The DC Tool Library at 1390 Taylor St NW (photo courtesy DC Tool Library)

The DC Tool Library (1390 Taylor St NW) was created in 2020 by Green Neighbors DC, who were motivated by how other tool libraries had strengthened local communities.

They partnered with DC's Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) to jump-start a small tool share program that previously existed at Twin Oaks Community Garden on 13th Street. In 2021, it kicked off the fully functional DC Tool Library, funded in part by the city, but with most tools donated by residents and neighbors. Since then, it grew to over 500 tools with hundreds of neighbors involved, both volunteering and checking out tools for home projects, gardening and more.

Unfortunately, the Tool Library was recently burglarized several times over the course of a week, with more than $10,000 worth of tools stolen.

Their original stock of tools were provided by the DPR, and expanded by donations from the community. The city provides for site costs and the DC Council committed $200,000 for site/building repairs in the 2023-24 fiscal year budget. Green Neighbors DC has been funding events for volunteers and workshops for the community and occasional emergency needs for equipment and repairs.

The group has put together a fundraiser to help raise money to replace the tools and improve security at the building.

"We hope that this is an opportunity to bring folks together and rebuild the library better and stronger than ever," said one of the organizers.

If you want to help support the DC Tool Library, you can donate to their fundraiser.

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