Recycling bin solution

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West Philly Tool Library

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Weekend Project

Turn Scrap Wood Into An Awesome Laminate Table.

Looking for a Reverse Hammer?

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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?

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.