Halifax Tool Library

Halifax Tool Library (HTL) is a tool lending library based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.[3] Members pay an annual subscription and may borrow specialized tools for home repair, maintenance, building projects, community projects, gardening and landscaping. The HTL is a Non Profit community organization. The HTL offers standard, Student/Low-Income option, and organizational memberships to non-profits and small businesses.[4] The HTL is supported by Dalhousie University student union, Ecology Action Centre, Parker Street food & furniture bank, Forest Friend, Bike Again, North Brewing Company, Catalyst, Fusion HFX, Deiter's tool and Saw.

Halifax Tool Library
CountryCanada
Established2013
Location3115 Veith St, Halifax, NS B3K 3G9 (Around back in the sub basement)
Coordinates44.656140°N 63.599475°W / 44.656140; -63.599475
Branches1
Collection
Size1725
Access and use
Population served414,400 (14th)[1][2]
Members500
Other information
DirectorClay Radcliff
Staff1
WebsiteThe Halifax Tool Library
Map

History

In 2013, the HTL was cofounded by Kelly Schnare, Lars Boggild, Tristan Cleveland, and Neil Bailey under a shared belief in the sharing resource economy, as well as supporting local environmental initiatives.[5] On May 10, 2014 the HTL successfully concluded a crowd-funding campaign to secure its start-up funding, raising more than $10,000.[6] In June 2014, the HTL moved into 6070 Almon Street, Halifax NS. In October 2014 they had their grand opening and have been operating since.[7] The HTL motto is "Putting underused tools in the hands of people who need them".

Governance

The HTL is governed by a Board composed of seven citizen members who are responsible for the strategic planning, financial stability, and oversight of staff and volunteers. The Tool Committee and New Space Committee are used on both a temporary and permanent basis to meet requirements of the organization.[8]

Services

Collections

The tool library adapted Share Starter's free "Tool Library Starter Kit" [9] which includes start up guidelines, frequently asked questions, and sample documents. The library uses "Local Tools" from "myTurn.com, PBC", a web-based inventory management system to track tool library members and to automatically display the tool availability online.[10] The library has 1661 specialized tools from power drills and ladders to pressure washers and roto-tillers to loan to community members with all skill levels welcomed.[11] The inventory of equipment includes automotive, bike, carpentry and woodworking, electrical and soldering, home maintenance, metalworking, plumbing, remodelling, sustainable living, and yard and garden. The types of equipment include: sensors, serving, hand tools, and power tools.

Training

The Halifax Tool Library offers affordable workshops open both to Tool Library members and the public on tool related skills and projects. In the Intro to Tools workshop, participants built a planter box; while in Routers 101, attendees created a cutting board and most recently we had a work shop for women where the learned how to make wooden crates.

Mission

Tool library

Main tasks include tool lending for all kinds for use in volunteer projects, facility maintenance and improvement projects, community improvement events, and special events. Advocacy for the complete and timely return of all borrowed tools occurs, to guarantee the long-term sustainability of available inventory. Staff also seeks compensation for lost tools and tools returned late. Routine maintenance and repairs on all equipment to ensure good condition and to extend the lifespan of the inventory also occurs. This function is typically performed by volunteers and community service workers.

Makerspace

Makerspace are places where people learn about technology, crafts and other kinds of making, share knowledge and skills with others and apply that knowledge and skill by creating things.

Branches
  • Halifax Tool Library, 3115 Veith St, Halifax, NS B3K 3G9 (Around back in the sub basement)

See also

References
  1. "Population of census metropolitan areas". Statcan.gc.ca. February 11, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  2. "Census Profile". 2.statcan.gc.ca. 2012-02-08. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  3. "Make. Do. with Halifax Tool Library". TheChronicleHerald.ca. 2014. Missing or empty |url= (help)
  4. "To Combat Weak Social Ties, a New Way to Create". TheTyee.ca. Jul 28, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  5. "Effort to Launch Tool Library in Halifax Underway". CBC. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  6. "The Halifax Tool Library on CSI Catalyst". csicatalyst.org. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  7. "Halifax Tool Library nails its grand opening". Metro News. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  8. "Look under 'T' for table saw: Group trying to start Halifax's first-ever tool library". MetroNews Canada. Apr 2, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  9. How to start a tool library
  10. Local Tools
  11. "Inventory". Halifaxtoollibrary.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-10. Retrieved 2015-04-10.
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