Written by Guelph Tool Library Staff
The Guelph Tool Library is relocating to a new, larger location – just down the hall from their current home in Old Quebec Street Shoppes. To mark this change, discounted memberships, perk packages, and sponsorship opportunities will be available, alongside tickets to their September 28th grand reopening party and Skill Share Fair.
Founded in 2016, the Guelph Tool Library provides sustainability-savvy individuals and groups with low-cost, space-saving access to a variety of equipment. The volunteer-driven, membership-based lending library includes tools and resources for an array of DIY activities including gardening, construction and home renovations or repairs, crafting, event hosting and parties, audio/visual projects, and more. Now, needing more space to grow, the organization is moving to a larger unit within their current home of Old Quebec Street Shoppes.
“We’ve outgrown our current space and we’re so excited to move to a bigger unit so we can continue to grow and serve the Guelph community,” says Claire Cowan, Chair of the Guelph Tool Library Board. “The new location has more space for tools and space for our awesome programming. We’ll have a dedicated workshop space that we can use for classes and events.”
On Friday, August 30th, the tool library will temporarily close to accommodate the move. They will reopen down the hall in Unit 115, just the other side of Buck or Two Plus, on Saturday, September 14th. “We’ll make sure our members can get what they need before the move so they can borrow it for the duration of the closure. We know a lot of folks have plans at the end of summer and start of the school year, so we want to do our best to accommodate that while we set up the new space.” says Steph Clarke, the Communications and Program Coordinator for the Guelph Tool Library.
A couple of weeks after reopening, the GTL will be ready to commemorate the move with two big celebrations. The first event, which will take place Saturday, September 28th from 11 am to 4 pm, will be a Skill Share Fair. “It’s like a carnival, but instead of ring toss and balloons, you get to take mini workshops to learn new skills like making recycled plantable paper, printmaking, or upcycling an old t-shirt into a reusable bag,” says Clarke.
Tickets for the Skill Share Fair start at 2 activities for $5, but you can go all the way up to the $50 Golden Ticket, which includes unlimited activities and admission to the afterparty. “The afterparty will be our chance to showcase the space in a unique light – the classroom will transform into a silent Disco, and the Freehub Community Bike Centre will serve as a spot to enjoy some local food and signature mocktails. You’ll get to tour the space with our volunteers and staff, who would love to show you all their favourite tools!” notes Clarke. Tickets for both of these events are available now at www.guelphtoollibrary.org.
“This is a big move for us and we’re going to need the community behind us! Now is the perfect time to become a member, donate and show your support,” says Cowan. “We’re so excited to be able to make this move so we can continue to grow and contribute to an amazing community with a focus on sharing knowledge, skills and resources.”
The Guelph Tool Library is also seeking some people-power to volunteer their time. “If you’re handy at putting up shelves, or helping with sanding and painting, let us know and we’d love to have you join a work bee during the move,” states Clarke, nothing that interested volunteers can email [email protected] to help out.
For more information see below. To purchase tickets for any of the various events, click here.
Claire Cowan
Chair – Guelph Tool Library Board of Directors 519 994 3139 C
Steph Clarke
Communications and Programming Coordinator 519 836 7909 W 519 829 9037 C
Facebook.com/guelphtoollibrary
