Joe Bielecki: Not everyone has the funds or space to acquire and store all the tools they may need for any given project. Luckily, there's places like the Belknap Tool Library, where, just like a book at a regular library, tools can be borrowed out and returned when finished. I talked to the tool library's manager, Josie, about what can be borrowed, events hosted through the library, and more. I was Googling Grand Rapids Tool Libraries because I was feeling like there are some things I need access to that I don't feel like spending hundreds of dollars to buy, that I may also need to learn how to use. And I found the Bell Knapp Tool Library and I just had to talk to you. So for anybody who doesn't know, what is a tool library?
Josie: So a tool library, mean, the name basically implies what it is, but surprisingly enough, people ask me this all the time. They just can't get their idea, like the head around like, oh, like there could be a library for other things besides books. But yeah, that's basically what it is. Instead of books, we have tools and it's basically free to check out. You know, we do say $5 deposit per tool cash, and then you get that money back when you return them. Just as a little bit of accountability, but I'm pretty lax about that policy. If someone needs a shovel and doesn't have $5, I want them to use that tool or that's the idea is like trusting people with community resources because oftentimes it's, you know, you're afraid that someone's going to steal something, but you know, for them to understand that it's a community resource and, you know, shared by the community is really important.
JB: I've noticed libraries have gotten a lot more lax about late fees and stuff kind of since I was a kid too. I, I imagine if you understand it's there and what it's there for, you're going to use it responsibly. You're like through the Belknap Lookout community. What's title of that?
Josie: The Neighbors of Belknap Lookout Neighborhood Association.
JB: That's the one. So I don't live in that neighborhood. Can I still check out tools?
Josie: Yes, 100 percent. You know, our big thing is we want people to use the tools we. Yes, it is in our neighborhood and it is, you know, through our neighborhood association. We do love it when our neighbors use the tools because it beautifies our neighborhood, but also like our neighbors are throughout the city. I don't like to gatekeep. Eventually every neighborhood should have a tool library or we'll have like a city-wide tool library. But for now, this is what we have and I'm happy to help anyone that comes in.
JB: Awesome. What tools do you have right now that someone could come in and check out?
Josie: So like our bread and butter is like tools that someone's gonna use like once a year or like once every couple months or something like that. Like a rototiller or a post setter or a post hole digger, know, things like that that are a little bit more niche that someone might buy once and leave in the garage and, you know, it rusts and doesn't get used. Or like, you know, people don't have space usually to store stuff like that. especially in our neighborhood and other neighborhoods that are mostly renters. We are mostly donation-based so, it is, whatever we've gotten through donations. And also we got a $5,000 grant to start the tool library so we were able to purchase a fair number of nice tools. So we have everything from like power tools, battery powered, like Makita drills, circular saws, chop saw. And then we also have yard tools. So. lawn tools, garden tools, things like that, power washers.
JB: Say I come in and I know I need a specific tool, but I've never used it before. Is there somebody there who can help me learn how to use it safely and effectively?
Josie: Yes, I am usually there on Saturdays from nine to noon and I am a professional carpenter. So I've I don't know everything. I'm not an expert, but, know, I can certainly try to help people. Like everything that we have at the tool library should know how to use. And anything that's dangerous, like a circular saw or a table saw or whatever that is, I make sure that people have the proper training, whether it's through our like workshops that we host or even a quick tutorial that I can run someone through it.
JB: Can you tell me more about the programming you offer?
Josie: Yeah. So we got some funding through the neighborhood match fund, which is a city program where people can apply for a grant and they can run different, that funding can be used in the ways that they specify through the application process. We do these workshops every month. We've had two already. One was partnership with the Grand Rapids Area Tenants Union. And that was focused on repairs that renters can make. And also like knowing the rights that they have and also being aware of like the lease agreements and what the expectations are as far as move out and being able to secure your full security deposit back. Then the next one that we did was a building garden boxes, like plan boxes, specifically ones that like tenants could use in rental units that take u a low impact, but also could be moved around. So we planted some herbs. We got some herbs from a local naturally grown farm called Stillwind Farm. They're a great farm. And yeah, it was a good time.
JB: And what are your goals for the library moving forward?
Josie: Always trying to grow. I can see it growing larger and having larger inventories outside of basic power tools and garden tools. So like kitchen appliances, like stand mixers or like pasta makers or art supplies, musical instruments, the sky's the limit, honestly, but it all won't fit in our tiny basement. So, you know, always trying to figure out how to grow this idea.
JB: So if someone wants to learn more or donate, what's the best way to get in contact with you?
Josie: The email that I use for the tool library is tools@belknaplookout.org and you can email that and ask me if we have a specific tool. Eventually I want to have a full inventory online, but we are not at that point at the moment. It's mostly just me running the library and you know.
JB: And do you have a website?
Josie: It is neighborsofbelknaplookout.org.
