As the holidays approach, we celebrate both annual traditions and new events that might become traditions. In the latter category is a gala just announced by the West Seattle Tool Library:

After nearly 3-1/2 years of providing free tools, advice and workshop space to the community on a donation basis, the West Seattle Tool Library is holding its first fundraiser and inclusive “Festivus” party.

Everyone is welcome. No cover charge.

The fundraiser gala, which will also serve as Sustainable West Seattle’s annual winter holiday party, will be held Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. Any funds raised will go to the maintenance of tool library operations, as well as potential enhancements such as extended hours and more classes, depending on the amount raised.

To be held at the dance studio at Youngstown Cultural Arts center, the fundraiser is being billed as a Festivus in a nod to a classic Seinfeld episode, with beer, wine, soft drinks, food, music, a silent auction, kids activities and a used tool sale.

In addition, discounts will be offered on new and renewing tool library memberships (normally a suggested $40 a year). And members who have tool library items that they’ve been meaning to return will be offered amnesty for any returned tools. No fines and no questions asked!

Donations and volunteer help for the fundraiser are still needed. If you are an individual or business with a item you’d like to donate for the silent auction please contact Christy True at christytrue@gmail.com. Food and beverage donations also welcome. Donors will be recognized in a public way at the event.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help at the event should e-mail kimberly@sustainablewestseattle.org

Since opening in the summer of 2010, the West Seattle Tool Library has built an inventory of more than 1,500 tools, signed up more than 1,000 members, offered many classes and served as the home of the Fixers Collective and Ask an Expert night. It has been a model to many other tool libraries that have popped up in the Puget Sound region and beyond and received positive media attention as an example of the type of sharing economy projects needed to make the world more sustainable. It is a nonprofit project of Sustainable West Seattle. You can learn more and check out our inventory at wstoollibrary.org