Berkeley Public Library

This is one of the smaller library branches in the Berkeley public library system, but despite its size, its an awesome place to check out all types of books, media, and even tools. I like coming here because the staff is always very friendly and helpful and always more than willing to accommodate all your resource needs. I think its great that this location has so many separate areas spread out within its walls, whether you like to study in private or in the open community room or read in the general population; they have an area for everyone. Also, they offer free access to computers for members and even host a variety of book clubs and film screenings throughout each month. If you aren’t already a cardholder in the Berkeley public library system; be sure to join; its fast, easy, and best of all free (All you need is a CA id).

Nice quiet place to study, read, surf the net.
There is a small room where 2 guys were playing chess and talking, so I also sat there and talked on the phone.

Berkeley Tool Lending Library has been great. They have good hours and an even better staff. Always a sense a humor and a smile. I enjoy my quick visits when picking up or dropping off tools. Berkeley did a great job hiring the Tool Lending Library staff. They even have two parking spots designated for the tool borrowers.

I’ll give them four stars based on the on-​line services that allows you to reserve books and pick them up, as well as the friendly staff. I rediscovered the library a few years back as an even better option than Kindles and the large chain booksellers — you can read for free!
I do still patronize our local independent book dealers when I can’t wait for a title at the library, as you should also.
Cheers!

hours as of 9÷9÷14
Monday: 10:00 am — 6:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am — 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am — 8:00 pm
Thursday: 12:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am — 6:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am — 6:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
it’s a small cozy library. and if you’re looking for a quiet work space there is a separate room (away from the children’s section) with lots of windows for studying/​laptopping.
the wifi was pretty slow when i went.

Power tools for free. Hell yes.

Nicely redone library with lots of clean, open space. The design includes some cool artistic touches and lots of «green» details.
Pros
–several computers for folks to use
–Quiet and conveniently located.
–Very nice signage that clearly identifies each area (teen, children, subjects)
–tool library is next door
Cons:
–The children’s collection is not very large, especially non-​fiction. And there are no activities for kids like many libraries have (coloring, blocks, etc.)
–It’s a little weird that you can see the staff working at their computers through the window, but hey, if they don’t mind!

Just like the folks in the Library itself, the guys in the Tool Lending Library are awesome. Very nice, knowledgeable and helpful.
Be sure you look at their hours of operation. They aren’t open the same hours as the Library, so you’ll have to do a bit of planning to ensure you return your stuff on time.

It doesn’t get any better than this, especially in the stunning new facility that they have. I’ve been getting remodeling help here for nearly 20 years now — have made probably close to 1,000 visits in that time and I have zero complaints. I’m not sure why the first review on Unilocal for the Berkeley Tool library would say that the staff here are «odd». There’s nothing «odd» about these folks! They’re a great bunch of friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and hard-​working folks. I’ve never left this place without my spirits being higher than when I arrived. This richly-​endowed resource makes me quite perplexed as why we have a national aversion to taxes and an obsession with «small government». This is tax-​funded community endeavor at its best! Who can argue against the taxes collected to build and maintain this world-​class resource? Now, if only we would this with healthcare …

Wheelbarrows, angle grinders, soil tampers, Berkeley tool lending library has it all. The people at the library are so helpful. They’ll help you load the ladder into your car if you ask them nicely. They’ll even tell you what kind of tool you’re looking for if you aren’t quite sure what you need. They have a list of their tools online so you can check if they have what you’re looking for before you come in.
The concept of this library is great. Who needs to buy a push mower when you realistically aren’t going to use it that often. Borrow it here and. drop it back off when you’re done. Community at it’s best.
Note: they don’t carry chain saws. Don’t ask me how I know.

All I can say is, every time I go there, I leave with exactly what I was looking for with competent help from the employees. It doesn’t get better than telling a person what you need and receiving it in a matter of seconds… FOR FREE. I even took the tools back late once (with an excellent excuse), explained my predicament, and didn’t receive a skeptical glance from anyone.
BTLL– Thank you for helping me in a time of need (installing my anniversary gift). I couldn’t have done it without you!

LOVE! This is an amazing service that every city should have. I just unplugged a drain for free in 20 minutes. Unbelievable!

What a great service. Very environmentally correct also: keeps you from buying tools you only need once.

If you like to do it yourself, and you have a Berkeley library card, then this is the place for you. I have their menu of tools in my toolshed and whenever I need something that I don’t have I run over there and grab it. It feels like I own every tool under the sun, but really I just live in the coolest city under the sun. Thanks Berkeley for being so rad.

