“I love this Tool Library. It’s been a great resource to me. I tell everyone about it.”

We’re putting the final touches on a new function that will allow you to go online and see all 3100 tools currently in the Tool Library inventory.  You’ll also be able to see which tools and checked in and which are checked out.  And for those that are checked out, you’ll be able to see when they’re due.  We hope this will prevent you from making any unnecessary trips down to the Tool Library.

Will you consider making a tax-deductible year-end contribution to the Tool Library to help us make this happen?

Thanks!

 

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Tool Library closed tonight (Monday)

Sadly, we’re going to be closed tonight (Mon, 12/19). Sorry for the inconvenience and late notice. We’ll be back open tomorrow, though.

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Subash: “It’s saved me a lot of money which I needed. It’s fantastic!”

In 2009, we loaned 3464 tools.  In 2010, we loaned 3604 tools.  And in 2011, we’re on target to loan about 4000 tools.  That’s 10% annual growth this year.

Want to help us continue to grow and serve as a neighborhood resource?  Please consider making a year-end tax-deductible donation today.

People come to the West Philly Tool Library from all over the city, like Subash who lives in Port Richmond:

Click here to make a year-end tax-deductible donation to the Tool Library today.

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Larry: “If I had to buy all of those tools, I couldn’t have done the project. I wouldn’t have done the project.”

It’s been a big year for us: we’re finally settled in our new space, expanded our tool inventory, and streamlined our entire database system.

In 2012, we are especially excited to launch a monthly Pizza and Power Tools workshop to introduce neighbors who are new to using tools all of the possibilities that the Tool Library offers.

We need your help to allow us to continue.

Please consider a tax-deductible donation to keep the Tool Library going in 2012.  But don’t just take our word for it.  Here’s Tool Library member Larry.

Click here to make a tax-deductible donation today.  Thanks!

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Jane: “It’s a great place. It’s come in so handy. Everyone who works here is really nice.”

Did you know that Tool Library membership and late fees cover less than half of our annual costs?

We try to keep our expenses low, but we have to raise over $800 per month to meet our expenses. Will you help us out by making a tax-deductible donation today so that we can continue to serve members like Jane?

Click here to make a tax-deductible year-end donation today.  Thanks!

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Consider making a tax deductible donation to the Tool Library today

Will you consider making a year-end tax deductible donation to support the work of the Tool Library?

Your generosity will ensure that we continue to provide you and your fellow Philadelphians with the tools and know-how to see their project through from beginning to end.

But don’t just take it from us.  Take it from Lawrence, a Tool Library member.

Donations of any amount are welcome.  Donate now by clicking here.

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Tool Library member holds one-night-only exhibition

Tool Library member and artist Becky Sallinger created the works in her upcoming exhibition from tools borrowed from the Tool Library.  Her one-night-only show will be held on Friday, December 23, at 8:30pm at Neighborhood Bike Works at 508 S. 5th Street.

Becky’s press release is below.

Becky Sellinger is a sculptor working in video and performance. Her work often deals with feminity, sexuality, and the social norm. In her current exhibition at Neighborhood Bike Works, Becky will be presenting a body of work entitled “self portrait in perpendicular,” which includes a peice that exemplifies just that. The artist will be seated for various lengths of time on a chair mounted perpendicular to the wall. In this visual dialog Becky is talking about shifts in orientation, displacement, and connectedness. Because of the nature of performance art this is a one night only exhibition. The reception will be held on Friday Dec. 23rd, from 8:30-10:00 at 508 South 5th St.

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Know where your nearest tool library is at all times

Going away for the holidays?  Well, if you’re like us, you’d feel a whole lot better knowing that you’re never more than a few miles away from your closest tool library.  You know, just in case you have a tool emergency when you’re visiting your Uncle Joe.

Our friends at Local Tools have put together this neat Google map showing the locations and information of all the tool libraries in the United States.

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Our sign is back up!

We finally got around to putting our exterior sign up this weekend.  Now you’ll be able to find us a little easier during the dark winter nights.

Thanks, as always, to local sign maker Michael McCullin and Fourth River Signworks for the sign.  And to Stacey for hanging it.

 

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Pizza and Power Tools!

Not sure how to use a particular tool?  Let us help you with that!

Join us at the Tool Library for monthly workshops on how to use power tools.  We’ll be talking about circular saws, table saws, sawzalls, jig saws, orbital sanders, belt sanders, drills, and more.  Learn how to use tools and how to determine the best tool for the job.

The workshops will be offered each First Thursday of the month from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. 

  • January 5
  • February 2
  • March 1
  • April 5
  • May 3
  • June 7

Participants are asked to pay $5 to $20 (sliding scale).  Pizza will be provided.

To RSVP, please email Stacey at Stacey@westphillytools.org or call at 215-833-3190.

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