Last week someone mentioned the opening of the Tacoma Tool Library. I had never heard of it but it sounded like an interesting idea. I contacted Sharayah Kinney at the Tacoma Tool Library and asked if she would like to join me for a 5 Question Friday to tell us more about it. She happily agreed. Here’s Sharayah.
1. What is the Tacoma Tool Library?
Tacoma Tool Library is a community project whose goal is to develop a sustainable, community tool lending library in Tacoma that is accessible to residents regardless of income. The library provides low cost access to shared tools and other durable goods, and encourages re-use, repair, and reduced consumption. In addition, it hosts a safe community space for learning how to use household tools, and empowers Tacoma residents to care for their homes and neighborhoods, house by house and block by block.
2. How can people participate in the Tacoma Tool Library?
Get involved by becoming a member and/or volunteering.
BECOME A MEMBER
Interested in becoming a member of the Tacoma Tool Library? We’d love to have you! We operate on a membership system, and ask members to give a yearly suggested donation to help us keep the doors open. Members have access to all of the tools in the library’s collection, and can also participate in workshops that are offered at the library. To become a member, please make a suggested donation either online or in person at the library. We’ll also ask you to sign a membership form, waiver, and tool use & borrowing policy the first time you use the library.
Suggested donation levels:
- $40 General
- $30 Student/Senior
- $20 Low-Income
- $100 Founding Member
- $150 Business
- $250 Lifetime Member
VOLUNTEER
Tacoma Tool Library is currently volunteer run. We have five board members and a network of volunteers who help us with our day to day operations. We are looking for folks with knowledge of and experience with tools, but don’t be discouraged if you are a beginner, you can learn with us. As we prepare to open we are especially in need of volunteers with these skills:
- Knowledge of tool repair
- Knowledge about specific types of tools (ex. plumbing, automotive, etc.)
- Interior construction
- Tool sharpening
- Data entry
- Customer service
- Fundraising
- Marketing
- Teaching experience/ interest in teaching a workshop
If you are interested in volunteering with us please send an email to info@tacomatoollibrary.com or call us at 954.866.5253.
3. What are tools you don’t have in the library that you’d like to get?
Here’s a list of our greatest needs at the moment:
- Sawzall
- Multi-tool
- Impact hammer
- Chop saw
- Wet/dry vac
- Ladder
- Extension cord
- Hand truck
We would also like to have some more uncommon such as an engine lift, scaffolding, and weed wrenches.
To donate tools, check out the calendar page on our website for upcoming open hours or contact us at info@tacomatoollibrary.com. We accept all tools in good working order, except for gas-powered.
4. How can people help the Tacoma Tool Library?
Become part of the tool library community, whether through donating your time, skills, or money.
5. What do you hope for the future of Tacoma Tool Library?
Since we just officially opened our hope for the future is focused on goals to accomplish within the next year, such as expanding our membership, increasing the number of volunteers involved, adding to our inventory of tools available and implementing a series of workshops. At some point in time, we hope to be able to have a portion of our space used for a makerspace, where members can use tools in the space that are too big to check out.
I want to thank Sharayah for taking the time to participate in 5 Question Friday. You can find out more about the Tacoma Tool Library at their website http://tacomatoollibrary.org. If you or someone you know would like to participate in a future 5 Question Friday email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com.
– Jack Cameron
Last Friday night three people near the corner of South 48th and Yakima Street were shot. Near midnight they all arrived at the emergency room under their own transportation. One was treated and released. One had more substantial but non-life-threatening injuries and the third, 30-year-old Ryan Wilkinson died the following morning from his injuries.
tacomastories.com 