West Philly Tool Library

Recycling bin solution

2010-01-21T20:31:00.002-05:00

Hide your recycling bin in a cabinet.

Join us on Facebook!

2009-12-17T19:45:00.001-05:00

Eric Rivera is a fan of

West Philly Tool Library

Create your Fan Badge

Weekend Project

2009-11-07T13:00:00.002-05:00

Turn Scrap Wood Into An Awesome Laminate Table.

Looking for a Reverse Hammer?

2009-10-27T23:10:00.002-04:00

Christopher McManus of SCI-West recently put together a great fun video of the Tool Library.

Thanks, Christopher & SCI-West!

The Tool Library is hiring!

2009-10-05T23:01:00.002-04:00

Our expanded summer hours were such a hit, that we're going to make them permanent!

Very soon, we'll be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm and on Saturdays from 9:00am-2:00pm.

Interested in working with us? Here's the job description:

Responsibilities

Working hours: Mon 6:30-8:30pm; Weds 6:30-8:30pm; Sat 9-2
Maintaining and basic repair of tools
Keeping the Tool Library organized and clean
Accepting tool donations & signing up new members
Checking tools in and out to members of the community
Collecting late fees
Performing simple bookkeeping
Maintaining computer database that tracks tool use and member information
Promoting the Tool Library and recruiting volunteers
Communicating with the Steering Committee

Requirements

Basic knowledge of tools with a desire to learn more (strong knowledge of tools preferred)
High level of organization & attention to detail
Excellent communication & customer service skills
Commitment to promoting community in West and Southwest Philly
Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word & Excel
Ability to lift 25 pounds

This position is for nine hours per week at $12.00 per hour. We are looking for someone who is committed to the project and reliable about running the Tool Library. We hope to hire for this position as soon as possible.

Please send your cover letter and resume to the attention of Michael Froehlich at info@westphillytools.org or by mail to West Philly Tool Library, 4620 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.

West Philly Tool Library on 6ABC News!

2009-08-29T11:20:00.005-04:00

WATCH VIDEO: Tool Library Helps Residents

By Denise James

WEST PHILADELPHIA - Originally aired August 22, 2009 (WPVI) -- It's not books people are borrowing from this library.

People come here to borrow a hammer, a saw, or even power tools.

It's the West Philly Tool Library at 46th Street and Woodland Avenue.

"We have hand tools and everything up to larger power tools," Eric Rivera of the library said.

The shelves are stocked with 1,600 tools that were donated or purchased with grant money. For $20 per year, the library's more than 400 members can borrow them.

This morning, a member returned loaner tools to he got last week.

"There are float tools for smoothing out cement, I'm refinishing my basement floor," member John Stylianou said.

The tools are used for everything from light handy work to full scale renovation and just two weeks ago, volunteers used 100 loaner tools to build a playground at 47th & Sansom.

Alyce Miller borrowed a tree trimmer to cut back high branches.

A 40 foot ladder is next on her list to shore up bricks on her 3-story rowhome.

"I'm a tool user. That's why I'm so thankful I can come around here and get their tools, a lot of tools I don't have in my home," Miller said.

The West Philly Tool Library is one of around 20 or 30 across the country. The oldest dates back about 30 years. Members love the financial flexibility borrowing tools affords them.

"Especially I have a big old house we renovated so you don't have to buy every tool that you need to use once. It's been convenient and they have so many tools in here," member Gloria Prusakowski said.

The 8-foot ladder and pipe wrench Gloria borrowed were among the half dozen borrowed tools she's used this year that could cost hundreds to buy or rent.

"You might need a large expensive tool once and you don't want to drop $300 for that. So the idea is you can use it once for what you need then someone else in the community can use it," Rivera said.

The library also offers how to books, classes and advice. It's a tool cooperative that saves dollars and makes sense in tough economic times.

(Copyright ©2009 WPVI-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Free Minor Home Repairs for Seniors

2009-08-20T18:49:00.005-04:00

If you are over 60 years old, a Philadelphia homeowner, and your gross household income is less than 1354 per month for one person or 1821 for two*, you may be eligible for:

Free Minor Home Repairs and Modifications!

Faucets - Windows
Doorbells - Railings
Grab bars
Smoke Detectors
Locks

Call PCA's Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program
(SHARP) at 215-765-9040
for more information!

PCA
Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging
Enriching Lives, Preserving Dignity.

*Income Eligible as of 2009.

Tools In Action!

