NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH TOOL LIBRARY
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The Guelph Tool Library is in the process of relocating to a new, larger location - just down the hall from their current home in Old Quebec Street Shoppes. To mark this change, discounted memberships, perk packages, and sponsorship opportunities are available, alongside tickets to their Sept. 28 grand reopening party and Skill Share Fair.
Founded in 2016, the Guelph Tool Library provides sustainability-savvy individuals and groups with low-cost, space-saving access to a variety of equipment. The volunteer-driven, membership-based lending library includes tools and resources for an array of DIY activities including gardening, construction and home renovations or repairs, crafting, event hosting and parties, audio/visual projects, and more. Now, needing more space to grow, the organization is moving to a larger unit within their current home of Old Quebec Street Shoppes.
On Friday, Aug. 30, the tool library temporarily closed to accommodate the move. They will reopen down the hall in Unit 115, just the other side of Buck or Two Plus, on Saturday, Sept. 14. “Our members were able to stock up on their items before we closed. We hit a record number of tools signed out - over 340 of our 1300 items. It’s actually been a huge help with the moving process - the more items loaned out, the less we have to move!” says Steph Clarke, the Communications and Program Coordinator for the Guelph Tool Library.
The soft reopening Sept. 14 will give them some time to play around with the layout, making sure everything has a place, and that items are easily accessible for members and volunteers. Two weeks after reopening, the GTL will be ready to commemorate the move with two big celebrations. The first event, which will take place Saturday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be a Skill Share Fair. “It’s like a carnival, but instead of ring toss and balloons, you get to take mini workshops to learn new skills like making recycled paper, basket weaving, beading, natural textile dyes, or upcycling an old t-shirt into a reusable bag,” says Clarke, who also stated that volunteers from their programs will also demo skills like mending, repairing a lamp, and basic bike fixes. Money raised at the Skill Share fair will support moving costs and future workshops and programs.
Tickets for the Skill Share Fair start at 2 activities for $5, but attendees can choose to go all the way up to the $50 Golden Ticket, which includes unlimited activities and admission to the afterparty, which takes place that same evening from 5:30-8 p.m. “The afterparty will be our chance to showcase the space in a unique light - the classroom will transform into a silent Disco, and the Freehub Community Bike Centre will serve as a spot to enjoy some local food and signature mocktails, like the Sober Screwdriver. You’ll get to tour the space with our volunteers and staff, who would love to show you all their favourite tools!” notes Clarke. Tickets for both of these events are available now at www.guelphtoollibrary.org.
“We’ve been shown tremendous support so far from local businesses and individual donors. We’ve raised over $5,500, but we need to raise the final $9,500 to help cover the costs associated with updating and maintaining this new space.” Says Clarke, “The best way to support us is by purchasing a membership. They are available for $65 through our fundraising platform, and they help us keep the lights on year-round, but are especially important in times like these where we’re facing extra expenses.” Clarke also noted that there are other options for contributing, including perk and sponsorship packages.
The Guelph Tool Library is also seeking some people-power to volunteer their time this weekend. “If you’re handy at putting together shelves, or willing to do a bit of heavy lifting, let us know and we’d love to have you join a work bee during the move,” states Clarke, noting that interested volunteers can email [email protected] to help out.
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