At the Edmonton Tool Library, part of our mission is to reduce our impact on the environment through shared resouces. Borrowing a tool rather than buying new is not going to save the planet in isolation, but if lots of people are able to make this small change in addition to a host of other small changes with sustainability in mind, we can make a difference.

And that's where the idea for our Bingo card comes from. The activities are geared towards DIY, repair & sustainability - many of the activities you might already be doing on a regular basis, others might take a little more effort, but we hope to inspire you to do just a little bit more than you're already doing to reduce your own impact on our planet.

We hope you'll play along, have some fun & share your adventures along the way!

Two of our board members, Darwin and Odessa, were even interviewed by Jered Stuffco for CBC Radio. In case you missed the interview on Edmonton AM on CBC with Mark Connolly, you can listen here. ​

When making the decision to get a broken item repaired vs. replacing it, the financial cost is what usually comes to mind first and foremost. Can I afford to get this item repaired? Can I justify the cost of getting this item repaired?

Sometimes, the answer is a resounding and satisfying “Yes!” Like, getting your favourite pair of boots resoled. Other times, it’s a bit more complicated.

We’re less likely to think twice about repairing big-ticket items like home appliances or vehicles. The higher the original purchase price, the more willing we are to spend money on repairs. It makes financial sense to spend less to repair than to buy new, but for less pricy items, especially those that are made cheaply with the prospect of a short lifespan, it makes less sense. Why spend $30 to repair a toaster when a new one costs $20?

In some cases, getting an item repaired has become a privilege that not everyone can afford and events like local repair cafés can help break down these financial barriers –
there are currently more than 2,000 Repair Café locations across the world, including 35 in Canada. However, sometimes the barriers to repair are more deliberate and the problem needs to be addressed at the source, which is where “Right to Repair” comes in.

In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to repair some consumer goods because manufacturers implement tactics such as digital locks and warranty restrictions to control the repair services market and force consumers to buy new. Right to Repair legislation would require manufacturers to ensure access to parts, tools and information required to repair their products for a reasonable price. Companies that have spoken out against this type of legislation include many we’re all very familiar with: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Google, to name a few.

Right to Repair legislation has already been implemented in some countries, including the US and the UK, but the battle continues in Canada: Bill C-272, targeting technological protection measures under Canada’s Copyright Act, received unanimous support upon second reading in June 2021, which creates hope for bigger reform here in the future.

In the meantime, there are many items that can be repaired without the need to navigate technological roadblocks and we can start making it a habit to always think of repairing first, then considering other options:

1. Keep supplies at home to do your own repairs. You’d be surprised how many things can be repaired with a needle and thread or some super glue. If you don’t have the skills, consider taking a course or watching some YouTube videos (like, how to fix your umbrella with a pen!)
2. Research local businesses that can repair your items. Quotes can be provided before work is carried out and you may even be pleasantly surprised that the cost to repair is less than you expected. Or visit your local Repair Cafe.
3. If an item actually is irreparable, or you truly cannot justify the expense, consider buying secondhand. Depending on what the item is, it may be possible to support the local sharing economy by borrowing it – like tools from your local tool library!
4. If you must buy new, buy the best quality you can afford. This should mean your item will last longer and it will be easier to justify the cost of repair in the future if or when required.
5. When disposing of a broken item, research if it can be recycled or dropped off at the City of Edmonton Reuse Centre to divert it from landfill.

Of course, there are also other benefits of a repair culture that cannot be ignored. It’s a win for the local economy when we choose to hire the services of a local repair technician rather than buying new. It’s also a win for the planet when an item is given a second (or third or fourth) life to keep it away from landfill.

The Edmonton Tool Library is hosting Edmonton’s first ever Repair Café on 21 August, 10am-4pm.

-Kate Hamilton, ETL board member

Life in Alberta is getting back to normal (or something like it) and so is the Edmonton Tool Library. Starting the first week of August, we will return to our pre-Covid hours: Wednesday 6-8pm and Saturday 11am-3pm.

Online tool reservations will no longer be required, we'll go back to a first-come-first-serve model. You can check our online inventory to confirm if a tool is available or email us at edmontontoollibrary@gmail.com to put items aside for you.

For the safety of our volunteer librarians, we respectfull request you continue to wear a mask when entering our indoor space, for now.

We're looking forward to seeing you!

- The ETL Team

We're going for it- thanks to your support! Below we provide more information on our new service, including a few changes to the proposal and answers to some of the questions we received in our survey. 

We're using a reservation system that will allow members to sign in to their accounts and reserve items.

Tips for using the new reservation system: 
- Visit our inventory, and click the "Log In" icon in the top right corner.
- If you can't remember your password or your username, enter your email and reset your password.
- You can only login with your username. You can retrieve your username by resetting your password. 
- Only book/keep tools for the amount of time that you need (within the two week period). 
- Make sure that you have access to the email on your account.
- If you have any issues, don't hesitate to email us! 