2009-08-15T10:18:00.003-04:00

The Enterprise Center and KaBoom building a playground with Tool Library tools at 47th and Sansom. 08/01/09 - 08/08/09.

Free Homeowner Workshop

2009-08-04T19:15:00.013-04:00

The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia is pleased to announce the next in our ongoing series of workshops for owners, and aspiring owners, of historic homes. Attendees will have a great opportunity to learn about the best practices for the restoration and maintenance of older and historic homes.

These workshops are free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

Reservation/information: Contact Patrick Hauck, Director of Neighborhood Preservation Programs, 215-546-1146 x4 or patrick@preservationalliance.com.

Lecture Workshop In Tacony
Workshop Location: Tacony Branch Library, 6742 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia

-September 9, 6:30 PM, Energy Efficiency in Older Houses
-September 16, 6:30 PM, Wood Window Maintenance and Repair
-September 23, 6:30 PM, Flat Roofs: Repair, Maintenance and Replacement
-September 30, 6:30 PM, Masonry and Pointing

"Hands On" Workshops in Historic Rittenhousetown
Workshop Location: Historic Rittenhouse Town, 206 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia. Get directions.

-September 10, 6:30 PM, Historic Porch Repairs
-September 17, 6:30 PM, Masonry Repairs
-September 24, 6:30 PM, Window Restoration
-October 1,6:30 PM, Interior Plaster

Presented by: The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and The Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust

In Collaboration with: The Historical Society of Tacony, Tacony Civic Association, Tacony Community Development Corporation, Historic Germantown, Historic RittenhouseTown, The Germantown Historical Society, The Chestnut Hill Historical Society

Want to help build a playground?

2009-07-09T19:35:00.004-04:00

The residents of Walnut Hill are seeking help building a new playground. The Tool Library will be loaning the tools for the construction. But the community still needs volunteers. Below is an email from one of the organizers.

Dear Friends of the 47th and Sansom Playground,

Our August 6th playground build is now one month away!

In case you have not passed by the playground in a while, I wanted to let you know that demolition and site preparation began yesterday, clearing away all the old play equipment to make room for the amazing new design. You can see pictures and get updates by visiting our website and clicking "Join Our Team."

We are still looking for a few Build Day volunteers to help on August 6th from 8 AM to 3PM. If you can help, please call Imanni at 215-895-4095. For extra credit, you could help out with site prep on August 4th from 8 AM to 4 PM.

My deepest thanks to all of you for your help with this playground project. I look forward to hearing from you!

Warmly,

Imanni

You can email Imanni directly by clicking here.

Member builds beautiful new patio alcove

2009-07-09T19:28:00.003-04:00

BEFORE

UNDER CONSTRUCTION
AFTER

Tool Library member Matt Wysong e-mailed us about a recent project of his:

I wanted to share a project I did in my backyard with a sledgehammer and circular saw I borrowed from the Tool Library. I also used a drill, shovel and and level of my own. The materials I needed were 4x4 pressure treated timbers, steel rebar and leveling sand.

My backyard rises 4 feet from my back patio and is essentially the remnants of a row of homes that were demolished into themselves. I wanted to open my patio up a bit and remove some of the hardscape, so I decided to knock down a portion of the former house to create a planting bed with a terraced effect.

One of the biggest challenges was digging out the fill in my backyard, which is basically the remnants of the house - brick, wood, glass, other debris, and not to mention some nasty stuff I didn't want to breath in. The other challenge was drilling though pressure treated would to insert rebar.

Once I was done, I backfilled with new soil and planted a Cherry Plum tree and some annuals in the bed and some upright growing Yews to frame the bed up top. I also transplanted some Tiger Lillies and daffodils into the bed that were already growing in my yard. Take a look at the before, after and construction pics. I couldn't have done it without the Tool Library. I re-poured my front steps 2 weeks ago...so more to come!

West Philly's Premier Backyard Compost Bin

2009-05-30T11:29:00.003-04:00

Michael Froehlich used these Tool Library tools: cordless drill, table saw with dado blade, chop saw, staple gun, tape measure, chalk line.

Free Basic Home Repair Classes!

2009-05-09T09:49:00.004-04:00

Saunders Park Neighbors & The West Philly Tool Library present
A series of hands-on classes for community members

Free
Basic Home Repair Classes

Learn how to fix basic problems in your house
& understand how to judge the work of contractors you hire

Community Room
Rowan House
325 North 39th Street

Each class starts at 6:30pm and ends at 8:30pm
Thurs, May 21 Introduction to using power tools
Thurs, May 28 Basic carpentry
Thurs, June 4 How to install and repair drywall
Thurs, June 11 Understanding the electricity in your house
Thurs, June 18 Understanding the plumbing in your house
Thurs, June 25 Painting tips and tricks

Participants attending four classes will receive a gift certificate for 50% off an annual membership to the West Philly Tool Library located at 4620 Woodland Avenue (regular price: $20.)

