The Guelph Tool Library is a lending library of tools where you can borrow tools
for food preparation, food preservation, gardening, renovation, arts, etc.
SABA SANEINEJAD is passionate about community work, environmental issues, and arts & culture. Her career as a building/aerodynamic engineer brought her to Guelph in April 2014. Saba coordinates our popular Repair Cafe events.
EMILY DUNCAN is a tool librarian and she enjoys building sustainable communities through volunteer work and social activism. Emily is a graduate student at UofG focusing on food systems and agriculture.
JOHN DENNIS is a local environmental activist involved with social justice issues for a number of years. John is a board member with Transition Guelph and has focused on urban agricultural issues and fundraising.
SUSAN CAREY works with the Urban Food Working Group of Transition Guelph and volunteers with the Guelph Tool Library in several capacities. If something we've done looks super cool, she probably had a hand in it.
Our Vision...
Tool libraries loan specialized tools for both experienced and inexperienced community members who are interested in repair, maintenance and building projects. Local tool libraries reduce the costs of improving and greening neighbourhoods, thereby transforming homes and community spaces into vibrant places that reflect a commitment to sustainability and environmental concern. Over 100 tool libraries have been established in North America since 1979. As a member of the Guelph Tool Library, members sign-out tools for both their home and community initiatives. Whether you are hanging a picture or renovating a community park, the Tool Library offers a range of equipment for your project as a low-cost, resource sharing and space-saving alternative to purchasing and owning tools. The Guelph Tool Library is a project of Transition Guelph, a local chapter in a global network of citizen groups working to build infrastructure for a sustainable economy beyond fossil fuels. Transition Guelph held its first public meeting in 2008. By 2009 Guelph, Ontario officially declared its status as a "Transition Town" and now hosts an annual, week-long Resilience Festival encompassing Earth Hour. The Guelph Tool Library officially opened its doors in August 2016. It provides access to a collection of tools commonly used in community agriculture and do-it-yourself construction projects for an annual membership fee ($40.00). The Guelph Tool Library currently operates with funds from a City of Guelph grant but has a goal to become self-sufficient through membership fees.
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Zero Waste Holiday Guide
At this time of year, it can be hard to stay focused on waste reduction and making sustainable choices. Our time and wallets are stretched thin, and our desires can often outweigh our needs. In October, we already covered many ways to entertain while keeping zero-waste practices in mind, and you can refresh your memory Read more about Zero Waste Holiday Guide[…]
GUELPH TOOL LIBRARY LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
Transition Guelph project seeking funding for new “Creator Kits” to help bring unique ideas to life Launched in conjunction with Giving Tuesday, we are looking to raise $2,500 in order to add a series of specialty kits to our inventory. These kits will allow users to carry out special interest projects such as Read more about GUELPH TOOL LIBRARY LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN[…]
Zero Waste Living – What works for you?
Growing up, I am sure many of us heard “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” on repeat. These days, it seems there are 5 or more “R’s” to put in to practice when it comes to living zero waste. Zero Waste Home author Bea Johnson has been sharing her ideas regarding waste reduction for over a decade. She carries Read more about Zero Waste Living – What works for you?[…]
Tool Box Campaign
On October 24th our students from the Immigrant Services tool training program will complete their course, and we are providing each graduate with a tool box of basics. Your donation of $20 will buy a toolbox or you can drop off gently used or new tools or cash donations at our library between now and Read more about Tool Box Campaign[…]
Zero Waste Halloween
Halloween may be a time for tricks and treats, but the scariest part about the season is the amount of waste it produces in North America. Canadians spend $397 million on Halloween candy alone, and most of that comes in non-recyclable packaging. The good news? There are so many great options for a zero-waste Halloween! Read more about Zero Waste Halloween[…]
Zero Waste Entertaining
As we enter a long and potentially hectic Holiday season, it can be easy to get carried away with convenience foods, excessive decorations, and elaborate gifts. Approaching this time of year from a zero-waste perspective can have a huge impact on your personal footprint (and your budget!) Most of us love festive holiday decor, but Read more about Zero Waste Entertaining[…]
Simple Swaps September
As the new sustainability programming coordinator at the Guelph Tool Library, I feel it is extra important that I spend this year demonstrating my “sustainability accountability”. This blog will act as a diary of sorts, where I will check in with my successes and my shortcomings when it comes to incorporating techniques for waste reduction Read more about Simple Swaps September[…]
Toolbox Drive for New Immigrants
Our friends at Immigrant Service Guelph-Wellington approached us about using our space to teach a course on Home Maintenance and to use our tools for some hands on demonstrations. We were happy to help them out and the classes started in early September. The class is teaching newcomers to Canada about what type of tools Read more about Toolbox Drive for New Immigrants[…]
IKEA Commercial Reflects Changing Ideas
At the Guelph Tool Library and Repair Café Guelph, we are often telling our story and how concerned we are about the “throw away” mindset that is constantly advertised. So, we were delighted to see the new IKEA Commercial that takes a positive spin on recycling. Spike Jones directed the famous and funny Ikea Lamp Read more about IKEA Commercial Reflects Changing Ideas[…]
Big news at the Guelph Tool Library
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan, Author As we enter a new season in 2018, the Guelph Tool Library is also entering a new season itself. As we grow, we have acquired a strong team of coordinators and volunteers. With that team Read more about Big news at the Guelph Tool Library[…]