GUIDE: How to Start a #ToolLibrary

#SyracuseUniversity - Institute for #Sustainability Engagement
October 29, 2025

"#Libraries can offer a lot more than just books. Whether it’s a #SewingKit or a step ladder, tool libraries can provide #SustainableSolutions for communities to complete their personal projects in a way that promotes #reuse, discourages needless #consumerism, and saves people money.

"The Institute for Sustainability Engagement (#ISE) has prepared a printable 10-step guide to help anyone get started implementing a tool library in their community. This guide stems from ISE’s role in helping develop a tool lending library in #KeesevilleNY..."

Read more (includes Resource Guide):
https://sustainabilityengagement.syracuse.edu/guide-how-to-start-a-tool-library/

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingEconomy #ToolLendingLibraries #LibraryOfThings

Carbondale Tool Library Open Hours

Rainbow Cafe, Tuesday, July 29 at 02:00 PM CDT

The tool library should be open but to be safe, contact us on facebook!

https://www.carbondale.info/event/carbondale-tool-library-open-hours-13

Carbondale Tool Library Open Hours

Rainbow Cafe, Tuesday, July 22 at 02:00 PM CDT

The tool library should be open but to be safe, contact us on facebook!

https://www.carbondale.info/event/carbondale-tool-library-open-hours-12

#LibraryOfThings #Ireland

"Library of Things are a growing trend in both the UK and Ireland. These collections of physical objects allow people to borrow instead of buy, which can help to reduce waste and encourage sharing.

"There are now over 20 Library of Things in Ireland, and the number is growing rapidly. Libraries of Things are located in a variety of settings, including libraries, community centers, and even schools.

"The most popular items at Libraries of Things are tools and equipment, followed by games and toys. Library of Things are most popular in urban areas, but they are also starting to become more common in rural areas.

"Libraries of Things are often funded by grants or donations, and they are staffed by volunteers.

Community Spirit

"Community spirit is a strong tradition in Ireland. People are often willing to help out their neighbors and their community. This is evident in the many community-based organizations that exist in Ireland, such as sports clubs, volunteer groups, and community centers.

"Community spirit is important for a number of reasons. It can help to build a sense of belonging and community, it can provide support and resources to those in need, and it can help to make a community a more enjoyable place to live.

"There are many ways to get involved in community spirit in Ireland. You can volunteer your time to a local organization, donate to a worthy cause, or simply get to know your neighbors.

The Benefits of Library of Things and Community Spirit in Ireland

"Library of Things and community spirit have a number of benefits, including:

- Reduced waste: When people borrow instead of buy, they reduce the amount of waste that is produced.
- Encouraged sharing: Libraries of Things and community spirit encourage people to share resources, which can help to build community and reduce costs.
- Access to new things: Libraries of Things and community spirit give people access to new things that they might not otherwise be able to afford or have space for.
- Increased sense of belonging: Libraries of Things and community spirit can help people feel more connected to their community and their neighbors.
- Reduced social isolation: Libraries of Things and community spirit can help people connect with others and reduce social isolation.
- Improved mental and physical health: Libraries of Things and community spirit can help improve mental and physical health by providing opportunities for social interaction, exercise, and relaxation.

Library of Things communities in Ireland:

- #DublinIreland #ToolLibrary: This library has a wide variety of tools and equipment available for loan, including power tools, hand tools, and gardening tools.
- Library of Things, #GalwayIreland: This library has a collection of items that can be borrowed for free, including sewing machines, musical instruments, and camping gear.
- #LimerickIreland Library of Things: This library has a collection of items that can be borrowed for free, including tools, musical instruments, and camping gear.
- #CorkCityIreland Library of Things: This library has a collection of items that can be borrowed for free, including tools, musical instruments, and camping gear.
- #WexfordIreland Library of Things: This library has a collection of items that can be borrowed for free, including tools, musical instruments, and camping gear.
- #BelfastIreland Tool Library: This library has a collection of items such as DIY equipment and tools.
- #KilkennyIreland Library of Things: This library has a collection of items that can be borrowed for free, including tools, musical instruments, and camping gear.
- #WaterfordIreland Library of Things: This library has a collection of items that can be borrowed for free, including tools, musical instruments, and camping gear.
- #DundalkIreland Library of Things: This library has a collection of items that can be borrowed for free, including tools, musical instruments, and camping gear.

"This is just a small sample of the many Libraries of Things that are available in Ireland. If you are interested in finding a Library of Things near you, you can search online or contact your local library or community center."

