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 - Tool Library Coordinator
Saba 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 - Tool Library Coordinator
Emily 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 - Tool Library Coordinator
John's passion is finding a new home for unwanted items or exploring how to share resources that often are overlooked or wasted. You will often find John at the Tool Library fixing broken tools or driving around town picking up donations.
MEREDITH SWEENEY - Tool Library Coordinator
Meredith is a local urban farmer and community advocate who coordinates the Backyard Caring Program and GROW Community Garden. With a background in education, she loves to teach workshops and share skills with others, in her spare time she runs Zero Waste Guelph, a group that supports living a plastic-free lifestyle in the community.
SUSAN CAREY - Tool Library Coordinator
Susan 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.
STEPH CLARKE - Sustainability Initiatives Coordinator
Steph is the Sustainable Initiatives Coordinator at the Guelph Tool Library, as part of their Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grant. With a background in art and costume design, and a passion for social change, Steph enjoys providing creative, hands-on programs that teach practical skills for waste reduction and sustainable living.
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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Re: Purpose Fest
The Guelph Tool Library (GTL) presents Re:Purpose Fest, a community recycling event and barbeque on Saturday June 29 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Tytler Public School (131 Ontario Street). Attendees at Re:Purpose Fest will be able to recycle many items that normally end up in the landfill or learn about unique ways to Read more about Re: Purpose Fest[…]
Beeswax Wraps
You might have heard the buzz about beeswax wraps. The little fabric squares are taking the world of sustainable living by storm. These wraps allow you to eliminate plastic wrap, produce bags, and sandwich bags in your every day routine. They are made from cotton fabric that has been coated in a waxy solution made Read more about Beeswax Wraps[…]
Take-away the waste
When trying to reduce waste, one of the hardest things to give up is convenience foods. Tetra Paks, the dreaded black plastic, styrofoam, and so much cellophane stand between the consumer and a quick, convenient meal. Even at many fast food and carry-out places, there’s single use cutlery, condiments, and containers to contend with. Recently, Read more about Take-away the waste[…]
Students Share Creative Talents with the Guelph Tool Library
The Guelph Tool Library has had a unique relationship with the Marketing Students at John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute since before we opened. Students and teachers have shared their time and talent to help us create some funny, interesting, and curious promotions over the years. Our most recent endeavor was to create commercials for some Read more about Students Share Creative Talents with the Guelph Tool Library[…]
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[…]