Everyone welcome! Women! Men! Owners! Renters! Seniors! Students!

Registration is required. To register, please call the Tool Library at 215-833-3190 or email Stacey at info@westphillytools.org.

Beautiful new Tool Library T-shirts have arrived

2009-04-30T10:38:00.001-04:00

Want to wear your support for the Tool Library on your sleeve? Come pick up a brand new t-shirt. The shirts are made by a local unionized shop. The three-color silkscreening was done by our friends at Reclaim, a print shop on Baltimore and 49th. They're available at the Tool Library for only $13.

We're looking for volunteers

2009-04-29T19:35:00.002-04:00

As you may have noticed, the Tool Library has seen a dramatic increase in our membership since it has turned warm.

We're looking for a few volunteers to help us keep the library organized, check in/our tools, and do other assorted projects.

Do you have a few hours? Please contact us at info@westphillytools.org. Thanks!

Tool Library to be featured at Ignite Philly 3

2009-04-29T19:33:00.002-04:00

The Tool Library has been invited to present at Ignite Philly 3, a regular series featuring scientists, artists, and activists showcasing their new ideas. Participants have five minutes to talk their way through 20 slides to explain their project.

Interested in hearing about what's new in Philadelphia? Come out to Johnny Brenda's this Saturday, May 2nd.

Thanks to everyone who came out for our one-year anniversary

2009-04-29T19:28:00.002-04:00

Our one-year anniversary party held last month was a wild success. Thanks to everyone who came out. As part of our tool drive, we collected over 20 power tools and hundreds of other tools. The Philadelphia Inquirer did a great front-page article on the Tool Library's anniversary, too.

Still have tools you would like to donate to the Tool Library? Click here.

UCHS Announces 2009 Technical Assistance Program

2009-04-23T19:02:00.003-04:00

Richard Dretsch, UCHS Board Member:

The University City Historical Society (UCHS) is, for the third year in a row, sponsoring a Technical Assistance Program (TAP) in partnership with the Community Design Collaborative of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The TAP provides West Philadelphia property owners with two hours of on-site, face-to-face consultation with an architect or building preservation expert.

Most of the residential buildings in University City are over a hundred years old. And while architectural character and history are, in part, what draw many of us to the area, older properties can be a serious technical and financial challenge to maintain. They have special maintenance needs and it can be difficult to know what should be fixed first, who to call, how much it will cost, and which parts of the project are possible to do on your own versus those best left to professionals. The TAP program is designed to address these types of questions.

Those who apply and are chosen to participate in the program will have the exterior of their property examined by a building professional who can offer advice on issues which, depending upon your needs, may include foundations and drainage, roofing and gutters, porch repair and painting, energy conservation or any other exterior problems. Each consultation is followed up by a brief written report given to the property owner that outlines the TAP professional’s findings.

TAP consultation is only available to UCHS members as a benefit of membership. UCHS membership is only $20/year for households or $10 for seniors. Other benefits include subscription to On the West Side, the society’s regular members’ newsletter; registration on UCHS’s Grapevine e-mail preservation listserve; access to UCHS members’ local Contractors/Suppliers Referral List; and invitations or discounts to UCHS sponsored events, including house tours, workshops, date plaques, and publications. Those interested in becoming a member of UCHS and applying for the Technical Assistance Program consultation get copies of the membership and TAP applications at www.uchs.net, email info@uchs.net or call (215) 387-3019.

Applying for TAP consultation is easy and inexpensive. Applicants are asked to briefly describe their exterior renovation priorities on the TAP application by May 15, 2009 and provide a handful of photographs documenting the existing condition of problem areas. If you are chosen to participate in the program, you will be asked to pay a $25 registration fee. The dozen properties which receive these services this year is limited by the number of participating TAP building professionals; UCHS will select applicants who demonstrate the greatest need.

The owners of the dozen properties chosen will be given dates for their TAP consultations later this summer.

We're in The Inquirer!

2009-03-21T13:30:00.003-04:00

The West Philly Tool Library is in today's issue of The Philadelphia Enquirer!

