Have you been thinking about some home improvement projects for this Spring, but don’t feel like you have the tools and resources needed to get them done?
A new organization started by Matthew LaLonde called The Tool Library offers hundreds of tools available for checkout. They are located at 800 W. Washington Street in Bloomington, at the same location as the West Bloomington Revitalization Project.
In fact, community tool libraries like this have been cropping up around the country to help homeowners improve the look and value of their homes.
You can browse their inventory at http://www.thetoollib.com.
If you would like to become involved in The Tool Library’s mission, there are a number of ways you can contribute. Every Wednesday from 3 to 5pm you can donate old tools you no longer use.
Here is The Tool Library’s Wishlist: aerator, air compressor, auger (both 1 and 2 person), carpet cleaner, cement mixer, concrete saw, cordless drill, dual sliding compound miter saw, floor buffer, floor sander (drum, edge, and orbital), hammer drill, paint sprayer, palm random orbit sander, power washer, scaffolding, table saw, wet tile saw, wheelbarrow (steel better than plastic), and drywall lifts.
Volunteers are also needed during the library’s hours of operation, and monetary donations can be made via their website.
As of April 29th, 2013, The Tool Library won a grant of $25,000 from the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Program. LaLonde says that the funds could be used to purchase more tools and move to a new facility where there is more space.
Home improvement projects can improve the look and feel of a whole neighborhood, and as Matthew LaLonde says, they can give homeowners profound feelings of independence and dignity.
*Images used in this article were obtained from The Tool Library website and Facebook page.