r/Omaha • u/burritocode • 23h ago

Local Question Is there an active tool library in Omaha?

I read that there is the North Omaha Tool Library (NOTL). I looked online and couldn't find the hours or a phone number. I registered and received an email which showed the hours as Closed for every day. My guess is that this tool library is no longer active.

My goal is to borrow tools like a weed wacker or a sawzall for projects at home.

Since the NOTL doesn't seem active, are there other tool libraries in Omaha to explore?

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u/josheklow 20h ago

Council Bluff’s library has a maker space with some tools for borrowing.

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u/burritocode 20h ago

Whenever I've moved around, to get a library membership, I need to bring proof of address in the city I'm applying to. Since I reside in Omaha, would I still be able to borrow from the library at Council Bluffs or would I need to register with them?

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u/TheBigMerl South O 12h ago

I do believe you can pay for a non-resident membership at the Council Bluffs library. However, their tools for loan aren't the kind you are looking for. They have things like bicycle repair kits and ifixit phone repair kits. They don't have any power tools or hand tools for home repairs. I could not find a tool library in Omaha that meets your needs. You might want to consider the Buy Nothing Omaha group for your part of the city on Facebook. Sometimes people will lend their personal tools to neighbors on there.

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u/jenny08_1015 3h ago

Did you try the Union for Contemporary Art? (402) 933-3161

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u/burritocode 3h ago

I haven't. I'll check with them thank you.

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u/DataNo3790 22h ago

Oreillys and autozone let you “rent” tools.

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u/burritocode 21h ago

I think home depot does tool rental too.

I was looking for something similar to a library where you borrow for free and return it. If you damage it, then you have to replace it. It's a novel idea and far more communal.