Vancouver Tool Library
{{Infobox library
| library_name = Vancouver Tool Library and Makerspace
| image = 2011 tool library Vancouver 5989509653.jpg
| location = Vancouver, British Columbia
| coordinates = {{coord|49.2539|-123.0678|display=inline,title}}
| country = Canada
| established = 2011
| num_branches = 1
| collection_size = 1,350 (approx)
| annual_circulation =
| members = 650
| director = Nate Ross (President)
Laine Hughes (general manager)
| num_employees = 1
| website = [http://Vancouvertoollibrary.com/ The Vancouver Tool Library]
}}
Vancouver Tool Library (VTL) is Canada’s original tool lending library system based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.{{cite web |url=http://scoutmagazine.ca/2012/04/15/handy-but-bereft-check-out-the-vancouver-tool-library-a-thrift-house-of-diy-solutions/ |title=Handy But Bereft? Check Out The Vancouver Tool Library |accessdate=Apr 16, 2012 |publisher=Scout Magazine |year=2012 }}
Tool libraries loan specialized tools for both experienced and inexperienced community members who are interested in home repair, maintenance, building projects, community projects, gardening and landscaping.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/share-a-juicer-your-dog-or-a-room-in-your-home-how-the-sharing-economy-took-off-1.2613718 |title=Share a juicer, your dog or a room in your home? How the sharing economy took off |accessdate=Apr 18, 2014 |publisher=CBC.ca |year=2014 }}
The VTL is a Community Service Co-operative registered under the BC Co-operative Act.{{cite web |url=https://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/sfus-certificate-community-economic-development-takes-aim-corporate-monoculture |title=SFU's Certificate in Community Economic Development provides tools for growing entrepreneurship and building local economy |accessdate=March 1, 2018 |publisher=Vancouver Observer |date=May 24, 2016 }}
The VTL offers standard, Student/Low-Income option, and organizational memberships to non-profits and small businesses.{{cite web |url=https://biv.com/article/2014/08/local-companies-claim-their-share-of-sharing-econo |title=Local companies claim their share of sharing economy |accessdate=March 1, 2018 |publisher=Business Vancouver |date= August 24, 2014 }}
The VTL is supported by The City of Vancouver; Mountain Equipment Co-op; The University of British Columbia Student Environment Centre ; Magnet Home Hardware on Commercial Drive; Norco Bikes; Dewalt ;Poco Building Supplies ; Midland Liquidators; The Society Promoting Environmental Conservation ; Tradeworks Training Society; Ten Thousand Villages; Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company and tool donors.
History
In 2011, the VTL was established.{{cite web |url=http://www.nsnews.com/news/building-a-community-of-sharing-1.786356|title=Building a community of sharing |accessdate=Jan 13, 2014 |publisher=North Shore News |year=2014 }}
The first branch was set up in 2011 at 3448 Commercial Street, Vancouver BC.{{cite web |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/from-tools-to-backyards-and-driveways-vancouver-at-forefront-of-sharing-revolution |title=From tools to backyards and driveways, Vancouver at forefront of sharing revolution |accessdate=Apr 10, 2013 |publisher=National Post |year=2013 }}
Governance
The VTL is governed by a Board composed of seven citizen members who are responsible for the strategic planning, financial stability, and oversight of staff and volunteers. The Tool Committee and New Space Committee are used on both a temporary and permanent basis to meet requirements of the organization.
Services
=Collections=
Image:2011 tool library Vancouver 5894432435.jpg
The tool library adapted Share Starter's free "Tool Library Starter Kit"{{Cite web|url=https://www.shareable.net/how-to-start-a-tool-library/|title=How to Start a Tool Library|date=May 9, 2012}} which includes start up guidelines, frequently asked questions, and sample documents. The library uses "Local Tools" from "myTurn.com, PBC", a web-based inventory management system to track tool library members and to automatically display the tool availability online.{{Cite web|url=https://localtools.org/|title=Local Tools – Start Sharing!}} The library has 1724+ specialized tools from power drills and ladders to pressure washers and roto-tillers to loan to community members with all skill levels welcomed.{{cite web|url=https://vancouver.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse |title=Inventory |publisher=Vancouvertoollibrary.com|accessdate=2015-04-10}} The inventory of equipment includes bike, carpentry and woodworking, electrical and soldering, home maintenance, ladders, measuring, metalworking, plumbing, remodelling, yard and garden. The types of equipment include: hand tools, power tools, propane & gas power tools, wheelbarrows & wagons.
=Training=
The Vancouver Tool Library offers affordable workshops open both to Tool Library members and the public on tool related skills and projects. In the Intro to Tools workshop, participants built a planter box; while in Routers 101, attendees created a cutting board.
Branches
- Vancouver Tool Library, 3448 Commercial Street, Vancouver BC.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{commonscatinline}}
- {{official|http://Vancouvertoollibrary.com/ }}
{{Vancouver landmarks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vancouver Tool Library}}
Category:2011 establishments in British Columbia