One Year Anniversary Tool Drive

2009-03-12T19:00:00.003-04:00

Haven’t used that sander since the Clinton Administration?
Old roommate never picked up his ratchet set?
Get another drill for Christmas?

Don’t let them collect dust in your basement!

The West Philly Tool Library is celebrating its One Year Anniversary with a Tool Drive!

Saturday, March 21st from 9am to 2pm.
4620 Woodland Avenue

All donations are tax deductible and will benefit all the members of the library.

Bring a friend who hasn’t yet joined and celebrate one year of our community experiment in sharing and self-reliance.

Coffee and snacks will be provided.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

2009-03-07T11:57:00.001-05:00

How has the new Stimulus bill affected the tax credits for energy efficient home improvements?

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits. The highlights are:

* The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well.
* The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.
* The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a CAC), have been converted to 30% of the cost.
* The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009–2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.
* The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

SUMMARY OF TAX CREDITS FOR HOMEOWNERS.

All Tax Credit FAQs.

Member Project: Chicken Coop

2009-02-28T12:25:00.002-05:00

Member Zoe used Tool Library Tools to make this beautiful Chicken Coop:

Build a backyard chicken coop.

Raising chickens in the city.

Urban Chickens.

Send pictures of your Tool Library-assisted projects to info@westphillytools.org.

Yelp for The Tool Library

2009-02-05T19:34:00.004-05:00

Yelp is a great website where you can read and share reviews of local businesses, organizations, and restaurants. Founding Tool Library Committee Stacey Hendricks recently wrote this about The Tool Library:

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: I'm a founding member on the steering committee of the WPTL- With that shocking admission I must also state that I'm a regular member who uses the library to help keep up with work on and around my house.

Tool Library--It sounded pleasantly odd when I first heard those two words together. Good, but abnormal, like chocolate syrup in orange juice (try it and you'll know what's up.) The West Philly Tool Library is just what it sounds like- A place in West Philly where members come to borrow tools. You don't even have to be a resident of West Philadelphia, that's just where it's located. It is a non profit organization fiscally sponsored by the GPUAC, and supported by members and many public and private funders. Several hundred members have paid $20.00 to join for a year, or $200.00 for a lifetime membership. About a thousand different tools were in the collection at last count. From a screwdriver to a circular saw to a 40' extension ladder there are a lot of ways to get a job done. To be a member one has to provide a couple of references, read and sign a few forms, and pay-up. All those details can be found on the website, http://www.westphillyt..., or the related blog.

It's currently open Saturday 9am-2pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30pm-9:30pm

I really have meant to explain my experience using the library, which has been consistently awesome. I haven't had to check out one of the big ladders yet, but this Spring I will, and I won't have to pay a fee for a few hours at the rental place, and scramble to get done to avoid a penalty. Rushing on a ladder is not a lot of fun. There are no per use charges for tools at the WPTL, and loans are for one week. Get it back in time though as there are fines for not returning tools, just like a book library-other folks may need the hammer drill as well. I wish it had existed when I first moved to Philadelphia 10+ years ago, the painting tools that I bought to fix up my first dumpy apartment got left on the curb when I downsized to a smaller place. I could have borrowed them and bought better paint, or donated them to the WPTL when I was done and gotten a tax write-off. I could have also borrowed a screw-gun to hang some shelves instead of making due with milkcrates. Oh well, it's here now and when It warms up and I need a weedwacker to clean up my yard, or a wheelbarrow to haul some compost I know where to go.

I've also sat in on some of the home repair classes that are offered, and learned some new ways to get things done. Volunteering with community groups that borrowed tools for cleanups and work days has made me feel pretty swell inside too. The truth is the tools are great but for me the best of it is the many lovely, like-minded, but curiously diverse friends that I've made.

Old houses around the city were complicated technological marvels of their time, that with very basic maintenance can last for a few hundred years. They're still complicated, take care of as much as you can yourself. If you need a tool that you don't have be sure to check out the West Philly Tool Library. Try it and you'll know what's up!

Add your own Tool Library Reviews here.

Member Projects!

2009-02-03T19:35:00.007-05:00

Tool Library Member Jeff e-mailed us "a couple photos from my bathroom remodeling that is almost complete. I used the Tool Library tools to mix and apply mortar, grout and mastic for floor and wall tile. People have to be crazy not to take advantage of the Tool Library!"

Send us pics from your own Tool Library-assisted projects and we'll feature them here!

Tool Spotlight: 10" Dewalt Table Saw

2009-01-29T20:11:00.002-05:00

Don't you just wanna do some woodwork with this?