What the heck is a tool library and who are you?
What is a tool library?
A tool library is a place where community members can borrow tools for set periods of time at a low cost. It is an example of a “real sharing economy:” a neighborhood-focused, not-for-profit network where community members share practical resources in a centralized space. Tool libraries and libraries of things can be found all over the world. Our tool library is a social enterprise model, and represents the work of people in the neighborhood coming together to share resources and knowledge, reduce waste, and lower barriers to access. The average power drill is used for only 12 minutes over its lifetime. We want to change that!
How long has this tool library been around?
We were founded in 2011, under the umbrella of the University Heights Collaborative, and in 2018 we incorporated as our own 501(c)3.
How did it get started?
Founder Darren Cotton was a student at the University at Buffalo, living in a low-cost apartment with an absentee landlord. He and his friends were trying to fix up their living quarters with very little money and no tools of their own. He came together with some neighbors facing the same problem, and decided to take action. The Tool Library started with 50 tools and about a dozen members, and we have now grown to over 5,000 tools and over 1,900 active members! We believe in providing people the tools they need to create the change they want.
Where can I find more detailed information about you?
Our latest Annual Impact Report can be found here.
What is your plan for the future?
After operating out of two small storefronts for nearly a decade, The Tool Library moved to its new home at 2626 Main Street in May of 2023. With more than double the floorspace and four times the amount of storage of its previous location, this move marked a significant and long overdue milestone for the organization.
At the beginning of 2024, The Tool Library launched an ambitious capital campaign to raise $500,000 to purchase 2626 Main Street and make it the organization’s permanent base of operations. By owning its building, The Tool Library sought to protect itself from rent increases, eviction, or displacement within Buffalo’s resurgent real estate market; have permanent storage for a growing inventory of over 5,000 tools; and confidently begin investing in expanding its programs and the people who make them possible.
Through a combination of philanthropic and public support, corporate sponsorship, and more than 320 individual donations from the community, The Tool Library successfully raised the $500,000 needed for acquisition and closed on 2626 Main Street at the end of September 2024. Identified as a long term goal in the organization’s first strategic plan, site ownership is a dream come true and an incredible achievement for an organization that was completely volunteer-run until 2022.
With the building secured, The Tool Library is now embarking on a community-engaged design and planning process to help guide the next phase of the Campaign for 2626 Main Street: renovations!
We will transform 2626 Main Street into a space that can meet current and anticipated organizational needs, while also fulfilling its potential as a community hub to gather, learn, grow, and share.
Who runs The Tool Library?
The Tool Library was completely volunteer-run for the first decade of its existence and continues to be largely volunteer-powered. What does it mean to be volunteer-powered? It means that every tool loan processed, tree planted, lamp repaired and program delivered happens thanks to the generosity of people giving their free time. This incredible work is made possible by a community of talented and dedicated individuals to whom we are endlessly grateful.
A team of 20-25 volunteers helps to staff our storefront at 2626 Main Street and support a small but mighty team of two full-time and one part-time staff members. You can learn more about our team here.
You’re operating on the East Side of Buffalo, a majority Black part of the city. What are you doing to advance the Movement for Black Lives?
The Tool Library’s leadership and volunteer teams are not yet properly racially representative of the communities we serve and in which we operate. We are actively working to change that. We are proud of our true, grassroots community partnerships with organizations throughout the city to enact the change neighbors want to see on their streets, and of our community-centered approach to designing all of our programming. Any and all feedback, criticism, and engagement from our BlPOC community members is extremely welcome. If you’re interested in putting tools to work for racial justice, please reach out.
How does it work?
What does my membership get me?
When you become a member you get unlimited access to our inventory of over 5,000 tools. Our basic membership level allows you to check out up to five tools at a time, and the typical loan period is one week. Don’t buy tools, borrow ours!
How much does it cost?
Our memberships are currently structured as a yearly rate, and we currently have three levels of membership — Tool Belt, Tool Box, and Wheelbarrow. The Tool Belt costs $30/year and can borrow 5 tools at a time. The Tool Box costs $75/year and can borrow 25 tools at a time. The Wheelbarrow costs $150/year and can borrow 50 tools at a time. Wheelbarrow members are typically organizations looking to supply tools for events or other initiatives.
Who can be a member?
Membership is open to residents of all eight counties of Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming) who are over 18 years old and agree to our borrowing terms.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up online: Just click the big orange “Become a Member” box at the top of the page, or, you can sign up in the shop! Please bring a photo ID when you come in for the first time, and the volunteer on duty will give you an official membership card.
What are your hours?
Wednesday-Friday: 2:00PM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
If our hours ever change, our website and communications will always be updated and the update will go out to members via email and social media.
Why did I have to pay a late fee, or a cleaning fee?
Our late fees are meant to ensure tools come back on time so that they can be available for another member who might need them. Late fees are not meant to be a barrier to borrowing, and if you know you can’t return your loan on time, just call us to extend it!
