More years ago than I'd like to remember I needed a tool I didn't know existed.  At my local hardware store I said, "I need a tool that will reach up underneath my sink to the fittings on a faucet so I can replace it".   The education was "You need a basin wrench".  The surprise was "Unless you're going to need it a lot, don't buy one, just take this one and bring it back.". They weren't really a tool lending library, just awfully nice local store owners. 

 

But today there are tool lending libraries in many communities across the county.  In Portland there are actually three:  

 

Northeast Portland

Southeast Portland

Wikipedia has a list of tool libraries in other states

 

In Portland, they're open Saturday mornings and Tuesday or Wednesday evening.   They have an amazing inventory of tools, from jackhammers to garden rakes.  Free to join, free to borrow.