We are excited to share that Community Homeworks has officially launched its Tool Library, a long-envisioned program designed to
empower Kalamazoo County residents with access to the tools they need to maintain and improve their homes. The Tool Library marks the third core program of Community Homeworks—joining our critical home repair and empowering education programs—as part of our mission to empower our neighbors to maintain safe, stable, and sustainable homes for generations.
✂️ You’re Invited: Ribbon Cutting and Community Open House
Please join us for a special Grand Opening celebration on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at our headquarters at 812 Bryant Street, Kalamazoo.
- 1:30 PM: Formal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Community Open House (with tours, tool demos, and light refreshments)
Special guests will include City of Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson and former Kalamazoo City Commissioner and General Partner at Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, Eric Cunningham. Executive Director Chris Praedel, and Tool Library Manager Rachel McCartney, will also offer brief staff remarks and help cut the ribbon on this much-anticipated community resource.
What Is a Tool Library?
A tool library functions just like a traditional library—but instead of checking out books, you borrow tools.
The Community Homeworks Tool Library offers hundreds of hand tools, power tools, lawn and garden equipment, ladders, plumbing supplies, and more. Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet, trimming overgrown shrubs, or building a backyard deck, we’ve got the tools to help you do it—safely and affordably. The Community Homeworks Tool Library now has a catalog of over 600 tools.
Membership is open to all Kalamazoo County residents age 18 and older. Membership is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis to ensure accessibility for everyone, regardless of income.
In addition to tool lending, Community Homeworks offers 40-50 hands-on workshops and DIY training opportunities to help build homeowner confidence and skill.
A Vision Years in the Making
“This third core program has been a dream of our staff, other community leaders, and those we serve almost since our beginning,” said Chris Praedel, Executive Director of Community Homeworks. “It is exciting to finally see it come to fruition and fill a gap in the homeownership continuum for Kalamazoo County residents. The Tool Library brings us closer to realizing our mission: empowering our neighbors to maintain safe, stable, and sustainable homes for generations.”
“The Tool Library is about breaking down barriers,” added Rachel McCartney, Tool Library Manager. “Whether you’re tackling a DIY repair, maintaining your yard, or learning a new skill, we want every person in our community to feel confident and capable. We’ve built this space with equity, access, and empowerment at its core.”
Board Chair Kyle Gulau echoed that sentiment: “The launch of the Tool Library reflects Community Homeworks’ deep commitment to meeting people where they are and equipping them with the tools—both literal and educational—to stay in their homes safely and with dignity. This is more than a resource center—it’s a hub for empowerment, community, and self-reliance.”
Learn More and Get Involved
We invite you to be part of this exciting new chapter. Come celebrate with us on June 25, explore the library, and learn how you and your neighbors can benefit.
➡️ Visit: communityhomeworks.org/tool-library
📅 Grand Opening Event: Wednesday, June 25 | Ribbon Cutting at 1:30 PM | Open House 2–4 PM
📍 Location: 812 Bryant Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Let’s build something great—together.
For those unable to attend the Grand Opening, we encourage people to visit during the open hours each week or reach out to make an appointment. Contact the team at (269) 998-3275 ext. 304 or email ToolLibrary@communityhomeworks.org
Open Hours:
- Tuesdays: 2 to 6 p.m.
- Thursdays and Fridays: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- By Appointment: If these hours don’t work for you, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