The Tool Library is largely powered by by volunteers, so cleaning fees help us offset the time volunteers will have to spend cleaning and fixing tools brought back in poor condition. All fees help to fund The Tool Library and keep our doors open for everyone’s benefit.
Can I get an extension on my loan?
Most likely, yes! You can call us at 716-510-1745, or email us at info@thetoollibrary.org. Most of the time we can accommodate renewals, but if there is a long waitlist for a tool we might ask you to bring it back on time. It never hurts to ask!
Why are some tools on a waitlist?
Many of our most popular tools are under high demand. That means there are more members that want to borrow and item then number of items we have available in our inventory. If you come across a tool that you’d like to borrow, but is currently borrowed by another member, we will add you to our waitlist for that item. As soon as that item gets returned, one of our staff members or volunteers will give you a call to let you know the item is available for pickup. We will hold the item for TWO Tool Library business days (days that the shop is open) before moving on to the next person. If a member fails to pickup the item when stated, we will move on to the next person. If you are unable to pickup the tool within two Tool Library business days, but would still like to borrow the item, we will move your name to the bottom of the waitlist. Individuals MUST have an active Tool Library membership if they’d like to be added to the waitlist.
What are Super Tools?
We have a few tools in our inventory which are so awesome they must be rented for a daily fee. Super Tools would cost a member hundreds of dollars to purchase for themselves. Our selection ranges from infrared paint strippers to a pavement–breaker to a carpet cleaner and more. The Super Tools daily rental fee is $20/day, which is paid upfront. The Super Tools are a great way for us to generate some extra income, as well as provide our members a low-cost way to use these big ticket items. Check out this page for more info.
What is MyTurn?
MyTurn is our digital lending library platform. Members can use our MyTurn page to browse our inventory online, and sign-up or renew their memberships online. MyTurn was started by the founder of the West Seattle Tool Library, and works closely with us to provide the best possible experience for our volunteers and members.
I’m involved with an organization in Western New York. How can we benefit from The Tool Library?
Our membership ranks include many great WNY nonprofits and small businesses. Most organizations sign up for a Wheelbarrow membership. This allows for more than one person from the group to check out tools, and also lets you borrow up to 50 tools at a time. Many of our member organizations use their Tool Library memberships to support community gardens and neighborhood or waterfront clean-ups, as well as to tackle small projects in their offices or shops. This is an incredibly affordable and sustainable way for block clubs, neighborhood associations, youth groups, faith-based groups, school groups, and others to come together and get things done!
How do you keep your inventory working?
We have a great team of volunteer fixers. When tools come back broken, but repairable, they are our go-to people! All of our volunteers and members contribute to making sure things are in working order. If you have a problem with a tool or it does not work properly, please be sure to let a staff member or volunteer when returning the tools so we can remove it from the inventory and have our volunteer fixers take a look.
Can I use the tools I need right in your shop?
At the moment, with so much inventory in such a small space, it is not feasible to have open workshop space for members. We are working hard to change that with our planned renovations to 2626 Main Street!
Do you do anything else in the community besides lend tools?
What is a Dare to Repair Cafe?
Dare to Repair Cafes are an initiative to reduce waste, get people to think more critically about our consumer culture, and facilitate community interactions. At these events, people can bring in broken items (lamps, small electronics, vacuums, toys, etc.) and have volunteer “fixers” try to repair the item alongside them. Check out how much waste Dare to Repair has already diverted from landfills. Dare to Repair events typically take place monthly at libraries, community centers, and in other public spaces. And, they are free!
What are your DIY workshops?
DIY workshops are an initiative to meet access to tools with access to knowledge. Popular and seasonal projects are tackled by volunteer instructors. We loved teaching people to use the tools we offer.
As we transition into our new building, our workshops are being held on an occasional basis, but rest assured that we have plans to expand this offering! Follow us on social media to receive updates on upcoming events!
What service events do you do?
We believe that when we put our tools to work out in the community, we can transform the spaces we share into the places we love. We’ve partners with dozens of organizations to host service events across the City of Buffalo. Projects include neighborhood cleanups, tree-plantings, park stewardship, community garden maintenance, and public art installations. These events bring together community members, teach new hands-on skills, and help steward public spaces like parks, gardens, and trails. We are always looking for new organizations to partner with, so please reach out if interested!
Whom do I contact to volunteer on a Service Day, and what if my group wants to participate?
To volunteer on a Service Day, you can fill out this form. Questions? Reach out to us at info@thetoollibrary.org, or call us at 716-510-1745. If you are part of a group of more than 10 people who want to participate in a Service Day, then please shoot us an email so we can ensure we are able to accommodate your group.
What is your affiliation with Tyler Street Community Garden?
The Tool Library partnered with Grassroots Gardens of WNY and the University Heights Collaborative to transform a vacant lot located at 73 Tyler Street into the University Heights’ very first community garden. Raised beds are adopted by individuals and community organizations to grow produce, while native perennial flower beds help to increase biodiversity and support our pollinator friends. The garden is currently led by Val Macer. Interested in getting involved? You can reach her at: 13vmacer@gmail.com.
