How It Works
Just like a library for books, at Belfast Tool Library, you can borrow tools for up to a week and then bring them back for someone else to use. To borrow tools, you must be a member, pay a membership fee of £30 per year (to help us cover our costs and keep the lights on!), and agree to our Lending Policy and Membership Agreement. These guidelines keep everyone safe and protect the future of the tool library.
When is the Tool Library open?
Our lending sessions are Saturdays 10am-1pm and Tuesdays 6pm-9pm.
What can I borrow?
For tool library members, it’s free to borrow up to 6 tools at any one time, . You can view the tools we have available to borrow below. We are always adding tools to our inventory, so please check back or get in touch if you don’t see the tool you need. You can keep the tools for one week.
How do I renew a loan?
A typical loan is a maximum of 6 tools for one week. If you would like to extend your loan by a further week, you need to contact our friendly volunteer team before the due date.
Email lending@belfasttoollibrary.com
Call or text 07311923377
(Our tool librarians will check these messages during library hours and handle renewals for you.)
We are all co-owners of these tools, so bringing them back on time, in a good, clean condition is part of your commitment to the library. As a helpful reminder, there are fees for items returned late or unclean.
Late fees of £2 per tool per session will be charged, with money going to help cover BTL running costs.
Cleaning fee of £5 will be charged on any tool returned heavily soiled.
What about accessories I need for my tool?
We have a basic selection of accessories you can borrow with your tool, like drill bits for drills and safety goggles. It’s really important you return them along with your tool for the next person to use. We will also offer consumable items like sandpaper to fit our sanders for a small suggested donation. As we aren’t able to stock every potential part, if you need something really specialised, you may have to visit the hardware shop on your way home from the tool library.
How much does it cost?
Suggested membership fee is £30 for the year, though you are welcome to contribute more if you want to support the project. Because we want Belfast Tool Library to be accessible to everyone, you are also welcome to pay less if £30 is not affordable for you. If this is you, please write to emily@belfasttoollibrary.com.
Once you are a member, there are no further charges to borrow tools or use the workshop. There will be a charge for public classes (priced individually) and members get a discount on all classes.
Can I become a volunteer Tool Librarian?
Of couse! The tool library and workshop are totally reliant on our brilliant volunteers, and we welcome new members to our team. We hold volunteer inductions and training sessions throughout the year. You can sign up to hear about the next one here. Regular volunteers can use the library for free as a thank you for their work