Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, foundations and the Western New York community, The Tool Library has officially purchased its building at 2626 Main Street. This milestone marks a pivotal step in the organization’s ambitious plan to create a vibrant civic hub that empowers the community and continues to build Western New York’s sharing and repairing economy.
“The support we’ve received is truly overwhelming,” said Darren Cotton, founder and executive director at The Tool Library. “Our mission has always been to serve our community, and seeing so many people rally behind us reinforces just how strong this community is. This building represents more than just four walls—it’s a testament to the power of collective action. It will serve as a community anchor, providing the resources and opportunities for everyone to make a tangible impact.”
The Tool Library launched its $1 million capital campaign in April of this year to purchase and renovate the building it has been renting since June 2023. Phase 1 of the campaign achieved its goal, raising over $500,000 and enabling the organization to secure the building. Since the campaign launch, membership has also surged from 1,421 to 1,900 members—marking the largest single-year growth in the organization’s history.
With Phase 1 of the capital campaign complete, Phase 2 is now underway, focusing on raising funds for critical renovations and building enhancements to bring The Tool Library’s full vision to life.
Thank you to these generous donors
To date, the organization has received 321 donations from individuals both locally and around the world, along with support from local businesses and generous grants from the following organizations and individuals:
- $175,000 – The Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News
- $100,000 – M&T Charitable Foundation
- $75,000 – New York State Senator Sean Ryan
- $50,000 – James H. Cummings Foundation
- $25,000 – The Paul and Dorothy Borenstein Memorial Foundation
“At The Buffalo News, we have a steadfast commitment to supporting the good work of organizations like the Junior League of Buffalo. In a typical year, The News sponsors more than 50 community events, each with a unique mission that helps make Buffalo vibrant. Congratulations to Tool Library’s growing success!” – Tom Wiley, President & Publisher
Don Elick, M&T Bank Charitable Foundation Regional Program Officer, said, “The Tool Library fulfills an important need for our community, empowering our neighbors with access to tools and skills to repair homes, small businesses, and other property they’ve invested in. It’s a critical resource for local families as they work to build generational wealth. With their plans to create a community hub at their now-permanent home, The Tool Library’s impact will continue to grow, and M&T Bank will continue to do our part to help them thrive.”
“The Tool Library provides a unique and invaluable service to the City of Buffalo. Their building at 2626 Main Street in Buffalo, which is conveniently accessible by public transit, can now grow and thrive for years to come. I am proud to have secured $75,000 in funding to make this dream a reality.” – New York State Senator Sean Ryan.
“Our father would have loved the Tool Library; a leader in the sharing economy and a major resource to the community. It is such a pleasure to help them secure their forever home so they can increase their programs and services.” Mark A. Borenstein, President, The Paul and Dorothy Borenstein Memorial Foundation
Looking ahead
With ownership of the building now secured, The Tool Library is turning its focus to necessary building renovations. FOS of CannonDesign has provided a pro-bono comprehensive facility condition assessment, outlining a ten-year roadmap for critical maintenance and upgrades. Immediate priorities include repairing the building’s roof and undertaking significant masonry improvements to restore the exterior.
Additional renovation plans aim to revive the building’s historic character, install new exterior signage, improve energy efficiency, and reconfigure the interior layout to accommodate more inventory. The organization also plans to add community meeting spaces for DIY workshops and educational programs, as well as enhance streetscape and site amenities to infuse vibrancy into the surrounding area.
True to The Tool Library’s mission, the renovation process will double as a learning opportunity for community members and volunteers. DIY workshops will coincide with major improvements—ranging from masonry to electrical work—providing hands-on experiences for individuals to acquire new skills.
The Tool Library is actively seeking a mix of funding sources—including private philanthropy, public funds, corporate partnerships, and individual donors—to support these renovations. To support The Tool Library’s campaign to renovate 2626 Main Street, visit https://givebutter.com/2626.
“I’m so proud of the access to tools that The Tool Library provides to members of the WNY community,” said Melanie Rushforth, president of The Tool Library’s board of directors. “These tools empower individuals to tackle challenges in their homes and neighborhoods and serve as an example of what improvements can be made when people have what they need. Owning our building helps us be a hub for resourcefulness, community and empowerment. I can’t wait to see how we grow.”
“This is just the beginning,” added Cotton. “With the community’s continued support, we will turn this space into something truly transformative—a place where people can come to learn, grow, and improve their lives. We’re ready to build this future, together.”
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More about the Tool Library
The Tool Library opened in 2011, inspired by founder Darren Cotton’s experience as a University at Buffalo student renting from a negligent landlord in University Heights. The goal
was to provide people with affordable access to tools to fix up their homes. Today, boasting nearly 1,900 members and more than 5,000 tools, it’s made a significant impact. In 2023 alone, it loaned out 19,478 tools, saving members $730,889 and offsetting over 1.2 million pounds of carbon. Additionally, through events like its Service Days, it collaborates with community groups to enhance shared spaces, while its Dare to Repair Cafes teach repair skills, saving community
members money and reducing landfill waste.