PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is launching a tool library. Starting next week, the library will be open on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The science center (PTMSC) will host an open house on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 4907 Landes Street, at the library’s Jefferson Fair Ground location.
Instructions on the tool library’s webpage say to enter on 49th street and park on the right after entering. Facing the fairground, look for signs to the tool library on your right.
On Saturday, open house attendees will have the opportunity to sign-up for membership, view the space and see the tools available to checkout. An online membership application is also available at https://ptmsc.org/jeffco-repair/community-tool-library/.
“When they sign up to become a member, they’ll be signing a liability waiver, which is basically saying that they will only borrow tools that they know how to use,” said PTMSC Outreach Coordinator Mandi Johnson.
Most of the tools in the library were donated, Johnson said, and some were purchased by PTMSC.
“Right now we’re predominantly tools like drills and circular saws, to miter saws, to things like ladders and lots and lots of yard and garden tools, and paint tools,” Johnson said.
The library will include things like weed whackers and lawn mowers, too, she said.
“I like the philosophy that anything useful is really just helpful to have in this kind of a resource,” Johnson said. “So we have things like upholstery cleaners and folding tables. I’m excited for that portion of it to continue to develop as people understand what this resource is.”
The library is still accepting donations but does not have unlimited space for inventory. The library’s donation policy lists what they are looking for and what they are unlikely to accept.
The concept of the tool library grew out of PTMSC’s repair programs.
“We have really cool volunteers who can just fix just about anything,” Johnson said.”Community members can bring those items in and get them successfully, and kind of hopefully learn how to do some of these skills.”
The premise is to minimize what ends up in the landfill, she said. It fits into the Marine Science Center’s mission is to inspire conservation of the Salish Sea, she added.
The tool library extends the idea by limiting the need for consumption of products that some people may only need once a year, Johnson said.
The tool library will not require any payment, but for those who can pay, the suggested minimum membership cost is $1 annually for every $1,000 of annual income a member makes. For example, if someone makes $50,000, they could pay $50. No proof of income is required.
The library’s website breaks down the costs: $100 plus will help cover the costs of unpaid members, $50 helps maintain the program. Revenue generated will go towards employee salaries, paying fairground rent and maintaining the tools.
Johnson noted that the formation of the tool library would not have happened without the help of many volunteers. Those interested in volunteering can find a form on the tool library page of the PTMSC website.
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Reporter Elijah Sussman can be reached at elijah.sussman@sequimgazette.com
