05/22/2026
This week marks the 1st anniversary of the Lending Library!
I've added many items (the Fox's Box is bursting at the seams), met many new faces, and loaned 300+ items - I'd call that a successful opening year!
A huge THANKS to:
Gene at myTurn for use of the inventory platform
all of the borrowers who've participated in this project
those who've donated items or funds
the wonderful folks who have assessed and repaired items as need (especially Guisepi Spadafora)
and last but not least,
Fox’s Boxes LLC for continuing to partner with me + Randy at Skagit Valley College: San Juan Center for allowing me to put the box there
Take a peek at the new bright and bold logo! If you see my vehicle around town, the window decal has QR codes to scan. One will lead you to Facebook, the other to the MyTurn platform where you can sign up for a borrower's account and browse the inventory.
For those of you who are just now hearing about the Lending Library, here are a few questions that might be on your mind + the answers:
Q. Where is the Lending Library?
A. In a shipping container, located in the lower lot of Skagit Valley College: San Juan Center (221 Weber Way). The LL is NOT in the building, so please don't bother the staff inside.
Q. Does it cost anything to borrow items from the LL?
A. Nope, it's totally FREE!
Q. What are the hours of the LL?
A. The LL is not staffed on a daily basis. Inventory can be viewed + reserved online, and a time set for pick-up.
Q. How do I sign up for a borrower's account?
A. Visit www.islesupplies.myturn.com - the process is quick and very simple! This is the same place you will view the inventory. If you need help with this, please don't hesitate to ask.
Q. What types of items does the LL have?
A. Kitchen items, tools, baby gear, outdoor gear, pet items, and more
Q. How long can I borrow an item?
A. Default setting on the website is one week. If you need to borrow an item for longer (a reasonable time period), and there are no holds on it, loan can be extended. Some popular items (such as the weedeater) are set to three days.
Q. Are the inventory items new? Most aren't, some are. The inventory has been sourced in multiple ways: items from our jobs with Move It Now Junk Removal, thrift shopping, a few donations from the community. Most of the tools were donated by various tool libraries - Vashon Tool Library, South King Tool Library, Southeast Seattle Tool Library, Tacoma Tool Library, NE Seattle and Shoreline Tool Library - THANK YOU! Even though the items are not new, it is important to me to make sure each is clean and functioning properly.
Q. Have items been tested for function and safety?
A. Yes! Items currently available for borrowing have been tested and found to be working.
Q. My item isn't working properly, what should I do?
A. Let me know right away and I'll do my best to help you troubleshoot. As mentioned, most items are not new. At some point, each will likely need to be repaired or replaced. With your input, we'll squeeze as much life as possible, out of each item.
Q. What if I need to borrow an item not listed in the inventory?
A. Reach out! I might have it and it's just not listed yet, or maybe I can find one.
Q. Does the LL accept donations?
A. Yep! Space is limited, though, and there are certain requirements for what will be accepted (must be clean, in proper working order, nothing with fuel, etc.) Please check with me, if you have something in mind. Do NOT drop off donations at the facility.
Q. I donated something, but don't see it in the LL, why?
A. It could be one of multiple reasons - it's being cleaned or repaired, it was tested as not safe for use, it has been replaced with an updated model, or it's out-of-season and currently being stored elsewhere to save space. All donations are appreciated, but the inventory will change over time.
Q. How do I contact Isle Supplies Lending Library?
A. 👇🏻
Coordinator: Lori Boyd
- message through the Isle Supplies Lending Library page
- 360.468.1980 (text is preferred)
[email protected]
Have a question not covered here? Ask in the comment section!
