Vigo County Library Launches New Tool Rental Service

The 12 Points branch now offers hardware and gardening equipment to local residents through a new lending program.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Arts & Crafts

Bold vector editorial illustration of gardening shears and a screwdriver, representing a library community tool-lending program. — The Vigo County Public Library has launched a new tool rental service at its 12 Points branch in Terre Haute, offering residents hardware and gardening equipment for local projects. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local public library offer equipment rental services in addition to books?

The Vigo County Public Library has introduced a new tool rental service available at its 12 Points branch in Terre Haute. This initiative allows residents to borrow various hardware and gardening implements for home projects.

Why it matters

By expanding its inventory beyond traditional media, the library provides local residents with low-cost access to essential equipment for maintenance and repair tasks. This service aims to support community members who may not own or wish to purchase specialty tools for one-off projects.

The library offers a two-week initial rental period for tools, including shovels and hardware kits. Patrons can renew these items up to two times to complete their home projects.

The players

Vigo County Public Library

This public institution serves the residents of Terre Haute and the surrounding county by providing educational resources and community programs.

The details

To utilize the new service, patrons must sign a liability waiver before taking the tools home from the 12 Points branch. The program is designed to integrate into existing library operations while providing tangible resources to the community.

October 29, 2026: The library tool rental service officially launched at the 12 Points branch.

Culture Shift

This program aligns with the national Library of Things movement, where institutions shift from information hubs to community-wide resource sharing centers. It reflects a societal push toward sustainable consumption and reducing the need for individual ownership of infrequently used items.

Residents can now complete home maintenance tasks without purchasing expensive equipment, provided they sign the required library waiver. Users should plan to complete their projects within the six-week total window allowed by the initial rental and two renewals.

The takeaway

The library now serves as a practical resource for hardware, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for home repair and improvement work. Residents are encouraged to visit the 12 Points branch to review the available inventory and understand the specific waiver requirements.