What started as a discussion on the Columbia City Facebook page is becoming closer to a reality. The Rainier Valley Post is reporting on the neighborhood’s efforts to get a Southeast Seattle tool library up and running:
Need a ladder to clean out those gutters? A hammer to hang some pictures? A rake and shovel to clean up the yard so the neighbors will quit complaining?
As much as the local home improvement behemoth would love your hard-earned dough, how would you like to be able to borrow those tools — free of charge — from the local library? Not a book library, but a tool library.
“Tool libraries seek to make it nearly as easy as checking a book out of the library,” said Sally Bailey, founder and director of the new Southeast Seattle Tool Library. “The older tool libraries have been generous with their guidance, their practices and policies. Most have rental fees, on a sliding scale. But we want to take ours in a different direction. Once people become members, we hope that, with the help of grants and donations, we can loan tools, along with advice, at no cost. However, those who can will be encouraged to contribute to cover maintenance, repair and replacement.”
Thank you for expanding the word about our efforts! We encourage everyone to join the SE Seattle Tool Library. While we are working to get our website to accept contributions, please send your membership ($50 recommended, but happy to have your help at the level you can afford) to:
SE Seattle Tool Library
PO Box 78650
Seattle WA 98178