The South King Tool Library has opened a new branch in Auburn, offering what the name implies: Members can freely rent ladders, screwdrivers, hoses, drills, saws and more for residential, business or other projects.

A grand opening celebration was held Oct. 12 at The Outlet Collection, 1101 Outlet Collection Way, #1357. The tool library already has a location in Federal Way. The Auburn branch was made possible from a nearly $200,000 grant from King County that’s awarded to projects that aim to reduce waste in the community.

Tool libraries help people avoid tossing their rarely-used tools. They also create opportunities to repair appliances and furniture rather than throwing them away, and affordably connect people with odd or expensive tools they may only need to use once or twice.

Members don’t need to live in a specific zip code or reach a certain income threshold because the tool library wants “to remove as many barriers as possible,” executive director Amanda Miller said in a previous report.

There are seven tool libraries in King County, most of them in Seattle. The Federal Way branch is located at 1700 S. 340th St.

To learn more, email info@southkingtools.org.