Tool Library seeks equipment

WERE you gifted some brand-new, sparkling tools over Christmas and are no longer needing your pre-loved equipment?

The Ballarat Tool Library is encouraging members of the public to give to their tool drive this Saturday, 9 January between 10am and 12pm if they have equipment at home or at work that they no longer require, but is still in a good, safe condition.

Committee member Angela Molloy said affordable, accessible equipment lending, much like a book and resource library, is the ultimate goal for the community, volunteer-led group, which is opening very soon.

“While COVID threw a spanner in the works, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to establish a Tool Library for Ballarat,” she said.

Ballarat Tool Library’s storage facility at Barkly Square, 25 to 39 Barkly Street will be open and taking donations, with COVID-safe procedures in place.

Entry is via the carpark on Princes Street south. Look out for the bright sign.

The committee has been working since the last tool drive 12 weeks ago to spruce, clean, sharpen, catalogue and tag the donations received, before borrowing begins.

Earlier in the year, the committee also built storage cages for the tools, and have been looking for volunteer “tool gurus” with a strong knowledge of tools, their names and how they differ.

These people could also have the responsibility of inspecting equipment as donations arrive, to confirm levels of safety, including testing and tagging.

Contact [email protected] to donate equipment or express interest in being a tool guru. Visit facebook.com/ballarattoollibrary.