Dustin Zuckerman founded and staffs the Santa Rosa Tool Lending Library, a non-profit that offers you the use of over 200 hand and power tools for landscaping and home repair, free of charge.

Dustin Zuckerman of the Santa Rosa Tool Lending Library.

Becoming a member is as easy as getting a library card at any regular public library. The web site offers an extensive list of tools, and reserving them is as easy as sending an email with the details of what you need and when you can pick up and return the tools. Permies will find a lot to love here…need a pole saw/pruner or fruit picker? Maybe a measuring wheel for some design work or a chop saw for a quick building project? Borrowing tools saves you the expense of buying something you might only use once, AND it maximizes the resources that were used to make, ship, and sell that tool.

Incredibly, Dustin runs the library out of his apartment…I see it as a great example of overcoming all the objections those little voices in your head will have to prevent you from doing something you believe in. Dustin has taken his vision and made it a reality, despite any number of objections people might raise. Yes, people do return the tools. Yes, he’s found a way to make this work with his landlord. Smart guy.

You can read more about Dustin’s tool library in the North Bay Bohemian and Press Democrat. Recently, Dustin asked me to be on his board of directors and I was happy to accept. I’m really delighted to be part of such a great community resource!

Link: Santa Rosa Tool Lending Library