As the concept progresses, having access to basic tools is the gateway to improving your properties and learning skills.
The Sioux Falls Tool Library, which is in the early stages of community building, is finding a solid response to the idea.
“This is a community-supported effort and it takes a lot of people to make it happen,” co-organizer Jordan Deffenbaugh said.
“Our goal is to help strengthen our community by enabling our members to complete projects without the need for expensive tools that they ultimately don't need on an ongoing basis.”
Based at 921 E. Eighth St., the tool library is staffed by volunteers, and members can access a variety of tools starting at $50 a year.
At the recent Sioux Empire Home Show, people flocked to the Sioux Falls Tool Library booth “incredibly enthusiastic about the concept,” Deffenbaugh said. “The best thing that has come out of this is that other vendors are now aware of this program. We want to develop partnerships with local businesses in the area of trade and development. ”
The tool library has nearly 100 members, but he estimates it needs 500 to be sustainable.
“But every weekend we had new people coming in and new groups of volunteers joining us,” he said. “Volunteers are the greatest resource we have. We also need help staffing the library, teaching classes, and collecting donations.”
Click here to participate.
Deffenbaugh said the tool library is already exploring other areas that could benefit from the concept. This includes themed libraries for gardening and auto repair. The group has also started a community workshop in the basement of the Union Gospel Mission.
“This will be a skills upskilling space aimed at connecting people to training opportunities through the development of community projects,” he said. “Honestly, contact us and we’ll let you know how we can build your community.”