A local group is working toward creating a tool library in Bend, offering a simple way for residents to utilize a variety of tools for their DIY home improvements, yard work or other projects. Tool libraries typically work like traditional libraries, but instead of books, they lend out home-repair and gardening tools free of charge.
Bend resident and owner of Unofficial Logging Co., John Heylin, had previously heard of tool libraries and always thought it would be a good idea for Bend. He also saw a need for these services — the desire to simply use a tool without having to borrow from a neighbor, rent from a hardware store or buy a tool that takes up space.
“The idea came from seeing it and then just realizing that it would be so much easier for people if they didn’t have to spend all this money on tools, if they could just share tools,” Heylin told the Source Weekly.
After contacting the Deschutes Public Library Board, Heylin started working with Tony Grzesik, who runs the Makerspace at the Redmond library. The two then started a community survey to gauge interest.
“Tony and I got together, and we’ve just been running full speed ever since,” Heylin said. “Right now, we’re very early stages. The most important thing is the survey — just to figure out: What does the community want?”
After creating the survey about two weeks ago, Heylin shared it with friends and community leaders and immediately received about 200 responses. That number keeps growing with about 350 positive responses as of March 28.
Heylin hopes to reach about 500 responses to determine the level of interest and what tools people are looking for.
“I might think that everyone wants a weed whacker, but we might do the survey and find out people actually want jackhammers. So, we just want to make sure this thing starts out on the right foot.”
Portland has multiple tool libraries around the city that offer people access to tools for residents of all income levels. The Northeast Portland Tool Library is one example, operating as a community-led nonprofit run out of the basement of a church.
While Bend doesn’t yet have a tool library, the Deschutes Public Library has a Library of Things, which offers different items for residents to borrow, from crafting or knitting supplies, to sports and outdoor gear and baking or kitchen appliances.
While Heylin is still unsure about next steps, or how they will get this plan off the ground, he continues meeting with locals to discuss the options in making this idea a reality. The group has meetings lined up to parse through survey results. Heylin will also meet with local residents, organizations and stakeholders who responded to the survey.
“I don’t really know what to expect from the meeting(s), but I just really want to pick their brain and see if they’re interested in helping; and if not, if they could just give us some advice and maybe some connections to get this thing going,” Heylin said.
Central Oregon Tool Lending Library
cotool.org
This article appears in The Source Weekly April 3, 2025.
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