Yes. There are numerous tool libraries throughout the country, including Rochester, NY; Buffalo, NY; Columbus, OH; Portland, OR; Atlanta, GA; Oakland, CA; and many more. You can check out this map to see tool library locations all around the world! New ones are popping up regularly, and the West Philly Tool Library often serves as a model and resource for these new tool libraries.
The West Philly Tool Library regularly receives inquires from folks looking for advice on how to start up a tool library in their community. We’re happy to share what we know and the lessons we’ve learned. Click here for more resources on starting a tool library in your community.
The Tool Library employs a small staff, but we also rely on community volunteers to help with operations and to serve as members of our various committees. The Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) is our fiscal sponsor. Interested in getting involved? Learn how to donate your time and talent on our Donate page, or talk to a tool librarian next time you’re in the Tool Library.
The Tool Library unofficially opened in September 2007. We had our grand opening on March 15, 2008.
The West Philly Tool Library is a place where fellow community members can borrow a variety of hand, power, bike and garden tools to help us fix up our homes, maintain our yards, build furniture and other objects, and even start new art projects! You can learn more at our Mission page.
The West Philly Tool Library is located at 1314 S. 47th Street in Philadelphia. To see it on a map and/or get directions, visit our Contact page.
You can find our current hours of operation on our Contact page.