Bob wrote:
There was an article in Saturday's paper about our local library
considering lending tools as well as books. It mentioned such
things as cement mixers, saws, etc.

At first, I thought it was an interesting idea, but on second
thought I imagined how those tools could, and probably would, be
abused by people who don't know how to use them or care for them, or
just don't care.

For example:
"I didn't know you weren't supposed to cut tile with a skill saw".
"I didn't realize there were nails in that old 2 X 4 - but the saw
cut them pretty good".
"Rain wasn't forecast, so I thought it would be okay to leave the
miter saw outside since I was going to use it in the morning".
"I thought I'd washed the concrete mixer pretty good - guess not".
Etc - etc.

Then there is the liability problem:
"Your Honor, nobody showed me how to use that router well enough,
and that's how I lost a finger, and why I am suing the city".

The article said there are other libraries that loan tools. Is
anyone aware of this practice and how it works in reality?


The Berkeley library has a branch that loans tools. Post-hole diggers,
scaffolding, pressure washers, ladders, hand tools, whatever.

Consequently, there are no tool rental stores in Berkeley.

How about libraries loaning tables and chairs for a reception? Trucks or
trailers for that one-time move? Heck, why not limousines for the prom?
Small airplanes for drilling holes in the sky on a lazy weekend? Deep-sea
fishing boats? Clowns for your three-year-old's birthday party?

I am not in favor of buring books. Most library administrators, however,
should be herded together then somebody strike a flint.