The Tool Library

Borrow Tools. Build Community. We're back open for borrowing starting TODAY and we can't wait to build with you in 2021! Thanks to @rayoandhoney for the new storefront addition. ... #borrowandbuild #anotherworldisnecessary #anotherworldispossible #anotherworldishappening #blacklivesmatter

Are you a homeowner who has participated in Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) Lead Safe Work Practices training? Are you a Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) certified contractor who has engaged in lead abatement work? We want to hear from YOU as we work to pilot a lead hazard reduction program aimed at proving low cost access to high cost tools used in lead safe work, such as HEPA vacs, infrared heat guns, and respirators. Because cost should never be a barrier to ...creating homes that are healthy, sustainable, and lead-safe. Send us a message, give us a call, or email us at [email protected]

CAN CONFIRM: Tool Library beanies are warm AF Pre-order yours today! https://thetoollibrary.square.site/

Since we can't partake in our traditional volunteer appreciation feast at @tedshotdogs or @andersonsfrozencustard, we've opted for some custom beanies to show our gratitude to an incredible community of Tooligans who have kept us borrowing and building throughout the pandemic. Thank you Al, Dylan, Darren, Drew, Maddie H., John, Tyler, Caitlin, Kevin, Maddie T., Alex, Rufus, Andrea, Boji, Zhi, Ilma, and Nini. Shout out to @upside_works for the sick embroidery work ... #borrowandbuild #toollibrary

"Why then have we permitted the dominance of economic systems that commoditize everything? That create scarcity instead of abundance, that promote accumulation rather than sharing? We’ve surrendered our values to an economic system that actively harms what we love. I’m wondering how we fix that. And I’m not alone." A new world is possible. All we need to do is have the courage and conviction to create it. #themorewesharethemorewehave #borrowandbuild... https://emergencemagazine.org/story/the-serviceberry/

So much gratitude to our friends at Schuele Paint & Ace Hardware for donating over $1,000 of tools to cap off our 2020 Toolraiser. Support small businesses, not just because they keep money in the local community, but because they value people and relationships over profit and things. With over 30 new trowels and half a dozen heavy duty trash grabbers, you better believe we're ready for spring service events! ... #shopsmall #buylocal #buildcommunity #sharemore

We like to think we're a pretty rad place to work but we'll let Maddie, our current AmeriCorps member share her experience in her own words: As a student of architecture, landscape, and social justice, I was drawn to the position at The Tool Library for the opportunity it presented to engage with a direct spatial intervention, a truly grassroots community project in action. What I have found is an incredibly welcoming and supportive community of volunteers, fixers, member...s, and neighbors to do this work with. As a small organization, The Tool Library has allowed me to make a significant measurable impact, build important skills, and explore my passions. If you'd like to join team at the TL, visit or website and apply today: http://www.thetoollibrary.org/americorps #toollibrary #werehiring

Alright Tooligans, we're putting your tool wishlist to work by launching our 2020 Toolraiser! Our goal is to grow our inventory to over 4,000 tools with your help and the help of the WNY community. Visit our website to find out the three ways you can raise. ... http://www.thetoollibrary.org/toolraiser/ #toolraiser2020

Seriously missing our Dare to Repair fam these days. But until we can meet in person again, get your repair fix by checking out the @epagov webinar "The Value of Repair: Fixing Stuff and Strengthening Communities" that streams today at 11am! #daretorepair #repaircafe #repair #fixit #circulareconomy

For this #ToolTuesday, we're featuring our brand new @festool dust extractor and HEPA vacuum. Made possible by generous donations from the WNY community, this tool will ensure that cost is never a barrier to our members doing lead-safe work in their homes. Thank you! ... #gettheleadout #toollibrary #Toolraiser2020

Are you a business in University Heights? Are you within a 10 minute walk of the Tool Library? Join us for Light the Heights 2020 - a storefront decoration competition in support of local businesses! All businesses will receive promotion from the Tool Library, a complimentary Tool Library membership, and a Decoration Starter Kit to get you started on decking out your storefront.... The winner of the competition will receive additional complimentary memberships to gift and a commemorative award to display in your business. Learn more at this letter: https://drive.google.com//1uRBQTEg99YYMhzrsW_KpLMwHB/view And fill out this form to participate: https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLSf7cbXR2kOR8OKhy-/viewform : University at Buffalo | Doug Levere #lighttheheights

So many bulbs, so little time. Thanks to all who shared their Saturday morning playing in the dirt with us at the Bailey-Dartmouth Community Garden, @buffalopromise Children's Academy, and Westminster Pocket Parks. We couldn't do what we do without you! Another 1,300 tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth on their way come spring. ... #bloomwhereyouareplanted #communitygardening #kensingtonbailey #buffalove #bulbasaurusrex

Gardening is not a place... it's a ~* journey*~ Won't you join us? Help add another 1,000 tulip and daffodil bulbs to pocket parks and community gardens across Kensington-Bailey.... Meet at 10am in front of the Varsity Theatre (3165 Bailey Avenue). Masks and social distancing required. #bloomwhereyouareplanted #sharedspaces #communitygardening

With this 3M respirator, we promise you and Toni Braxton will be able to breathe again (breathe again) after your next painting project. A membership to The Tool Library gets you access to this and dozens of other health and safety equipment. Sign up today to start borrowing! ... #borrowandbuild #toollibrary #tonibraxton #tamarbraxton #breatheagain

When pruning back perennials like cone flowers in the fall, let some old flowers brown and mature into ripe seed heads. Coneflower seeds make a delicious and convenient meal for various small songbirds, such as the American goldfinch. #sharemore #themoreyouknow

Change starts with small gestures, like a bulb planted or a tool shared. Thanks to old friends and new who shared their Saturday morning gardening with us at the Winspear-Tyler Pocket Park. 800 bulbs in the ground and perennials put to bed until next season. ... #bloomwhereyouareplanted #communitygardening #universityheights

Membership to The Tool Library doesn't just stop with renters and homeowners. We were able to save Christos, a self-employed contractor, about $300 on this @hilti Rotary Hammer Drill that he borrowed for a foundation job he was working on. #toollibrary #borrowandbuild #diy #smallbusiness #neighborssupportingneighbors

Are you a QuickBooks Queen? Know your way around an operating budget? Carry a graphing calculator in your cargo jeans? Then we want you (to apply)! The Tool Library has two open seats on our finance committee that we are looking to fill with people who are passionate about our mission. If you're interested in joining the Tooligan team, you can message us directly or email our Treasurer, Eric Borenstein at [email protected]

The simple act of sharing has the potential to help society as a whole produce less, consume less, and waste less, while building communities that are better connected and more resilient. Also, screw Amazon and #primeday #borrowdontbuy #supportlocal #canigetanamen... : @sarahlazarovic

Bloom where you are planted. A simple, yet powerful reminder of the role each and every one of us has to play in transforming the spaces we share into the places we love. Join us this Saturday and next Saturday as we plant over 2,000 more bulbs in our parks, greenspaces, and community gardens. ... RSVP and find more info: http://www.thetoollibrary.org/service #bloomwhereyouareplanted