteers to help us launch our newest project!
Inspired by individuals that have been building desks for students during the time of covid, our community has embarked on a mission to provide 500+ desks for local K-6 students this giving season. Minnesota Tool Library Members and community volunteers are invited to Make A Desk and Make A Difference!
Build in your bubble! We take your health and safety seriously and welcome those who wish to build from their basement or put their garage to good use. We'll need your help more than ever to come together as a community while remaining physically distant. Sign-Up for our home build team; the Minnesota Tool Library will provide directions, materials, and even extend limited lending privileges for those who wish to help, but may lack a tool or two to get the job done.
COVID-friendly classes, community builds and additional shop hours have been dialed-back due to the latest restrictions on social gatherings - but we're hosting private builds at each branch where volunteers can come into our space to learn basic carpentry skills and lend a hand one household at a time.
Pre-Registration and additional COVID safety measures will be in place. No experience necessary - we'll have a shop mentor available and volunteers can help in a variety of ways.
"Part of MTL's mission is to empower residents with access to tools, training, and workspace. When it comes to distance-learning, there are a lot of variables, but we know that a desk makes a difference. As a community, we couldn't be more excited to put our resources and skills to use on this project and provide our kids and our community a Space to Learn."
- Kate Hersey, Executive Director
Request A Desk
* MTL will begin contacting families in mid-December regarding desk pick-up and delivery. There are hundreds of household on our list, so please sit tight.
For more info. about a Space to Learn or to get involved, please contact us at programming@mntoollibrary.org
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.
