West Seattle Tool Library Seeks Tool Librarians

[carole.m.koenig@gmail.com]

WSTL SEEKING PAID & VOLUNTEER TOOL LIBRARIANS

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As a West Seattle Tool Librarian, you would:

Staff the Library and Workshop along with one other Librarian, and possibly, Volunteer Librarians

Help Members check-in and check out tools from the Library for their home projects

Provide advice on tool selection and how to use the tools safely

Enroll new Members

Keep the Workshop tidy

Oversee Member use of the Workshop

Accept tool donations

Set up and return to storage the tool carts positioned outside the Library when open

West Seattle Tool Library (WSTL)

Founded in 2010 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the Mission to be a community-led project to provide pay-what-you-can community access to a wide range of tools, training, and relevant advice. WSTL was one of the world’s first tool libraries; now there are hundreds

WSTL has more than 1,000 Members

WSTL Tool Librarians are currently the only paid staff of WSTL and report to the Board of Directors, currently composed of 9 Members

WSTL is located at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – 4408 DELRIDGE WAY SW, near the West Seattle Bridge

WSTL Hiring Qualifications

Passion for DIY projects, tools, and serving community Members

Strong experience using tools in a variety of applications (e.g., construction, plumbing, electrical, masonry, auto, gardening)

Strong people and communication skills since WSTL members interact almost exclusively with Librarians who must embody the values of WSTL (see stories below from WSTL Members)

Strong computer skills to use and manage applications such as MyTurn, Constant Contact, and Google Drive

Skills to teach and explain DIY projects and tool use to Members using the Library and Workshop

Skills to acquire, maintain, organize, categorize, store, price, and sell tools in Library circulation, Workshop or Basement Storage

Hiring Timeline

The WSTL Board is seeking to hire at least one paid or volunteer Tool Librarian ASAP; the position(s) will remain open until filled

Hours

The tool library is open Tue, Wed and Thursday 4:45 to 8:15; and Sat, Sun – 10:45 am – 4:15 pm. There are three options for a work schedule:
Weekday evenings only (Associate Librarian)
Weekends only (Associate Librarian)
Both (Head Librarian, Associate Librarian)
Hourly wage:
Head Librarian – $23.00 – $28/hr DOE
Associate Librarian – $20 to $23/hr DOE

Stories from WSTL Members

The following stories were submitted by WSTL Members for a 2023 grant proposal:

“WSTL is a pillar for our community, providing not only the tools, but sharing the
knowledge necessary to complete the tasks.”

“Sharing tools with neighbors helps me feel like I’m in a supportive community where people care about one another and where we do things together.”

“The first 6 months of being homeowners we were fortunate to have utilized the tool library at least every other week. The staff were so helpful, friendly and we were able to meet neighbors during drop-off and pick-up. This is one of the best resources West Seattle has to offer to its community.”

“Some of the first friendly faces I met in West Seattle were at the tool library! As a brown woman folks often do not expect me to be able to fix things around the house myself. The volunteers at the tool library treated me with respect. Successfully executing these house projects gave me a lot of confidence in my own abilities and pride in my home which allowed me to be a more engaged neighbor.”

“I love the WSTL so much. It teaches repair, it makes woodworking and building accessible to a much wider group. …WSTL also aims to inspire people to participate in community projects such as park restorations and pursue sustainability through fun projects like backyard gardens, home energy improvements, water harvesting, and other environmental projects.”

“In our family, WSTL has been an invaluable resource. When we bought our house, it needed many repairs, but hiring professional contractors would have stretched our budget too thin. Instead, we turned to WSTL, where we were able to borrow all the tools we needed, from power drills to ladders. Furthermore, WSTL’s workshops and educational resources empowered us to tackle these repairs ourselves, helping us to save a significant amount of money while also gaining new skills.”

Candidate Process:

Visit the WSTL website: wstools.org

Visit the WSTL facilities (4408 DELRIDGE WAY SW, SEATTLE WA 98106) during business hours, let one of the Librarians know you are a potential candidate to be a paid or Volunteer Librarian and ask to be shown around

Complete the online application process which will take you 10-15 minutes:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR7-yiGDbIZoTxQDoJDeP27PMUV8jEfZA_MSLUPclD3uPttA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&usp=mail_form_link

If you have questions about the position or application process, please call 206-375-7790

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