FMI:
https://thepeopleshub.org/library-of-things-ireland/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule #LibraryOfThings #CircularEconomy #BorrowDontBuy #Sharing

Need tools? I wrote a post on the Berkeley Tool Library:

https://bayareaexploreer.blogspot.com/2025/06/berkeley-tool-library.html

#berkeley #tools #toollibrary #borrowtools #bayarea #california #tool #library #berkeleytoollibrary #sharingiscaring #california #share #community

Yo! #Guelph and area:

Repair Cafe
Sat May 10, 2025 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Old Quebec Street Shoppes.

Bring your broken items and get them fixed with the help of our expert volunteers, and learn how it's done! This event is in collaboration with the City of Guelph.
You can bring:
-electronics
-small electrical appliances
-clothing
-computers
-clocks
-bikes
Hosted by:
https://guelphtoollibrary.org/
#repairCafe #toolLibrary #rightToRepair

#Florida: Donations wanted for #OrlandoFL and #JacksonvilleFL #LibraryOfThings!

"The #CenterForBiologicalDiversity fights not only to protect wildlife and wild lands in Florida but also to address the underlying causes of the extinction crisis, including the excessive production and consumption of new products.

"That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re working with #Shareable and other partners to establish Library of Things pilot projects in Orlando and Jacksonville.

"A Library of Things is a shared community resource where useful items can be borrowed just like books that are in circulation for years, reducing the demand to produce new goods that destroy habitat, generate greenhouse gases, create pollution, and harm wildlife.

"Sharing also disrupts the current U.S. economic model that demands endless growth through the constant purchasing of new things. It challenges the traditional consumerist mindset that drives overproduction and leads to items getting thrown away after only a few uses.

"You can support this effort by donating items from the library’s wish lists. Whether it's a bicycle repair kit for someone who bikes for transportation, kitchen items for a new university student, or a generator for emergency preparedness, every item counts. By donating, you’ll help neighbors save money and push back against the culture of consumerism.

Here's how it works

"The Jacksonville Library of Things pilot, located at University of North Florida dormitories, is looking for donations of board games, kitchen items, phone chargers and tools to be used by students living in the dorms, based on a needs assessment conducted with students in partnership with the University.

"The Central Florida Tool Library (serving Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties) is seeking donations related to disaster preparation and response, as well as home repair and maintenance. These items were identified based on conversations between community members and our partner, #CentralFloridaMutualAid.

"Each wish list notes whether the item can be gently used or refurbished or must be new. (Certain products must be new for the libraries to ensure they meet safety and fire code standards. But purchasing these items once to be shared among the community prevents each future borrower from buying more.)

"Links to secondhand and refurbished sites are included where possible. The wish lists also provide a desired quantity of each item. Once the maximum number of items is claimed, you’ll see the request has been fulfilled. The mailing address to send the products for inclusion in the Library of Things can be found in the wish list."

Original article:
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/library_of_things

#CentralFlorida #ToolLibrary Wishlist:
https://sokindregistry.org/registry/CFLToolLibrary

Jacksonville Library of Things Wishlist:
https://sokindregistry.org/registry/JaxFLLOT
#LibrariesRule #Libraries #LibrariesOfThings #SharingEconomy #SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #Degrowth #CircularEconomy #LibraryOfThings

Free fixes are back! The #ToolLibrary expands its #DareToRepair Café program in 2025

By Darren Cotton, February 3, 2025

"Have broken stuff? Instead of throwing it out, consider attending one of The Tool Library’s free Dare to #RepairCafés this February or March.

"These events cut waste and build community: At each Dare to Repair, people can bring in broken objects like lamps, vacuums, bicycles, toys, clothing, sewing machines, PCs, laptops, and small electronics to be repaired — free of charge — by volunteer fixers. By following along during repairs, attendees can learn the skills they need to fix things on their own.

"The Tool Library, in partnership with #BuffaloRecycles, will host two Dare to Repair Cafés per month in 2025 — adding weeknight events to existing weekend programming — thanks to new funding from the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute and State Sen. Sean Ryan.

March 2025 dates:

- Saturday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lancaster Municipal Building, 5423 Broadway, Lancaster, 14086

- Thursday, March 13, from 5-7 p.m. at the Delavan-Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave., Buffalo, 14215

"Anyone interested in bringing appliances or household items to be repaired is strongly encouraged to fill out the registration form in advance."

FMI:
https://www.buffalorising.com/2025/02/free-fixes-are-back-the-tool-library-expands-its-dare-to-repair-cafe-program-in-2025/
#RightToRepair #SolarPunkSunday #FixIt #RepairCafesNY #RepairCafe #SolarPunk