Can you help me with lead abatement?
Yes! We now serve renters and homeowners seeking access to lead abatement through our recently launched Lead Safe Tool Borrowing Program. This program works to provide community members with the education and tools necessary to protect from lead exposure and maintain affordable, safe housing.
Interested? Check out the program here.
How can I support The Tool Library?
Do you take tool donations?
Please see our Tool Donation page for more info.
Do you take monetary donations?
Absolutely! We rely on the support of our community for a large chunk of our operations. No donation is too small, and our donation page allows you to sign-up as a sustaining member with recurring monthly donations. We hope you’ll consider it.
What about larger gifts?
Thank you for considering a large-scale private gift to The Tool Library. We would be happy to discuss options for targeted giving, and our organizational needs with you. Please reach out to Darren Cotton, our Executive Director, at darren@thetoollibrary.org.
How do I become a shop volunteer?
Fill out a form!
I have super power fix-it skills. Can I help?
Learn about our volunteer opportunities!
So… you want to start a tool library?
How do you fund The Tool Library?
Our tool library began with donated tools and discretionary funds from a City Council member to support the costs of operations. Since 2011 we have worked to diversify our funding streams in order to grow our model, and sustain our mission. Our funding is a mix of private donors, small monthly sustainers, membership and borrowing fees, corporate sponsorships, and increasingly, local, state, and federal community development grants. Check out the graphic of our funding breakdown in our latest annual report.
How do you get tools?
When we started, our inventory was almost entirely based on donations. We now source tools from a mix of used tool donations, sponsorships, and buying new with our own funds.
What are the most popular tools?
The most popular tools in your community will be different from ours, because every place has different needs. Here is our big list of most checked-out tools this year:
- Home improvement hand tools: Wrench, clamp, bolt cutter, pry bar/crow bar, axe, sledgehammer, hammer, trowel, hacksaw, mattock, chisel, paint rollers, paint scraper, tin snip, and drain snake;
- Lawn/garden hand tools: Garden trowel, plastic and metal rake, shovel, spade, lopper, pruning saw, push lawn mower, push broom, post hole digger, hand pruner, hand tiller, hoe, tamper, post pounder, trash grabber, and wheelbarrow;
- Lawn and garden power tools (all electric): String trimmer/weed wacker, electric tiller, pressure washer, hedge trimmer, edger, leaf blower, electric lawn mower, chainsaw, and electric pole saw;
- Other electric power tools: Drill, driver, hammer drill, circular saw, miter/chop saw, tile saw, jig saw, reciprocating saw/sawzall, table saw, belt sander, finish sander, detail sander, orbital sander, palm sander, planer, and angle grinder;
- Pneumatic tools: Brad nailer, finish nailer, and staple gun;
- Accessories: Extension cords, batteries, chargers, air compressors, air hoses, ladders, step stools, dollies, saw horses, shop vac, bits, sockets, squares, levels, tape measures, and stud finders.
Who are your members?
Our members represent a diverse swath of Western New York residents. Check out this infographic on our membership in the Annual Impact Report.
Is there a national network of tool libraries?
Yes! As of 2024, a group of existing tool library founders and directors from across the United States got together to found the Tool Library Alliance. The Tool Library Alliance (TLA) unites tool libraries across the United States to foster community resilience, increase sustainability, and build a culture of generosity through the sharing of tools, skills, and knowledge.
The TLA has lots of different resources available on its website and will be hosting monthly virtual workshops, colabs, and webinars to help connect veteran tool librarians, start-up tool librarians, and everyone in between!
What are the biggest challenges of running a tool library?
Some of the big challenges tool libraries face are (1) maintaining enough dedicated volunteers to consistently run your operations, (2) scaling too quickly and not being able to maintain growth, and (3) keeping the service accessible to everyone, while still finding the funding to sustain the organization. This report from the Partnership for Public Good does a really good job of breaking down the ins and outs.
What is the best part about running a tool library?
The best part is our members! We love to share in the experiences of projects they are doing, and ways their homes and lives are improving with our tools. It is great to see our streets cleaned up, our tree canopy growing, flowers blooming, and people interacting with art, trails, and green spaces.
Do you have other resources about tool libraries you can share?
We encourage folks looking to start a tool library in their community to join the National Tool Library Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/
There are members from both national and international tool libraries, with founders, board members, and volunteers alike. It’s an invaluable crowd-sourcing of material on everything from tool libraries as an idea, straight to action and implementation. You can search past posts and questions/discussions, as well as make your own.
Another amazing resource is the very recently launched Library of Things Co-lab run by Shareable. It is specifically geared towards new “libraries of things” and covers many of the essentials for getting started. You can find recordings of all 12 sessions here: https://www.youtube.com/@
We also recommend the following online resources: