Tool Library Alliance
MISSION
The Tool Library Alliance (TLA) unites tool libraries across the United States to foster community resilience, increase sustainability, and build a culture of generosity through the sharing of tools, skills, and knowledge.
GOALS
Strengthen and Sustain Existing Tool Libraries: Provide resources, support, and networking opportunities to enhance the operations and impact of established tool libraries.
Reduce Waste and Encourage Sustainable Practices: Advocate for the reduction of waste and overconsumption by promoting the sharing and reuse of tools, thereby minimizing environmental impact and shifting cultural values.
Support the Development of New Tool Libraries: Advocate for and assist in the creation of new tool libraries, ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to thrive.
Enhance Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure that tool libraries are known as a relevant community resource and are accessible to all community members, fostering inclusivity and equity in resource sharing especially among those historically cut off from public resources.
Promote Community Building and Skill Sharing: Encourage collaboration and skill-sharing among community members to build stronger, more connected neighborhoods.
Leverage Collective Power: Collaborate on mutual-benefit efforts to secure funding, reduce costs, and improve access to business services.
COMMUNITY
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, January 28th: Libraries of Things gathering (register) Add to Google Calendar Outlook Calendar (.ics)
Hear about all the available resources for your library's stage of development, and help identify what else is needed.
Join us for free, monthly Co-Lab learning sessions! Hear from experienced practitioners, ask questions, and share your own expertise:
Tuesday, February 25th: Environmental Impact Tracking (register) Add to Google Calendar Outlook Calendar (.ics)
Tuesday, March 25th: Earned Revenue Streams (register) Add to Google Calendar Outlook Calendar (.ics)
Tuesday, April 29th: Partnerships (register) Add to Google Calendar Outlook Calendar (.ics)
Tuesday, May 27th: Staffing Structures and Hiring (register) Add to Google Calendar Outlook Calendar (.ics)
Tuesday, June 24th: Community Service Volunteers and Internship Management (register) Add to Google Calendar Outlook Calendar (.ics)
👋 Invite hello@toollibraryalliance.org to your event to add it to the TLA calendar!
Find a Library of Things
📌Add a library of things to the map
We'd love to know where you are regardless of your library's age or structure!
Resources
Libraries of Things Toolkit - your go-to guide to starting and growing a library of things, published by Shareable
Reuse Funders - a living document of grant prospects for reuse projects by Upstream
Partners
Shareable - Start-up resources for new libraries of things, including the LOT CoLab learning series
Repair Economy Washington - Offers start-up guides for hosting repair events and networking opportunities
The Maintainers - Global research and practice network focused on advancing maintenance, repair, and care.
LOTMutualAid - a Google group for LOTs housed within municipal libraries
Australian Library of Things Network - our counterparts on the other side of the globe
Membership
TLA Membership is currently open to any independent library of things in the U.S. that has been operating for at least two years and lends tools. If you're in a different situation, we would still love to hear from you!
Member Quick Links
👥 TLA Google Group
At the Tool Library Alliance, we don't just share tools! We want to be a resource when it comes to marketing materials, research reports, governance documents, and grant templates. Our members have started to compile these sorts of resources into a shared Google Drive that you can access and use as you get up and running. Have materials to contribute? Reach out and let us know.