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1. ToolShare
   Member

   Do you ever borrow your neighbors’ tools?

   Do you wish they had a better selection?

   Have you ever heard of a community tool library?

   Sustainable West Seattle is currently looking into creating a community-led tool library here in West Seattle that would provide low-cost, community access to a wide range of tools, training, and expert advice.

   As part of our planning process, we're asking for some feedback from the active audience of the WSB forums. And we'll take as much as you're willing to give us!

   We’ve even put together a survey to make it a little easier. Here’s the link:

   http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4nFv7Wx8bTBno5CxUlBLLw_3d_3d

   If that doesn’t grant you all the voice you desire, and you have other comments you’d like to share, we’d ask that you please feel free to give us an earful through our website at:

   http://www.sustainablewestseattle.org/2009/10/tool-library-questionnaire/

   Since the feedback we receive will help us design the tool library to meet the true needs of our West Seattle community, we look forward to hearing all your thoughts.

   We ask that, in true Forum form, you not be shy about sharing them.

   Thanks for all the help!

   Posted 2 weeks ago #         

2. datamuse
   Member

   I have heard of this; libraries in New Orleans started gathering and lending out tools post-Katrina to help people who didn't have their own fix up their houses.

   I've also heard of this being tried in communities NOT struck by disaster, though not how well it's worked.

   Based on last winter...stock snow shovels. ;D

   Posted 2 weeks ago #         

3. westseattledood
   Member

   

   Cool idea! Phinney Ridge I think had a tool share program that was very successful when I lived in North Seattle years ago. Maybe they still have it running? I remember there being lots of workshops. Experts from their program use to also do Saturday AM radio for DIY'ers.

   Posted 2 weeks ago #         

4. FullTilt
   Member

   

   yeah! They had one in Berkley when I was living down there. It was an awesome resource, especially for my friends who were renovating a very decrepit house. I know Justin has a ton of stuff he could donate-time to clean out the garage!

   Posted 2 weeks ago #         

5. rockhills
   Member

   

   Great idea!

   Posted 2 weeks ago #         

6. JoB
   Member

   we too have tools we could donate.. good timing as i was thinking about what to do with them only yesterday.

   Posted 2 weeks ago #         

7. Laconique
   Member

   Sweet!! We just bought our first house and my husband is chomping at the bit to buy all kinds of ridiculous tools. This is a great alternative!

   Posted 2 weeks ago #         

8. dawsonct
   Member

   How about an on-line tool-sharing community where people sign up and list the tools they own that would be available to loan. Maybe even couple it with a knowledge and bartering exchange allowing people to share their expertise. Would alleviate the need for some sort of centralized location.

   Posted 2 weeks ago #         

9. ToolShare
   Member

   Love to hear all the excitement!

   And thanks to everyone who's filled out the survey.

   We're definitely working off the past successes of Phinney and Berkeley, as well as a bunch of other successful tool libraries throughout the country. But we want this library to specifically meet the needs of OUR community, so your comments are vital.

   Keep them coming!
   Thanks again.

   Here's the survey link mentioned above:

   http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4nFv7Wx8bTBno5CxUlBLLw_3d_3d

   And, for longer comments, our web address:

   http://www.sustainablewestseattle.org/2009/10/tool-library-questionnaire/

   Posted 2 weeks ago #         

10. anonyme
    Member

    This is a great idea, however... South Seattle Community College is in the process of creating just such a tool share through their garden center. I don't know if you want to duplicate efforts, or perhaps join forces...?

    Posted 1 week ago #         

11. ToolShare
    Member

    Anonyme,
    Good minds think alike, I guess. We're currently working with SSCC on what seems to be a natural partnership opportunity for both of us.

    Posted 1 week ago #         

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