Core77

Now that books are giving way to e-books (admittedly, extremely slowly), forward-thinking libraries like Berkeley's in California are lending out other physical objects. Like...tools!

Tool Lending Library offers thousands of tools free to Berkeley residents and people who own property in Berkeley. First time borrowers must present photo ID, a Berkeley Public Library card, and a recently received utility bill their name. Berkeley property owners who do not live in Berkeley must present their property tax bill. These policies are strictly enforced.

It's a DIY'ers dream come true--screw guns, cement mixers, ladders, tile-cutting saws, you name it, all for free! If Home Depot and Lowes are smart they'll put the kibosh on this right quick.

(Incidentally, the photo up above is not from Berkeley's collection--we were Googling for a good photo of tools to post here and came across the Sears Craftsman 1470 pc. Professional Tool Set. That, friends, is what $8599.90 worth of tools looks like.)

via toolmonger