The right tool for the job is free at this Milwaukee library

The right tool for the job is free at this Milwaukee library

From Uniquely Milwaukee by Radio Milwaukee

June 4, 2026 · 4 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the Milwaukee Tool Library, a free tool lending service that supports the community and has overcome financial challenges.

Need a drill, saw, or lawnmower? Don't buy it; borrow it. Since 2021, the Milwaukee Tool Library has been lending tools to everyone from average community members to professional contractors — anyone in need of equipment for a short amount of time. The organization also hosts volunteer-led workshops. The library is a free, membership-based organization rooted in trust and community, both of which came into play recently when it faced financial struggles that could have forced closure. But a successful GoFundMe raised enough money to keep the not-for-profit afloat. For Evan Maruszewski, the director of operations and one of the library's founders, it helped fill a void in Milwaukee and also within himself. "I’m a lucky person who can say, ‘Now I know where I fit in my sphere of influence,' which is tiny. At least I can say, ‘Two days a week, I’m taking good equipment, useful equipment and putting it in the hands of people who otherwise would never have had access to it.” ##### Host: Kim Shine Uniquely Milwaukee is made possible by the generous support of our members .

People in this episode

Host: Kim Shine

Guest: Evan Maruszewski

Topics covered

  • tool lending
  • community support
  • non-profit organizations
  • workshops
  • financial struggles

Keywords

  • tool library
  • Milwaukee
  • borrowing tools
  • community workshops
  • non-profit

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Milwaukee Tool Library, Radio Milwaukee

Places: Milwaukee

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