BORROW TOOLS FOR FREE! We now offer tool lending to customers at 5 of our libraries: Compton, Lancaster, Norwalk, Rosemead, and San Fernando. Our tool lending program provides the community opportunities to check out tools and maker items at no cost. The inventory includes hammers, wrenches, electrical cords, cookware, sewing machines, gardening tools, power tools, and much more.
This program is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
Tool Catalog
Due to space availability, not all libraries have the same set of tools. Please review the catalog to determine if the tool is in the library collection and call in advance of visiting. Each library has a printed catalog to browse in the library. Click here for the tool catalog!
LA County Library cardholders over the age of 18 are eligible to borrow tools from the Tool Lending Library. The loan period for tools is seven (7) days and no more than six (6) items may be borrowed at any one time, with no more than two (2) power tools. Tools will not be sent to other libraries for pick up and must be returned in-person to owning library. View the complete Tool Lending Library Borrower Agreement here.
Get a Digital Library Card
To get a library card, fill out an application and bring it to any LA County Library location along with a valid ID. Cards are valid for three years and can be renewed by calling or visiting a library. If your library card is lost or stolen, report it immediately. Replacement cards cost $3.00.
Library Cards & Your Account
Library cards are available for free to permanent and temporary residents of California. With an LA County Library card, you can:
- check out books, magazines, and DVDs
- place holds and accesses your account online
- access library databases from home
- download audiobooks, books, and music
- use the Library’s public computers and internet
- connect to Wi-Fi at all LA County Library locations
There is no minimum age requirement to apply for a library card. Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their library card application. Parents/guardians can restrict their child from checking out DVDs. For a child to access the Internet, parents/guardians must be present and fill out an Internet Access Permission form. All fees related to lost or damaged items or lost library cards are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
You can access your library account by logging into the online catalog and clicking “My Account.” From here, you can:
- Renew items, check due dates, and view fees
- Check the status of holds, cancel holds, change pickup location
- Place a vacation hold by entering the dates you will be gone and we will delay your hold until you return
- Update your address and phone number
- Change your PIN
- Update your email
