Emily Li is a real estate agent who also enjoys volunteering and learning all things home repair. As a shop regular and service day extraordinaire, Emily has put our tools to the test in both her home and community. While she is new to our board, she’s no stranger to The Tool Library.
How would you describe your work, and does it connect with your volunteerism at the Tool Library?
I’m a real estate agent, and I enjoy helping people navigate important milestones in their lives. Volunteering at the Tool Library complements that because it’s another way to help people. I love being part of an organization that gives people access to tools, knowledge, and the confidence to tackle projects they might not have thought they could do themselves.
How and when did you first get involved with the Tool Library? What led you to become one of our volunteers?
I was looking for a way to get more involved in the community and was immediately drawn to the Tool Library’s mission. I love that it encourages people to repair, build, and learn new skills instead of throwing things away. The welcoming environment and the people made it easy to want to keep coming back.
How has volunteering impacted your life and your sense of community?
Volunteering has introduced me to so many kind and knowledgeable people. It’s inspiring to see how willing everyone is to share what they know and help others succeed. It has also encouraged me to keep learning and has given me a greater appreciation for the value of community.
What is your favorite thing to do as a volunteer? Are you happier in the shop or at community events?
I enjoy both, but I especially like community events because I get to meet new people and introduce them to everything the Tool Library offers. It’s rewarding to see someone discover a resource they didn’t know existed or become excited to learn a new skill.
When you work with the Tool Library tools, what do you typically work on? Do you have any DIY or repair specialties or special interests?
I’m always interested in learning more about home improvement and basic repairs. I enjoy getting hands-on experience with different tools and building my confidence. While I’m still learning, I appreciate every opportunity to pick up new skills from the experienced volunteers.
What is your favorite tool? What is one thing you’d like to learn to do (or do better) with the tools?
My favorite tool is actually a level. I think it’s one of the most underrated tools. It’s easy to think you don’t need one for something as simple as hanging a picture frame, but using a level makes such a difference. It turns something that’s “good enough” into something that’s straight, balanced, and done right. It’s one of those tools that quietly improves the quality of your work, even on small projects.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
One of the things I appreciate most about the Tool Library is that it’s about more than just borrowing tools. It’s a place where people learn from one another, share knowledge, and build connections. I’m grateful to be part of such a welcoming community and look forward to continuing to volunteer and learn alongside everyone else.