Once upon a time in Belfast, there existed a remarkable library, but not one filled with books. Instead, it housed a vast array of tools - everything one might need for a DIY project. This unique place had become a beloved gem in the community over the last four years.
In the year 2019, a dedicated group of volunteers brought this vision to life, founding the Belfast Tool Library. Their mission was simple yet profound: democratize tool access, allowing more city dwellers to partake in DIY endeavors while minimizing both cost and environmental impact through shared resources.
The workshop, having recently shifted from the east to the west of the city, welcomed anyone who became a member, granting them the opportunity to work on their own practical projects - a true "do-it-yourself" haven.
Here, dreams could take shape and plans could come to life through one's own craftsmanship. The friendly team of volunteers offered classes, fostering confidence and honing skills among participants.
Equipped with a rich assortment of heavy-duty tools and supported by a team of devoted and skilled volunteers, this space provided members the freedom and guidance to pursue their projects. Memberships were open to adults over 18, costing a mere £25 or less per year for access to a collection of 1,500 tools encompassing home improvements, gardening, and more.
Before venturing into the workshop, each participant underwent a thorough, supervised induction, ensuring their comfort and safety with every tool.
Ema Buchanan, the event and volunteer coordinator, described it as a tool library akin to a traditional book library, where members paid a small fee for access to an extensive tool catalog - from screwdrivers to pressure washers, gardening tools to sewing machines, and even ladders and trolleys. Moreover, the community workshop housed larger, fixed tools for tackling ambitious projects, accompanied by classes on DIY and creative making.
Their journey began on October 6, 2019, and during the summer, they relocated to a former mission building on the Shankill, already achieving over 11,250 tool loans. The membership swelled to 500, driven by the realization that many lacked the space to nurture their projects.
Ema proudly stated, “Our workshop is a hub of activity, open twice a week on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, while the lending library extends its welcome on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, presenting learning opportunities for new skills.”
In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, this library emerged as a beacon, allowing people to construct, repair, and create for themselves. In fact, they estimated saving their members a staggering half a million pounds during their four years of operation.
Shane Cassidy was one such beneficiary of this ingenious concept. Through his membership, he delved into crafting meditation and prayer stools with a modern twist, a path he had never imagined before. Starting from scratch, he learned to use tools and embraced the art of woodworking.
Shane narrated his journey, recalling his initial struggle to find both tools and space. Serendipitously, he discovered Belfast Tool Library, a place that not only provided the necessary tools but also became a hub of enthusiasm and learning. With their support, he crafted beautiful meditation stools, evolving his skills and even sewing little bags for the stools using the library’s machines.
Grateful for the transformation this space had brought into his life, Shane became a volunteer, eager to share his newfound passion with others. The Belfast Tool Library had not only given him the means to create but had also bestowed upon him a sense of belonging and community.
