Adrian only moved to Buffalo three years ago, and, while there’s still tons they want to explore and do, they’ve managed to find quite a few niches for themself. When they’re not playing co-op video games with friends, painting, 3-D modeling, crocheting, or fixing everything around the house from computers to the washing machine, they like to get out and explore, especially in the summertime. Passing by the Tool Library on the way to the train piqued Adrian’s interest enough that they stopped in for a walkthrough and quickly jumped in as a volunteer. Adrian loves to take things apart, learn how they work, and to put them back together (or at least give it their best shot), so look for them at Dare to Repair or just stop in the shop to find them tidying shelves or tinkering with electronics.
How and when did you first get involved with the Tool Library? What led you to become one of our volunteers?
Had the walk-through/training day May 19th of 2025, started around that next week! As for what led me to become a volunteer, it was simply walking by the shopfront every other Tuesday in order to take the train downtown – I thought it was a really cool thing! And volunteering has not changed my opinion at all: it’s still super cool, especially getting to see everyone who benefits from the tool library itself!
How has volunteering impacted your life and your sense of community?
I would say it has. Volunteering has honestly helped me combat some fairly severe social anxiety I had, and it feels great to be able to give back to the community that has made me feel so welcomed even with only having been up here for three years!
What is your favorite thing to do as a volunteer? Are you happier in the shop or at community events?
Favorite thing? I am not too sure myself. I feel like I’m still finding new things each time around. Last month, I got to use a circular saw for the first time, and that was pretty cool (even if it was a little loud, gotta love ear protection though to make that not as bad)!
I can’t say whether I’m happier at the shop or community events, as both have been fun. I keep wanting to participate and make it to more community events, but alas, transportation is what it is, especially this time of year.
When you’re volunteering, what typically keeps you the busiest?
Organization of the shelves or the back garden area. I enjoy it, as it feels nice to get everything neat and tidy (at least as neat and tidy as a bundle of cords and tools can get!).
What is your favorite tool to work with?
Hmmm… That’s quite a hard question… My favorite tool depends on the task at the time, but I still find myself regularly reaching for an electronics kit the most!