Welcome to the Cultivate KC Urban Agriculture Tool Library!

Cultivate KC’s Urban Agriculture Tool Library is open to urban farmers, community gardeners, and neighborhood residents to help access tools to grow good food in the city. A tool library is a community service that eliminates the need to buy expensive or large equipment that is only used once a season or for one-time projects. Urban agriculture may come with unexpected challenges, but here, we can provide you with the tools to meet them.

About the Library 

Cultivate KC's Tool Library is located at the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council. Tool pick-up and drop-off is available during operational hours by appointment only.

Pick-ups and drop-offs can be scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6pm. Please coordinate with Emily Kovar (emily@cultivatekc.org) if you have issues scheduling your pick-up. 

All tools are available to rent without fees. Some larger items require a deposit, which is refunded automatically when you return the tool.

Rules and Eligibility

  • Only members of the Tool Library may borrow tools.
  • Membership is open to residents over the age of 18 with valid identification.
  • Members must agree to policies and procedures listed in the Terms and Conditions.
  • Only one membership is allowed per household.

Borrowing Tools

  • Tool Checkout: Tools are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tools must be reserved through the Tool Library website.
  • Borrowing Limit: Members may borrow up to 5 tools at a time, unless prior arrangements are made with the Tool Library Manager.
  • Loan Period: Tools may be borrowed for up to 7 days. Extensions may be granted if no reservations exist for the tool.
  • Reservations: Tools must be reserved in advance. Each time you add a tool to your basket you will be prompted to select check-in and check-out dates. Be sure to select the time you plan to arrive. Pick-up and drop-off are by appointment only.

Tool Condition and Maintenance

  • Inspection at Check-out: All tools are inspected by staff before lending to ensure they are in good working condition. Any pre-existing damage or issues must be noted by both staff and the borrower.
  • Tool Cleaning and Condition: All tools must be returned clean and in good working condition. If a tool is returned dirty or damaged, a fee will be charged to the borrower's account (see Fees and Charges section below).

Returning Tools

  • Return Deadlines: Tools must be returned by the due date to avoid late fees. Tools should be returned to the Library during operational hours and by appointment only.
  • Inspection at Return: Upon return, tools will be inspected by staff for cleanliness, functionality, and any damage. Borrowers will be notified immediately if there are any issues with the returned tool.

Fees and Charges

  • Membership Fees: Thanks to generous funding from Hall Family Foundation, all memberships are currently FREE!
  • Deposits: Some larger tools and equipment require a deposit that is charged at the time of reservation. Tools requiring deposits will have that information listed on their description. Deposits are refunded automatically after the tools are returned and checked back in by the Tool Library Manager.
  • Late Fees: A late fee of $5 per day will be charged for each tool returned past its due date, unless other arrangements are made with the Tool Library Manager in advance or the reservation is renewed.
  • Damage Fees: If a tool is returned damaged beyond normal wear and tear, the borrower will be responsible for repair or replacement costs. The fee will be invoiced to the borrowers Tool Library account based on the tool's original purchase price or the repair estimate.
  • Loss of Tools: In the event a tool is lost or stolen while in the borrower's possession, the borrower will be required to pay the full replacement cost.
  • Cleaning Fees: If a tool is returned dirty, a cleaning fee of $10 per tool will be charged.

Member Responsibilities

  • Proper Use: Borrowers must agree to use all tools properly and safely, following manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
  • Liability: Cultivate KC is not responsible for any injury, damage, or loss that occurs while a tool is in the borrower's possession.
  • Tool Training: Members may request training or instruction on the safe use of tools. Some tools may require training at the time of pick-up.

Termination of Membership

Cultivate KC reserves the right to terminate the membership of any individual who violates these policies, damages tools, or fails to return borrowed items in a timely manner. Serious violations, such as theft or intentional damage, may result in permanent banning from the library and seeking criminal charges.

Contact Information

For questions or more details, please contact Emily Kovar (emily@cultivatekc.org).



Our Sponsors

Thanks to generous donations from MARC Solid Waste Management District, Accenture, KC Chamber of Commerce Centurions, ReBuild KC, and USDA Urban Agriculture Innovation Projects, Cultivate KC has been able to purchase specialty tools for vegetable gardening and home and yard improvement projects with the goal of creating a tool library for public access in Midtown Kansas City.

...