The North Portland Tool Library is a community resource that provides access to tools and equipment for DIY projects, home repairs, and maintenance. With its focus on sustainability, affordability, and community engagement, the library has become an integral part of the North Portland neighborhood. In this article, we will explore the history and mission of the North Portland Tool Library and its impact on the community.
History of the North Portland Tool Library
The North Portland Tool Library was founded in 2006 by a group of neighbors who wanted to create a shared resource for tools and equipment. The library started with a small collection of tools housed in a garage, but quickly grew in popularity as more people became aware of its existence. In 2012, the tool library moved to its current location on N. Killingsworth Street, where it now houses over 5,000 tools and serves over 1,500 members.
Mission of the North Portland Tool Library
The mission of the North Portland Tool Library is to provide access to tools and equipment for DIY projects, home repairs, and maintenance while promoting sustainability, affordability, and community engagement. The library is run entirely by volunteers who are passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their own projects and reduce waste by sharing resources. By providing access to expensive or specialized tools that many people may not be able to afford or have space for in their homes, the tool library makes it possible for anyone to tackle a project they might otherwise have had to hire someone else for.
How It Works
Becoming a member of the North Portland Tool Library is easy – simply sign up online or in person at the library. Members pay an annual fee based on a sliding scale according to income level and can check out up to ten items at once for seven days at a time. The tool library has everything from power tools like saws and drills to hand tools like hammers and screwdrivers, as well as gardening equipment, ladders, and even a bike repair station.
Impact on the Community
The North Portland Tool Library has had a significant impact on the community by providing access to resources that would otherwise be out of reach for many people. By sharing tools and equipment, the library promotes sustainability by reducing waste from unnecessary purchases and encouraging DIY projects that can be more environmentally friendly than hiring someone else to do the job. The tool library also fosters community engagement by bringing together people with different skills and backgrounds who might not have met otherwise.
Job Creation
Volunteering at the North Portland Tool Library is a great way to get involved in the community and learn new skills. Volunteers help run the library, maintain tools, teach workshops, and assist members with projects. By volunteering, individuals gain valuable experience that can lead to job opportunities in fields such as construction, woodworking, or mechanics. The tool library also partners with local businesses and organizations to offer job training programs and internships.
Conclusion
The North Portland Tool Library is an excellent example of how shared resources can empower communities and promote sustainability. With its focus on affordability, accessibility, and community engagement, the tool library has become an essential resource for residents of North Portland. By providing access to tools and equipment that might otherwise be out of reach, the tool library makes it possible for anyone to take on DIY projects and reduce waste while fostering a sense of community. To learn more about the North Portland Tool Library or become a member or volunteer, visit their website or stop by in person.
References:
North Portland Tool Library: https://www.northportlandtoollibrary.org/
City Repair Project: https://cityrepair.org/
