FAQs

  • The MRC Tool Bucket Library operates only with the help of our skillful, generous volunteers and partners, along with the generous startup funding provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Its future sustainability will depend on the continued generosity of members, volunteers and partners.

    Members must be over the age of 18 and live in Lewis County or surrounding areas. By becoming a member you can use the library as little or as much as you like. You can browse the library inventory and reserve the things you want to borrow online, then come to the library to collect your goodies during our open hours on Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

    After you’re done using the tools, return them the following Friday so the rest of the community can enjoy them too.

  • Many people buy tools for a specific project and then once they’re finished let them sit in the shed gathering dust. Many of the tools in our library are pre-loved, donated tools that we’ve saved from just sitting around. Some of our donated tools we’ve saved from going to landfill as they were loved a little bit too much and required a little TLC and repair. And many of our tools are brand new. Either way, by joining and supporting the tool library you’re contributing to create a shared economy and reduce consumerism and our throw away culture.

  • You will need to complete the application for membership online with our partner myTurn. As part of this process you will need to read and agree to a few documents online, and we’ll need to see a photo ID and proof of current address to verify your membership prior to you picking up your first reservation.

  • Membership donations are not required but are certainly accepted with a major thank you! The suggested amounts help to keep the MRC Tool Bucket Library a financially sustaining 501(c)(3), non-profit organization.

    No one will be turned away due to lack of funds and we never track or record household income levels or verify membership type.

    Suggested Membership Donation

    • Yearly:

      • Community Supporter - $150

      • General Public - $45

      • Senior/Veteran/Student/Low-Income - $25

    • Monthly

      • 1- month - $7

      • 6-month - $25

    • Lifetime - $750

  • As a member you can borrow up to 5 tools at once. One week is the typical length of time you borrow a tool for. However, you may be able to extend loans by a week by emailing us the tool number(s) before the item is due at mrctoolbucketlibrary@gmail.com. Please note that extensions are not always possible if the item is in high demand, someone has reserved the item next or during peak periods. This is to ensure everyone has equal access to equipment.

  • Find out what tools we have available here! Our library is constantly growing and changing as we get more donations and invest your donations into additional items and tools. If we don’t have something you want, please don’t hesitate to let us know and we can add it to our most wanted tool list.

  • No, sorry. Only the member may use the borrowed tools. Good news - they can sign up here for a membership. The Tool Bucket Library is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. Please consider making a donation to keep this community project going - thank you!

  • Firstly - please let us know the details ASAP. This allows us to quickly get the tool back in action, and helps ensure we’re not lending out broken tools.

    Secondly - don’t sweat it! Our tools get a lot of use - they may break from time to time. There may be a small repair or replacement cost but we’ll actively try and avoid any cost to you where possible. Just let us know so we can get the tool in working order again. We don’t want to be loaning out broken tools and we will frown a lot if we find out ourselves that a tool is broken when we do our check before loaning them out again. Honesty is always the best policy :)

  • We ask for a small late fee donation for overdue returns to encourage people to bring tools back on time and keep them in circulation. If you can’t return a tool on time, we can help – check out the question above about how long you can borrow tools for.

    • All Items - $5 per week*

    *Reminder - we are currently only open on Fridays until we recruit more volunteers - (hint, hint :)

  • Late fee donations aren’t income, they’re incentive to keep our tools circulating, which keeps our community happy. We’re flexible with fine donations, so come in and talk to our friendly volunteers to work something out. Also, remember that we’re a non-profit volunteer group. Any money from donations goes back into the organization. 

    Please note that consistent late returns may result in restricted borrowing privileges. 

    Be cool and remember that all members need to have access to our tools.

  • Sometimes! You may need to buy them yourself, however our excellent members often donate spare consumables when they return loaned tools so we will have a “Shared Consumables” section for you to browse. This system works brilliantly when people pay it forward so if you have leftover screws/bolts/consumables from your project feel free to donate them when you return your borrowed tools! Plus, you can check out our Community Swap table for useful items that you may need. We have a limited number of safety equipment items available e.g. gloves, work boots, safety goggles, visors or earmuffs. Please ensure you follow all safety requirements when using all types of tools.

  • All our electrical goods are regularly tested for electrical safety, and our volunteers work weekly to clean, repair, and maintain our tools. But we cannot guarantee that tools will always be safe to use.

    We do rely on you, our members to:

    1. Know what you’re doing when you use a tool and wear appropriate safety gear. Our volunteers are happy to offer advice and direct you to resources, but we’re not experts in every tool.

    2. Let us know if a tool isn’t operating properly, or if you’re unsure of how to use it safely. If unsure, please stop using the tool and let us know ASAP - we won’t blame you for anything that’s happened while in normal use, and your safety always takes precedence over any project completion or deadline.

    We have limited safety equipment available e.g., gloves, work boots, safety goggles, visors or earmuffs. Always make safety a priority when using any types of tools - Safety is #1!

  • Sometimes! Our tools vary greatly in age and origin, so it’s not always possible for us to maintain comprehensive instructions for them. The majority of new power tools have user manuals included in myTurn. Our volunteers will also be happy to direct you towards internet resources when they can, and if you do happen to find an amazing manual/video for the tool you’ve borrowed, please let us know! We can add it to our tool description for future borrowers.

  • We’re always looking for volunteers and are very happy to work with you to find the perfect role for you. Contact us at mrctoolbucketlibrary@gmail.com or complete the form here (coming soon) and let us know what you are interested in.

  • Yes, we hope to run future workshops on everything from plumbing to painting to bike repairs. If you’d like to volunteer to offer your skills in helping us run workshops/classes or events we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at mrctoolbucketlibrary@gmail.com

  • No problems! Leave a message at (360) 520-3206 or send an email to mrctoolbucketlibrary@gmail and one of our volunteers will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for your interest!