The Asheville Tool Library is a member-based 501c3 non-profit. We are made possible by a team of volunteers. Members have access to thousands of tools and can check tools out for a week at a time. Each membership is $50-$250 a year with free scholarships available to anyone that needs one.  

Memberships last for one year from the start of your membership.

To easily remain in good standing, your account can be set up for auto-renewal.

We offer one secondary user on all accounts. They must also sign the waiver and put their ID on file.

All members must be at least 18 years of age.

We ask that members requesting scholarship accounts fill out a simple form and chat with one of our Board Members about their needs, but we do not require proof of income or need. The support of our community makes these scholarships possible.

You can also learn more by visiting our Membership Page

Tool Lending Fees: There are generally no fees associated with tool loans, though we occasionally require a small fee on tools that have high maintenance costs. This fee will be clearly stated on the Tool Inventory and due at checkout.

Late Fees: All loans are for one week. After 7 days, you will incur a $1 dollar late fee, per tool, per day, including days we are not open.

Renewals: Our priority is to keep tools available for our other members. If there is not another reservation and the tool is not in high demand, we may allow a renewal. For instance in mid-summer, if all the weed eaters are checked out, we will not allow a renewal, but if you have a drill and we have 10 more in inventory, we will likely make an exception! You must call to speak with someone to approve the renewal.

Check out our Reservation page to learn how to reserve tools. We do not require reservations, but they are a great way to make sure the tools you want are waiting for you!

Our one-week loan period still applies. Reserving a tool for multiple weeks, or reserving a tool for the week after you have borrowed a tool, does not provide a longer loan period. If you do not return a tool after the one week loan period, late fees may apply.

We include the base tool, but any “consumables” are not guaranteed. We try to keep saw blades sharp, but we have limited volunteers and cannot always stay on top of all blades. Also, our members often return sandpaper, nails, screws, and staples left over from their projects! We keep these around so feel free to ask the volunteer when you pick up your tools if you can look through what we have.

However, We do provide the gas needed for tools. We use non-ethanol gas, so we prefer to supply it ourselves. We accept donations to compensate for the gas provided.

If something happens while you are using the tool, contact us as soon as possible! If it is something simple from general use, like a dull blade, just let the volunteer on staff know, and we will put the tool into maintenance. If the issue with the tool was through misuse of the tool, a Board Member will get in touch and discuss the options. If it was truly complete misuse by the member, we may ask you to replace the tool. As stated in the Membership Agreement, we reserve the right to take appropriate action, including charging the card on file, if we feel necessary.

The goal of the Tool Library is to make tools available to our members. The myTurn system will send you reminders before your tools are due, and then again every week while they are checked out. 

After one month of being overdue without contacting us, the tool library will notify you of the value of the tools in your possession and your late fees, and will charge the card on file for whichever number is less.

Charging members is a last resort and if we do not hear from you, we can only only determine that the tools have been stolen. Ultimately, we seek to meet  our original goal, so, if you are struggling to return your tools due to childcare, transportation, or other circumstances, please, reach out! We will help you get your tools back.