Thanks to the tool lending library, I have two awesomely sturdy, handmade bookshelves for my bloated and ever-​growing library. This week, we’re rolling out three endtables that were built entirely with borrowed tools.
Because of the tool lending library, it wasn’t such a huge deal when our lawnmower got stolen. Sure, we had to make do with their manual push mower until we collected the funds to buy another one, but it worked. We were also able to do quite a bit with their electric weedwhackers (which are such a popular item that they don’t allow renewals or holds — and they keep them in great shape!).
Because of the tool lending library, I’m a few tens of dollars poorer in overdue charges (which is my own damn fault). But then again, I’ve saved hundreds of dollars on tools like table saws, chop saws, power drills and rumble sanders that I would’ve needed just for an odd home improvement job here and there.
I was walking to the bus stop one day when a stray lab started following me. The dog was old and gentle, had a collar but no tags and wouldn’t leave me alone. I couldn’t take care of him because I had to get to class, but I walked him down to the tool lending library because I know they like dogs (they often have a biscuit ready to offer my or any pooch that enters), and because I figure they see a lot of local dogs and might recognize this one. They couldn’t help me out, but it says something that they were the first people I sought for help. [I eventually dropped the dog off with a neighbor who was able to watch him until animal control or his owners could be found.]
However, I would not rush to blockade the tool lending library in the event of a zombie apocalypse. They do not stock air-​powered or gas-​powered machines, or generally the types of heavy-​duty dismembering tools one would like to have on hand to ward off an invasion of the undead (no chainsaws, not even a simple hand axe).
The guys who run this place are awesome. They’re like the waggish but patient (and crafty and resourceful, and never patronizing) older brothers I never had but always kind of wanted. They’re just as helpful in person and over the phone. They give their present patrons priority, so if you’re calling for something, it’s fair to expect to be put on hold for a long while.
EDIT: I was just in there today, and noticed what appeared to be small hand axes along the back shelf, and a mini chainsaw on the counter, despite being told that these things were not available before. Hmm! Now how about a powerwasher?

It’s a tiny cramped space, so I try to avoid going in here. They generally have the books I need and want, but I get them shipped over to central.
But for some reason every time I use this specific location they always lose my books!

The fact that you can get free tools — and advice — with just a library card is wonderful, and definitely worthy of five stars. The only drawbacks to this otherwise fabulous place are that the parking is tricky (two spots in a driveway, or on the street), some of the checkout lengths are quite short (three days for a drill), and that the people who work there are often sarcastic or slightly demeaning if you don’t know a lot about tools. On the other hand, the staff are always patient and willing to explain how to safely and properly use the tools. So they don’t (quite) lose a star.
The Berkeley Public Library website has a list of all of the tools you can borrow.

Genius!!!
Stuff like this makes our East Coast parents understand our astronomical local taxes.
It’s just effin brilliant.
I’ve built a garden, including raised beds, cut soffit vents, made a rain barrel, fixed doors, cut closet pieces… it’s fantastic.
And they always remind me to check out an extension cord. Which I would forget.
Ladders, saws, shovels, rototillers, wheel barrows, weed wackers, drills, you name it, you can borrow it.
And I *love* the staff. It’s the first place in CA that I ever found that seemed as nice as my home town.

This library is like visiting a dear Berkeley friend’s studio apartment. Cramped full of neat stuff, but full of love and help.
I often pick up books or videos here because the lines are tiny and reference desk kind. Not sugary sweet customer service, but authentic library folks that check out your picks and have good guidance when you are stumped or in need of help.
My only wish for this little treasure is that the City gets a federal grant to expand the computer resources for the neighborhood. The internet resources are deeply tapped here, GOOD, but deserve a better space so users have more elbow room.
As noted, the beloved tool lending library is next door! Quick walk from Ashby BART.

I love the Berkeley library system!
Why? Because it’s all online. I can browse the catalog online, put a hold on any item I want and ask them to send it to my local branch. That’s right, if I don’t want to bike 5 extra blocks to the branch it’s currently at, they will send it over to my local branch for me! Once it’s arrived, they email me a «courtesy notice» so that I know it’s ready and I have a week to go pick it up.
Then, they send me an email a week before it’s due to remind me. And, if I choose, I can renew it online. 2 times even.
You can also suggest something you’d like them to purchase while you’re on their website.
Plus, you can return any item (other than the tools from the wonderful tool lending library) to any branch.
What service!
And, for the first time in my life, I don’t return my library books late!