Tool Library

Giving Toolsday: Build the Tool Lending Library’s funds!

Giving Tuesday? More like Giving Toolsday.

From snow blowers to leaf blowers (and all the garden tools in between), Historic Albany Foundation's Tool Lending Library offers over 700 tools & monthly workshop programming to our community.

As the only Tool Lending Library in the Capital Region, HAF's Tool Library offers over 500 tools & monthly workshop programming to our community: plus, all you need to access the tools is a $20 membership.

We nailed our Giving Toolsday 24 hour goal for our Tool Lending Library and doubled it before midnight! Didn’t have a chance to make your contribution? You can make it at any time here or by check to Historic Albany Foundation at 89 Lexington Avenue. 

We need your help: will you give today to build Tool Library funding for 2025?

You are building opportunity by educating the community.

You are building sustainability by encouraging reuse.

You are building accessibility by offering 789 tools for $20.

You are building community by transforming, sharing, and empowering.

The Tool Library is open every Wednesday from 3-6 pm and every Saturday from 9-12 pm at 89 Lexington Avenue Albany NY 12206.
Please note that the Tool Library is open for returns only through the end of 2024 as we do an inventory & some tool TLC!

Become a Member & See The Inventory by Clicking the Button Below

General Questions? Email the Tool Lending Library here

Want to volunteer as a ‘Tool Librarian’?
We are always looking for new people to join our fantastic volunteer librarian team!
Email info@historic-albany.org or call 518 465 0876 ext.110 to find out more.

How Does the Library Work?

• The library operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has over 500 items (pressure washers, shop vacs, tool kits, power tools, garden tools)

• Members can borrow 2 items for two weeks at a time

• 'Kits' count as one item

• Membership costs $20 for the year

• $15 for Historic Albany Foundation/Albany Public Library Members

• The library is open Wed, 3-6 pm, and Sat 9-12 pm at 89 Lexington Ave Albany NY 12206

• Tools must be clean when returned and must be dropped off only when the library is open

Why a Tool Library?

Libraries of ‘things’ have been growing in popularity as an antidote to waste, the excess of consumerism, and the issue of ongoing inequality. For a minimal annual fee of $20, all members will be able to borrow items as and when they need them. Tools are often expensive and for many do not represent a meaningful investment, in that they may only be used a handful of times, are for one project, or are only used at certain times of the year. The Tool Library not only promotes a sharing economy but also empowers the residents of the Capital Region by showing them how to use the tools.  

In short, our aim for the Tool Library is to:

> Provide tools to make home maintenance and preservation more accessible

> Empower individuals by teaching them skills 

> Create an active sharing economy and community

> Help the environment 

Workshops & Training Schedule 

Sometimes a YouTube video just won’t do. People want to practice handling the tools in the presence of an experienced user and to be able to ask questions, seek guidance, and share experiences. We want the Tool Library to be a place for exactly that. We will be organizing workshops where anyone can drop by and learn DIY maintenance and preservation skills; more than that, we want to begin building a community where people can share their knowledge, problem-solve together, and feel supported.

Want to be involved and make a difference? Here's how…

1. Donate your time and become a ‘Tool Librarian’

We are looking for committed people to make up our Tool Library Volunteer Team. Librarians staff the library once or twice a month, helping to intake tools, providing basic safety training and advice, maintaining tools, and checking the tools back into the system. We also carry out several volunteer days throughout the year to help other organizations (past partners include the West Hill Refugee Center, Endure Indoor Skatepark, and the Shaker Heritage Society). Learn more about being part of the team by emailing info@historic-albany.org or call 518 465 0876 ext 110

2. Donate your Spare Tools

We have a tool wishlist for our much-requested items here. Please consider gifting/donating one of these items. At this time, general tool donations are closed.

3. Donate your $ to Support 

The Tool Library is looking to secure funds to pay for the costs of the software, staff time, tool repair, and of course the tools! If this is a project you would like to support, click on the button below.

4. Donate your Special Skills 

We are looking for individuals to lead workshops/training sessions to help new tool users gain independence and confidence. Do you know how to sand a door? Fix a window? Operate a circular saw? Rewire a lamp? Lead a session as a Tool Library Presenter to help DIYers as part of our workshop program (email info@historic-albany.org to chat more). Presenters received an optional stipend.

If you want to learn more about the Tool Library in general, email us here or call 518-465-0876 X.110

>> Are you a business or organization that might be interested in sponsoring the Tool Library? Contact us for sponsor levels. <<

Thank you to our sponsors

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