Tool Lending Library Proposed in Melrose

You’d love to fix those banging radiators. If only you had a pipe wrench. It would be a job you could do yourself, saving the cost of a plumber, if only for that super-sized wrench.

Your lilac got out of control the last few years and is in desperate need of a trim. You usually do the job with clippers, but the branches are too thick now. You need a pruning lopper for about 30 minutes.

Your appliance has a screw socket that requires a hex key. A what and a what? Who has that? Who knows this stuff?

Well. A tool lending library.

A tool lending library is a place where members can borrow tools from a collection for a set amount of time, much like how a book library functions for the borrowing of books. Members who join a tool library can check out a tool whenever needed and return the tool by the due date.

Tool lending libraries are trending across the globe, with more citizens joining the movement that saves cash, builds community, and benefits the environment. The Massachusetts communities of Fitchburg and Northfield have established tool lending libraries, while Watertown and Ipswich, as well as other towns, have built libraries of things, which loan other items such as sport, kitchen, or musical equipment in addition to tools.

These provide an alternative to buying or renting tools that is cheaper and more efficient, is community based, reduces waste, fosters empowerment, eliminates storage and maintenance needs, and increases knowledge sharing.

Steve Sardina, a Melrose resident, is leading the grassroots effort to start a Melrose Tool Lending Library and is looking for fellow resident volunteers to join the initiative. Experience with power tools, or even that hex key, is not required! Email Steve through melrosetoolslibrary@gmail.com for more information or to help. Put the words ‘info’ or ‘help’ in the subject line.

Melrose residents can make this happen. For now, the tool lending library is not yet a Melrose city government or Melrose Public Library initiative.

Follow the initiative on Facebook through the group, melrose tool lending library discussion group | Facebook