Lexington Tool Library to Launch ToolMobile Thanks to $15,000 Grant

Tue, September 3, 2024

News

Lexington Times Web Editor

Grant will enable the all-volunteer Tool Library’s new ToolMobile to bring tools directly to neighborhood parks, farmers markets, and more.

Lexington, KY, September, 3 2024 (via press release)– The Lexington Tool Library is thrilled to announce that it has received a generous $15,000 grant from the Self-development of People (SDOP) program to launch the highly anticipated ToolMobile. This mobile extension of the Tool Library will soon bring tools directly to residents across Lexington-Fayette County, making it easier than ever for community members to access the equipment they need for home projects, repairs, and more.

An extension of the Lexington Tool Library which launched in May 2023 and is currently located at the Black and William’s Neighborhood Center, The ToolMobile will serve as a mobile tool lending service, making stops at local parks, farmers markets, community events, and other convenient locations. This initiative will allow the Tool Library to reach more people, reduce barriers to accessing tools, and promote self-sufficiency and community empowerment throughout the city.

What’s Next for the ToolMobile?

While this grant brings the Tool Library significantly closer to our goal, there’s still work to be done:

Building and Installing Shelving: The interior of the truck needs to be equipped with shelving and storage solutions to safely transport our tools. We’re seeking materials, skilled carpenters, and additional funding to complete this phase.
Painting and Branding: To ensure the ToolMobile is easily recognizable, we’ll be painting the truck with our logo.
Volunteers Needed: We’re looking for volunteers to help drive the ToolMobile around town once it’s up and running. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a project that will have a lasting impact on our community.

Benefits for Members and the Community

Current and future members will benefit from a wider selection of tools thanks to the increased space in our new vehicle. This expanded capacity will also allow the Tool Library to offer more flexible hours for borrowing and returning tools, making it easier for those with busy schedules, including those who work weekday evenings. The primary benefit of the ToolMobile is its ability to serve as a mobile tool library, similar to a bookmobile, but for tools. By regularly setting up in parks, parking lots, neighborhood centers, and other key locations, we’ll be able to reach and serve many more Lexington residents.

Beyond providing tools, the Tool Library aims to catalyze community projects by offering necessary equipment and a volunteer pool for initiatives such as local parades, arts events, community kitchens, and garden projects. We hope to empower community organizations with the resources they need for their “barn-raising” activities.

A Grassroots, Member-Driven Initiative

Importantly, the Lexington Tool Library has grown entirely from the energy of its volunteer members and membership dues, which are available on a sliding scale. We’re a member-run organization guided by a statement of values and a consensus decision-making process. Our volunteers are simply regular members who attend occasional meetings and contribute as they’re able. New members are encouraged to participate in a variety of ways, up to and including full governance, promoting community autonomy and collective self-determination.

The ToolMobile represents the next exciting chapter in our ongoing commitment to serving the Lexington community. We invite everyone to join the Tool Library in this journey, whether by volunteering, donating, or simply borrowing tools for your next project.

For more information, to volunteer, or to contribute to the ToolMobile project, please visit lextools.org or contact us at lexingtontools@gmail.com.

About Lexington Tool Library:
The Lexington Tool Library is a community-driven nonprofit that provides affordable access to tools for home improvement, gardening, and other projects. By reducing the need for individuals to purchase costly tools, the Library promotes sustainability, resource-sharing, and community building.

The Tool Library is currently open every Thursday from 5-8pm at the Black and Williams Center, 498 Georgetown St. Membership is available on a sliding scale.