We don't want to toot our own horn, but we're pretty sure we're one of AT's least handy writers. Put a hammer in our hand and we're bound to make a huge mess...don't even get us started on what damage we might do with a drill or a saw. Point being, we own zero tools of our own, which makes a new Portland service even more brilliant.
The Northeast Portland Tool Library
The Northeast Portland Tool Library opened its doors in mid-July, making a home in a one-car garage. Founded by Eric Fair-Layman (a perfect name for a tool guy, don't you think?), tools can only be borrowed by Northeast Portland residents -- you'll have to show proof of ID and a utility bill to prove it.
Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., tools can be checked out a week at a time and are due the following Saturday. There are about 200 pieces to choose from and resident can borrow up to five tools at a time. Bring 'em back, though. Returning tools late will generate a fine.
The library is run by volunteers, though there's hope of hiring paid staff in the future. For now, locals can make tax-deductible donations of tools or cash or generously give their time to help people like us know how to (safely) use the equipment.
(Live in North Portland? The North Portland Tool Library is located in the Kenton Firehouse at 2209 N Schofield St.)
Images: Portland Sentinel, Portland Mercury
The Northeast Portland Tool Library
| Location: |
5431 NE 20th Ave. (Behind Redeemer Lutheran Church)
Portland,
OR
|
|---|---|
| Phone: |
503.754.0534
|
| Website: | www.neptl.org |
| Categories: |
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What a wonderful idea! Darn, I live a little over an hour from Portland. Any Seacoast NH'ites out there who want to open something up around here?
view ilovebutter's profile
I don't know if there's ever been a post on here about them, but Oakland and Berkeley have tool lending libraries as well. You can look up their collections on each public library's respective websites. They're pretty awesome.
view cola's profile
We just want to know why we are talking about ourselves in the First Person Plural? :)
view modernguy's profile
modernguy, all of AT is written in the first person plural... Check out the other posts!
ilovebutter, this is actually Portland, Oregon, not Portland, Maine. But good luck finding one in your area!
view liseah's profile
Thanks for the tip! I'm moving in to a home in NE Portland this weekend, and am in serious need of some tools!
view visionaire's profile
thanks modernguy, (the royal)we have been wondering about that too:)
view oldsplice's profile
they'll never ditch the gimmick. we'll just have to get over it.
view amt230's profile
Tool lending libraries are great. I made frequent use of the one in Berkeley along University Avenue.
Now grammar/style notes from a former English teacher and editor: The "we" in this post is inconsistent in style with the "you'll" and "'em" pronouns that follow. If you're aiming for the impartial, impersonal tone of such narration, then please use the same style throughout your post. And "we're pretty sure we're one of AT's least handy writers" actually makes you sound like you don't write all that well. Even design blogs should boast of solid writing.
view krister's profile
That's why I made the joke. Sometimes it was coming from the view of the Writer, sometimes from the group. Just having a little fun. love all.
view modernguy's profile
Calling this a "new Portland service" is a bit misleading. It's new to this particular neighborhood, but was modeled on the North Portland tool library that has thrived for years.
view PDX01's profile
I love this!! I live in NE Portland!! Whooo hooo! Thanks AT :)
view Claire K's profile
PDX01 -- I mentioned the N. Portland one as well, though I suppose it would have been fair to say, "New to NE Portland service." Since both get credit and links, I'm hoping everyone's happy.
Krister -- Ouch. Geez, I'll try to do better next time. For what it's worth, I don't think I'd ever use "handy" as an adjective to describe writing, only writers.
view liseah's profile