Some of the tools like rakes and shovels available (photo courtesy Green Neighbors DC)

by Cesse Ip

DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation’s Garden Tool share program has reopened as of March 1st. Just like a book library, the Garden Tool library allows you to check out tools to help you around the house. But don’t be fooled by the name… the program has way more than garden tools available!

Run by the volunteer group Green Neighbors DC, the library has more than 270 different tools available for residents to use. You can check out miter saws, power drills, paper shredders and more. Garden tools include rakes, weedwhackers, hedge trimmers, shovels, bee equipment, solar ovens, shop vacuums and others.

They also have items to give away, including bat houses and “Junior Master Gardener” books for kids! The program is hosting an open house on March 19th 10:30 – 3 pm.

The tool library is inside the Twin Oaks Community Garden’s building at 1380 Taylor Street. The program is run completely by volunteers, so an appointment is needed to check anything out.

To schedule an appointment, email greenneighborsdc@gmail.com, and provide your name, email, phone, and DC Driver’s License to prove your DC residency. Once an account is created under your name, you are free to check out tools from the free library!

Go check out the Tool Library!