Tool library coming to Guelph this July, co-founder says

People in Guelph are hammering away at a plan to create a tool-lending library where residents can borrow items they want to use without spending a fortune.  

Susan Carey, co-founder of the Guelph Tool Library, joined The Morning Edition host Craig Norris Wednesday to shed light on why she thinks this type of sharing is ideal for the city. 

"Guelph's in an open-minded kind of a place – very environmentally conscious," she said. "We lead in this sort of thing so it made sense that we pick up on this tool library movement that's happening elsewhere.

"I knew it would be a success the second I heard about it."

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Officials are still trying to determine a location for the site, but Carey said the lending library should open in July.

"What you would do is you would go to the website and take a look through the inventory," she explained. "There'd be all kinds of tools, photographs, descriptions and then you would put the ones you want on a reserve and book them."

Carey acknowledged residents have to be owners of a library card with the public system and there will be an annual fee somewhere in the $30 to $40 range, which you can pay online. During hours of operation, those with reservations can visit the site, pick up their tools and use them for a week.

"We really want to support the backyard and community agriculture movement that's happening around here," she noted, admitting the initial focus was planned around gardening tools. The co-founder added there will also be tools available to make arts and crafts, such as power tools, looms, an apple press and sewing machines. 

This type of sharing economy would suit the city well, according to Carey. 

"We've all got houses full of stuff we don't need. Getting more stuff we don't need just doesn't satisfy anymore," she said. "I think sharing some of that stuff might make people happier."

If you have tools you no longer use or would like to donate, you can email [email protected] to help build the system's inventory.