We are not granting renewals if there are reservations on an item. 
​Depending on the lateness of an item, we may decide to charge late fees. 
We're also opening every second Saturday from 11am-3pm. 

We're always accepting new members and current memberships will be extended.
Prospective members can get a membership here. You can then complete your account by visiting the library or getting in touch via email with us to arrange a phone call to complete your account. You will need to bring ID with you the first time you visit the library.

If you're an individual trying to make use of a community league membership (and you haven't borrowed tools from us before), you'll need to fill out our membership form and sign our waiver (including the Covid-19 addition) which can also be found on the membership page. We're working on implementing digital forms, but for now we're using paper. If you don't have access to a printer, we will have spare forms available during open hours. 

If you purchase a membership:
You will also need to fill out the membership form. You can print off a copy or we can have you fill one out when you visit the library.

We're currently working on getting digital forms so watch for development there!

Yes, we have garden tools! 
The launch of this service has given us the opportunity to get our online inventory in tip-top shape- but that process will take some time, so while we work on adjusting our inventory, feel free to email us regarding yard and garden tools. We'll get back to you the day before we're open, and we'll be using a first-email-first serve model. 

We're sticking with two-week loan periods... for now.
Finding the balance between reasonable wait times and reasonable loan periods is tricky. Every loan will have two possible drop-off days, and we've adjusted our opening hours on Saturdays. We're encouraging members to consider their availability to return a tool before they borrow it. There will be plenty of opportunities for feedback as we test this out and we're very open to changing this service as needed. 

Didn't get the tool you want? Don't be shy- let us know! 
This is a great opportunity for us to build a collection that means something to our community. If we know what you need, we can keep our eyes peeled for donations and grants that will support the development of our tool collection. 

See you soon, Edmonton! 

- The ETL Team

We're thinking about trying something new and we want to hear from you- Check out our curbside service proposal below and fill out this google form to let us know what you think! 

Our doors may be closed for now, but our board has openings! 

Edmonton Tool Library
Volunteer Board Member
Closing Date: March 15th, 2021

Now, more than ever, we understand the need for community-- we would love to have you join ours! This volunteer position provides the opportunity to develop community connections and gain experience in a supportive and friendly environment.
 
The Edmonton Tool Library (ETL) is a registered not-for-profit society in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, which provides affordable access to hand, power, and garden tools for its members. Through this work we strengthen the social (sharing) economy in Edmonton and reduce our impact on the environment.

As a Board Member, you will assist the organization with policy creation, financial oversight, fundraising, marketing and overall strategic direction. The ETL is an operating board, so you will also work monthly shifts at the library.

Desired Skills: We’re looking for people who are passionate about sustainability and making their community a better place to be by encouraging the sharing of tools, knowledge, and skills in a welcoming, inclusive and creative environment. Skills or experience in any of the following areas would be considered assets but are not required to apply: finance and accounting, fundraising, grant writing, human resources, marketing and communications/social media, board governance, use and maintenance of hand and power tools, library and/or inventory management.
 
Note: This year the Edmonton Tool Library will be recruiting for the following Executive Roles: Secretary, and Treasurer. 
 
Commitment: Successful candidates will be required to:

• Work four hours per month as a Tool Librarian at the ETL
• Attend monthly board meetings either virtually or in person (generally held the second Tuesday of each month). A minimum attendance of 7 per year is required.
• Serve on a minimum of one committee (Fund Development, HR, Marketing, Governance, Operations). 
  
  

Board members are asked to serve a minimum two-year term. The estimated total monthly time commitment is 7-10 hours a month. 

Work Location: Edmonton Tool Library, Bellevue Community League, 7308 112 Ave, Edmonton, AB.

How to apply: Applications sent via email are preferred.  Please include a resume and letter of interest saved as one file. Please submit all applications to edmontontoollibrary@gmail.com. 

Download a PDF of the Job Posting here. 
                                                                                                                                                                 

​This past year has had its challenges, but we have continued to move forward thanks to the support of our members and community, as well as the positive attitude of our team. Looking to the future, we remain optimistic, flexible, and ready to work with new members and ideas-- we can’t wait to meet you! 

COVID-19 UPDATE: We are still temporarily closed and will remain so until the city and government officials, as well as our board, deem it safe to operate. In the meantime, stay safe Edmonton!

The ETL Team 

Give the gift that keeps giving this holiday season! For only $50, you get a one-year membership loaded with benefits and you'll be supporting a local Edmonton non-profit.

This year, we hope our little organization can help make things a little bit brighter for you and yours by providing affordable ways to get those projects done! 

What's included in a 1-year membership?

• You get year-round access to hundreds of tools.
• You can borrow up to 8 tools at a time.
• The rental period is one week, with option to extend (just ask!).
• There are no additional fees for tools (unless you bring it back late or broken).

Gift memberships for the Edmonton Tool Library are available now!