The Community Homeworks Tool Library gives members access to borrow the tools needed to get the job done—all without the high cost of buying, renting, or storing equipment.The Library is a community resource to make projects and repairs easier, more affordable and more accessible for people living in Kalamazoo County.
We know that having the right tools can be essential for maintaining a safe home or completing a project you’ve been dreaming of. That’s why we’re offering a wide range of hand tools, power tools, and more, available to borrow on a pay-what-you-can basis.
From drills and saws to ladders and lawn equipment, the Tool Library is stocked with many items to help you complete your projects. We’ve got a wide array of tools to help you make it happen and will continuously build the tool collection. Stay tuned for when our catalog goes live!
The Tool Library is a lending service designed to provide Kalamazoo County residents and organizations with access to a variety of tools for home repairs, maintenance, and community projects. Members can borrow tools for up to 7 days to help maintain safe and sustainable homes.
During the initial beta phase, the Tool Library is open to past and present participants in our Critical Home Repair and Education programs, as well as staff and volunteers. After this phase, it will be expanded to include more community members, including sole proprietors and nonprofits. Eventually, all residents of Kalamazoo County aged 18 and up will be eligible to join.
To become a member, you must be 18 or older and a resident of Kalamazoo County. Initially, membership is open to program participants, but anyone can become eligible by attending one of our education classes. Membership will be on a “pay what you can” basis, with a suggested fee of $35 per year, but you can pay more or less according to your budget. You’ll also need to sign a membership agreement and liability waiver.
We offer a wide range of tools, including hand tools, power tools, and outdoor equipment. Browse our current catalog here. Tools are being added regularly.
The standard borrowing period is 7 days, with some exceptions. If you need the tools for longer, you may request a renewal, depending on availability.
Yes, for new members, there is a dollar value limit of $500 for the first two tool loans. After you’ve borrowed twice and returned the tools on time and in good condition, the limit increases to $1,500, and your status will move from “new member” to “established member.” Members may borrow up to 3 power tools and up to 10 hand tools per visit. Depending on the project, Tool Library staff will work with members to make sure their needs are met and reserve the right to make exceptions for special circumstances. It is recommended that members borrow tools for one project at a time so the most possible tools are in circulation and available to the community at any given time.
We are here to serve you. We don’t want to create a space for shame or punishment. Remember that the tools you are borrowing belong to the whole community – care for them, bring them back, and stay honest.
As a member of the Library, you will not be charged fees for tools that are late, lost, or damaged. If you lose or damage a tool, we will welcome a replacement or monetary donation. We have adopted a no-fee policy as a commitment to our values of inclusivity, accessibility, and charity.
Membership operates on a pay-what-you-can model. The suggested annual membership fee is $35, but members may pay more or less, according to their budget.
We are not typically accepting tool donations in this early phase of operation except in rare cases, but hope to provide opportunities to donate tools in the future.
Our initial tool collection was purchased thoughtfully and with input from the community with grant funds in an effort to get a comprehensive, quality set of tools together for our Library in the space we have available.
We welcome feedback and tool suggestions if you see something missing and will put it on our wish list! If you have questions or wish to help contribute to our tool fund, please contact us at [email protected].
You can reach us at [email protected] or call (269) 998-3275 ext. 304. Our location is at 812 Bryant St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.
Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a member of the new Community Homeworks Tool Library! Please provide the following information and a staff member will reach out to you to help you complete your membership. We’re so glad to hear from you!
ENNA Foundation
