Need a pressure washer for a weekend? A cordless nailer for a quick repair? A miter saw to finally finish that DIY bench project? Good news—help is just around the corner.
Tucked inside the PNA is one of the community’s most quietly powerful resources: the PNA Tool Lending Library. With nearly 2,400 tools ready for action, the library is stocked for everything from weekend landscaping projects to long-delayed home improvements. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned builder, the Tool Library is a local treasure worth discovering.
But this is more than just a place to borrow tools. It’s a space powered by community—where volunteers lend their time, neighbors trade know-how, and a shared spirit of self-reliance brings people together.
“I’ve done most everything that gets done in a house,” says Eric Muhs, the DIY Hub Coordinator behind the Tool Library’s current revival. Eric, a former physics and astronomy teacher, once built telescopes, solar trailers, and robots that flew aboard zero-gravity planes. Today, he and his team of volunteers—including carpenters, engineers, and even a former salvage diver—keep the library humming with care, advice, and occasional ingenuity.
The most in-demand tools this season?
- Cordless electric nailers
- Pressure washers
- Pole pruners and chainsaws
- Weed whackers
- Miter saws
And yes, you can borrow all of these for just a few bucks per week—as long as you’re a current PNA member.
One of the Oldest Tool Libraries in the Country
Founded in 1977, the PNA Tool Lending Library is among the oldest of its kind in the United States. Over the decades, it has evolved into an essential resource that embodies the values of the PNA: sustainability, skill-building, and shared access.
The Tool Library is also home to the King County Seed Lending Library, a delightful side project that promotes food sovereignty and local gardening by encouraging neighbors to “borrow” seeds and return them after harvest.
Why Membership Matters
Access to the Tool Library is just one of many perks of being a PNA member. Membership also includes:
- Access to the PNA Woodshop
- Discounts on classes and events
- Free admission to Community Connect gatherings
- And the satisfaction of directly supporting programs that build community every day
Your membership isn’t just about saving money on tools—it’s an investment in your neighborhood.
In 2024, PNA members helped power:
- 21,000+ free meals served
- 4,000+ senior lunches provided
- 38,800+ volunteer hours facilitated
- Dozens of cultural events, resource fairs, and neighborhood celebrations
When to Visit
Tool Library Hours:
Friday: 3–5 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–1 PM
Monday: 5–7 PM
Wednesday: 4–6 PM
The next time you need a specific tool—or a bit of guidance to get the job done—remember, the PNA Tool Lending Library has you covered.
Join or renew your PNA membership today, and be part of something that’s practical, powerful, and proudly local.
Learn more at phinneycenter.org/tools.