Dan Brown said “Knowledge is a tool, and like all tools its impact is in the hands of the user.” In 2011 Darren Cotton was attending the University at Buffalo. Living off campus, the house he and others were renting in the University Heights area was in need of repair. With an absentee landlord not willing to make repairs, Darren and his roommates decided to take action. They borrowed tools from family members and learned how to make the needed repairs. Their rent was even adjusted because they advocated for this to happen. This moment planted a seed in Darren. He thought if other people in the Buffalo community could borrow tools and learn skills they could make their own home repairs, building the idea that is now a reality called The Tool Library.
“The Tool Library is a community-driven, membership-based nonprofit that gives community members access to thousands of tools, free educational programming, and a community of doers and makers.”
Because Darren was in college to obtain a degree in urban and regional planning, some of his coursework focused on theories of change along with a community led practice of development. As The Tool Library idea was building in his brain he began going to planning meetings with other groups who were in the tool lending space, while also participating in the University Heights collaborative. Then he jumped in, joined by other community members, with the goal to “pair needs with dreams with aspirations.” To serve the community by utilizing the strengths, skills, and resources within the community. Initially The Tool Library was located in a small storefront, providing access to tools so neighbors and community members from people renting to homeowners to block clubs and community groups could repair, build, and spruce up their spaces.
“By sharing tools with our neighbors, repairing more of the things we can own, and caring for spaces we share, The Tool Library is working to build a new economy in Western New York.”
The Tool Library for many years was a 100% volunteer led organization. In 2022, the organization launched a fundraising campaign to add their first part-time staff member, in 2024 they added two full-time staff members, and by 2025 The Tool Library had two full-time staff members and two part-time staff members. Through the generous donations of donors, foundations and community members in September 2024 they were able to purchase the building where The Tool Library is now housed. A robust crew of 20-30 active volunteers and about 80 are on their mailing list. An active Board of Directors is involved in all things Tool Library from day-to-day operations to doing hands-on DIY workshops. Interns and volunteers for local colleges provide resources and other needed help. The Tool Library is invested in using the simple act of sharing tools and skills to build a sustainable shared neighborly community for all. This tangible act of sharing between neighbors and community members provides a strong foundation for a thriving, invested and caring community. Buffalo is known as the “City of Good Neighbors.” The Tool Library is an organization of neighbors helping neighbors.
“A tool library is a non-profit program set up to lend tools out to community members to help them maintain and fix up their homes and gardens.”
This is how The Tool Library works. Individuals and businesses can donate tools where volunteers check them over before adding them to the lending catalog. For a small annual membership fee individuals and community groups can borrow tools for a specific amount of time. If you need the tool for longer just reach out and extend the time you need it. What began as 50 to 60 tools now has a library of about 4915 tools. Over the course of time there have been 5600 members. Now The Tool Library is much more than lending tools. There are DIY workshops, Dare to Repair Cafes, service days with block clubs and other non-profits. Going out into the community to provide workshops is just something they do. This October The Tool Library is celebrating circularity by hosting events and workshops that “celebrate repair, reuse, and community connection” to “challenge wasteful models and embrace the various ways to cut down waste, spark creativity, and work together as one.” Volunteers are celebrated for the gifts and talents they bring, as this library honors the contributions of neighbors and community members. If cost is a barrier to attending a workshop scholarships are available. The Tool Library’s toolbox is full with people making many things possible. Caring and equipped to provide a third safe space for community members that not only meets current needs yet works towards building leaders for the future.
It is with honor and joy we shine the Kindness Champion Spotlight on the incredible The Tool Library in Buffalo New York. The needed repairs in Darren Cotton’s apartment became a springboard to this special organization providing “a region-wide resource center helping individuals and organizations make a significant impact in their community through the power of sharing.” We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
For more information or to help support The Tool Library here is their information:
Website: https://thetoollibrary.org/
Instagram: @thetoollibrary https://www.instagram.com/thetoollibrary/
Facebook: @TheToolLibrary https://www.facebook.com/thetoollibrary/
LinkedIn: @TheToolLibrary https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tool-library/
YouTube: @TheToolLibrary https://www.youtube.com/@thetoollibrary2626
