Joel Cayouette
Patio's software for tool libraries and libraries of things is now live.
We did not build it in a vacuum. Over months of development, we consulted tool libraries across Europe, the US and Canada to learn how they really work and where the friction lies.
We built around their needs first. The result is a modern platform made to solve the real pain points of running a library.
It is ready today, and we are welcoming our first organisations on board.
If you run a lending service, you know how much happens behind the scenes. Members, inventory, events, maintenance and donations all need managing.
Too often that means juggling separate tools and spreadsheets that were never meant to work together. Much of the software built for this feels dated, too.
We built Patio to be the modern alternative. Everything you need in one place, and genuinely good to use.
One platform for your whole library
Run everything from a single dashboard:
Members, with a built in CRM
A clear, accurate inventory
Events and workshops, from sign up to reminders
Maintenance, so nothing needing repair slips through the cracks
Donations, managed end to end and collected directly on Patio
A built in site builder for your public page
And it is built to be easy. The interface is clean enough that any volunteer can pick it up, whatever their comfort with technology.
No training marathon. No manual the size of a phone book.
Create a full inventory listing from one photo
This is the feature we are very excited about.
Snap a picture of a tool, and Patio builds the listing for you. Complete, clean and ready to lend.
For libraries handling loads of inventory and a steady stream of donations, it turns one of the most tedious jobs into a few seconds of work. Keeping a clean catalogue stays simple as you grow.
More features we think you will love
Dynamic automations. Let routine tasks like reminders, follow ups and status updates run on their own.
A platform you can shape. Customise Patio to match how your library actually works, rather than bending your process to fit the software.
Transparent pricing. Patio starts with a free tier, and every feature is included at every tier, so you can get going at no risk and only move up a plan when it makes sense.
Who Patio software is for
Patio is built for tool libraries and libraries of things first.
But it suits any organisation that lends or rents items: makerspaces, repair cafes, community sharing initiatives and rental services alike.
If items move in and out your door, Patio is for you.
We are looking for early adopters
This is where you come in.
We are onboarding our first organisations now, and looking for a small group of early adopters to grow with us.
Joining early means a real say in where Patio goes next. We ship fast and build around real needs, so early partners have a direct line to us.
Tell us what would make your work easier, and there is a good chance we will build it. You also get hands on help getting set up, so the move to Patio is smooth from day one.
See it for yourself
The best way to understand Patio is to look around.
Browse a live example library to see it from a member's side
Create your own workspace and start setting up today
Prefer to talk first? We would love that. Get in touch and let's see what we can build together.
This is just the beginning. The library software is a big step, but we are already building toward something bigger: a peer to peer layer and community features that connect libraries, neighbours and makers across the circular economy. More on that soon.
