Calgary Tool Library Explained

Library Name:	Calgary Tool Library and Makerspace
Location:	Calgary, Alberta
Coordinates:	51.0521°N -114.0408°W
Country:	Canada
Established:	June 2014
Num Branches:	1
Collection Size:	500-
Pop Served:	1214839
Website:	http://calgarytoollibrary.org/

Calgary Tool Library (CTL) is a tool lending public library system based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Tool libraries loan specialized tools for both experienced and inexperienced community members who are interested in home repair, maintenance, building projects, community projects, gardening and landscaping.^[1] Makerspaces provide access to tools and resources and host planned programming, workshops, free play and community group times related to making, DIY, and innovation. The CTL offers tool library memberships to any resident of Calgary and area and to organizations. The CTL is supported by The Calgary Foundation, First Calgary Financial, Brookfield Residential, and Remington Development Corporation.

History

In June 2014, the CTL was established in the lower level of the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association, 917 Centre Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta.^[2]

Governance

The CTL is operated by a tool committee consisting of 7 volunteers.

Services

Collections

The tool library adapted Share Starter's free "Tool Library Starter Kit" ^[3] 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.^[4] The library has 500- specialized tools from power drills and ladders to pressure washers and roto-tillers to loan to community members with all skill levels welcomed.^[5] The inventory of equipment includes Automotive, Bike, Carpentry and Woodworking, Electrical and Soldering, Home Maintenance, Plumbing, Remodeling, Sustainable Living, Yard and Garden. The types of tools include Hand Tools, Power Tools and Cars.

Training

The Calgary 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.

Mission

The Tool library performs the following main tasks:

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

Branches

• Calgary Tool Library, 917 Centre Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta.

The Calgary Tool Library is current closed due to Covid.

See also

• List of tool-lending libraries

External links

• Calgary Tool Library
• Bridgeland Riverside Community Association

Notes and References

1. Web site: Home improvement improved with a Calgary tool library . January 5, 2017 . Calgary Herald . 2014 . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150113000905/http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/community-associations-get-creative-in-effort-to-engage-citizens . January 13, 2015 .
2. Web site: Calgary Tool Library open for business and already growing . January 5, 2017 . Calgary Herald . August 5, 2014 .
3. http://www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-start-a-tool-library How to start a tool library
4. http://localtools.org/ Local Tools
5. Web site: Inventory . Calgarytoollibrary.com. 2015-04-10.