LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Have you ever needed a tool to finish a DIY project, but couldn’t justify paying for something you might only use once? A new Louisville nonprofit has a solution for you.
What You Need To Know
- The Louisville Tool Library is located at 1226 Logan St.
- Currently, it is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Members can rent tools and other items for a yearly fee
- Accommodations can be made for those who cannot afford the fee
The Louisville Tool Library works similarly to a book library. Members pay a yearly fee to rent out supplies, which must be returned in a timely manner.
However, if someone cannot afford the $120 membership, something can be worked out. It’s part of the nonprofit’s core value of offering equitable services to the community.
“Basically, if you need the tools, come in here, we will get you the tools. We don’t really need to know what your budget is. We’ll get it squared away,” said Shelby Rodeffer, one of the founding volunteers.
The Tool Library aims to be an inclusive space.
“We want to have a space that’s open for people anytime were open regardless if they are here to interface with the tool library of if they just need to get out of the elements,” Rodeffer said. “As a woman existing in a handy space, it is really important to me that people who may not have experience with the tools are able to come in here and not feel talked down to or over-explained to.”
While its name may include tools, the library offers much more than just saws and hammers. Cameras, pasta makers, and even a seed bank make up some of the broad section of rentable items.
For Kelly Krucki, who lives nearby, having access to this place has been beneficial.
“Tools are expensive, so it’s really great to have a place like this that you could get something to really make your house your own,” Krucki said.
So far, all the items that can be rented have been donated. Down the line, volunteers say membership fees will help pay for items that are in high demand.
Anne Marie Zwerg stopped by the library to make a donation. She heard about this place online and even attended its open house a few weeks back. Zwerg recently moved to Louisville and says this really shows the community spirit of the city.
“Now we don’t have to have our own tools, we don’t have to spend that money, you know, all the environmental waste of the packaging and the processing. So yeah, we can all share and use it when we need it and someone else stores it for us when we don’t need it,” Zwerg said.
While a tool library is new to Louisville, there are a decent amount of similar projects across the country. Rodeffer says there are around 50.
After being open for just a few weeks, there are already over 100 members who have signed up.
The Louisville Tool Library is located at 1226 Logan St. in Louisville. It’s open Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.