Tool library: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:45, 8 March 2024

Revision as of 19:46, 8 March 2024

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The first known tool lending library was started by the Gross Pointe Rotary Club in [[Grosse Pointe, Michigan|Gross Pointe, Michigan]] in 1943.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Special Collections {{!}} Grosse Pointe Public Library|url=https://grossepointelibrary.org/special-collections|access-date=2021-03-15|website=grossepointelibrary.org|language=en}}</ref>

Another early tool lending library was started in [[Columbus, Ohio]] in 1976. Originally run by the city, the tool library is now operated by ModCon Living, a non-profit organization that works to preserve and revitalize homes and communities in Central Ohio. The ModCon Living Tool Library makes available over 4,500 tools free of charge to both individuals and non-profit organizations.<ref>Weiker, Jim (October 18, 2009). "[http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/home_garden/stories/2009/10/18/6a_WEIK18.ART_ART_10-18-09_H1_SPFC48T.html?sid=101 Tool Library welcomes borrows in Columbus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327065352/http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/home_garden/stories/2009/10/18/6a_WEIK18.ART_ART_10-18-09_H1_SPFC48T.html?sid=101 |date=2011-03-27 }}." ''[[The Columbus Dispatch]]''.</ref> This tool library was among many in what could be considered the first generation of tool libraries - includinglibraries—including The [[Phinney Ridge, Seattle|Phinney]] Tool Library in 1978 and The [[Berkeley_Public_Library#Tool_Lending_Library|Berkeley Tool Library]] in 1979<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stellin |first1=Susan |title=Library Science, Home Depot Style |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/garden/library-science-home-depot-style.html? |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=New York Times |date=4 November 2004}}</ref> - most—most of which were founded in the late 70s or early 80s. Many of these libraries were started with community block grants.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?archiveDate=08-19-05&storyID=22136 |title= Library Dispenses Tools and Home-Repair Advice |publisher=[[Berkeley Daily Planet]] |date=August 19, 2005}}</ref> A variation of the tool lending library model exists in [[Atlanta, Georgia]]. At the Atlanta Community [[ToolBank]], the tools are reserved for use only by nonprofits and other community-based organizations who are performing volunteer and facility maintenance projects. The ToolBank tool inventory is not available to individuals.

In 2009, the community of [[West Seattle]] in Washington started the West Seattle Tool Library, which provides a wide variety of tools and resources for individuals and organizations while specifically encouraging sustainable urban living. In 2011, ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'' recognized "Building a Local Tool Library" as one of its top ten ways to change the world, while highlighting the West Seattle Tool Library.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/diy-heroes-10-backyard-builders-changing-the-world#slide-1|title=DIY Heroes: 10 Backyard Builders Changing the World|last=DeMatto|first=Amanda|work=Popular Mechanics|date=8 August 2011}}</ref>