The idea for the library began in 2024 with the NWFP’s Food Processing Working Group, a collection of board members and community members who identified a need for shared items. The group met regularly to brainstorm ideas, ultimately deciding on a lending library model.

According to NWFP Executive Director Kate Cowie-Haskell, the library will be open for checkouts year-round, and currently contains items such as canning equipment, food dehydrators, vacuum sealers, harvesting items, a blender, and more. Items will be reservable online (and picked up at the Cook County Community Center) for members, which includes an annual fee and then a per-item rental cost, depending on the membership level. According to the NWFP website, "In the interest of long-term sustainability, we’ve set up the library under a membership model. Members pay an annual membership fee and then an additional fee per rental. The membership fee will help us cover annual overhead costs like liability insurance. The rental fee helps us cover the cost of maintaining and replacing the equipment over time." In the future, NWFP plans to offer scholarships and free equipment rentals under the Food Equipment For All Fund. 

To support members, the NWFP is developing educational resources, partnering with UMN Extension to create events focused on using the library's equipment safely and effectively. "We hope to have some of our local farmers market vendors teach classes about equipment use," Cowie-Haskell said. 

A key component for the library has been developing policies for damaged or broken equipment. The NWFP took inspiration from other organizations, including the MN Tool Library. "If a tool breaks during a rental, we talk with the borrower about how they were using the equipment," Cowie-Haskell said. "If the equipment was not being used as intended, the borrower may be responsible for some or all of the replacement cost." However, if an item breaks under normal use, the organization will review maintenance records and warranties before making a plan for cost-sharing. The NWFP plans to seek community support to replace items that break down from routine wear and tear.

The organization is currently fundraising to support the library. While there is no official end date for the campaign, Cowie-Haskell hopes to reach its goal of $8,000 by the end of September. The NWFP is also accepting donations of new, unused food processing equipment. All of the library's current inventory is brand new. In the future, the organization plans to create a public wishlist on its website for donations to replace worn equipment, acquire multiple copies of popular items, or add new tools to the collection. Currently, there is 

For more details on the new lending library, which will officially open on August 15, including a list of available equipment, you can visit the Northwoods Food Project website and view the online inventory. The NWFP also has a newsletter, which you can sign up for here.