Tool Library
Students of the Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy program awarded $925 to the Valley of the Tetons Library to develop a “library of things” or a Tool Library. This unique section of the library will allow patrons to use items that they might normally have had to purchase. A Tool Library allows patrons to check out or borrow tools, equipment and “how-to” instructional materials, functioning as a shop that is free of charge as a form a community of sharing. A tool library performs the following main tasks:
- Lending: all kinds of tools 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, to guarantee the long-term sustainability of available inventory.
The Library is in a unique position to bridge the knowledge and technology gap to residents who might not see or use the items in the Tool Library, otherwise. Given that we are a rural locale, residents are often in need of items for self-help or DIY projects that require singular tool for a one-time application. Instead of borrowing from a neighbor, the library will store these items and loan them out for FREE. Our community will greatly benefit from the use of gardening items, canning items, drills, sanders, screwdriver sets, etc. that they can use and return for others to borrow.
The library is poised to begin collecting and loaning more complex tools and items that fall into the following three categories: Home, Automotive and Gardening. The library has also partnered with Teton Valley Recycling to help procure workable donations and thrift store finds. This Youth Philanthropy Grant will help fund necessary tools that need to be purchased new.
The library’s Kit Library options are for educational and learning purposes falling under their S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Education, Art, Math) program. The purchase of one magnet kit, one bird watching kit, or a paper making kit will educate multiple families and our Home School teams.
The Valley of the Tetons Library provides a positive service to the community in two locations and this will further enhance their service on an even larger scale.
