Edmonton Tool Library

The Edmonton Tool Library is a non-profit organization located in Edmonton, Alberta that makes tools available for borrowing to its local community. As a community resource, the Tool Library has the organizational mission of providing affordable accessibility to tools, encouraging projects and general beautification in the community. Founded in 2016, the Library has an inventory of over 300 handheld and power tools, many of which have been received by the organization as donations.
History
Tool libraries operate in a similar fashion to common public libraries. The Edmonton Tool Library draws inspiration from other predecessor organizations that perform the service of loaning tools to their respective communities. Similar tool libraries have been opened in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver. The group started the initiative to address their identified need to provide more affordable options for access to tools, specifically for home renovations. After experiencing the challenges and expenses associated with home renovations during Covid-19 lockdowns
Location
The original plan for the Edmonton Tool Library's operation was to open in a location local to Edmonton's downtown area, with the intention of being accessible to the largest population of Edmontonians who may not have the budget to buy or physical space to store tools.
Hours and operations
The Edmonton Tool Library holds seasonal hours dependent on community demand and volunteer availability. Historically, the organization has been open to the public for an average of four operational hours per week on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM . Expanding the Edmonton Tool Library's opening hours beyond this four-hour average has been a challenge faced by the organization, largely due to a need for a greater volunteer team to staff the Library. However, in addition to physically visiting the library's space, community members are also able to reserve desired tools online via the Edmonton Tool Library website. Tool Library members may reserve up to eight tools at a time for a weekly time period.
Funding
The organization is funded by donations, sponsorships, and membership fees. and Kenilworth Community Leagues, also receive access to the Tool Library's services by presenting their membership cards.
The Edmonton Tool Library exemplifies a model of community resource sharing, emphasizing sustainability and collaboration. By offering accessible tool lending services, the organization aims to support individual projects while fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility among Edmonton residents.<ref name=":3" />

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