Green Lents Tool Library reopens

Find out what they’re offering, beyond tools, as this outer East Portland organization …

It’s in the Lents neighborhood, but also serving folks up north, through Montavilla. Many say they’re delighted that the Green Lents Community Tool Library has reopened.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After carrying the announcement of the opening of the Green Lents Community Tool Library on May 23 in our Community Calendar, we checked to see how it was going at this helpful service, which is now open with Saturday hours.

Tucked behind Zoiglhaus Brewing Company on SE Ramona Street, just east of SE 92^nd Avenue, this “tool library” has been serving many in our community for years.

Gabriel Bell brings surplus oregano starts, from his garden, to share with others.

“I’ve been a patron of this tool library since it opened,” said member and Lents resident, Gabriel Bell, as he was bringing in vegetable starts from his garden, and taking home a load of compost.

“Over the years, I’ve also checked out power tools for projects around the house, as well as garden implements – it’s really been a lifesaver,” Bell told East Portland News.

NE Portland Tool Library board member Dallas Dick gets tips on reopening from Green Lents Community Program Manager Jasmine Co.

“I’m glad that we’ve reopened on Saturdays, after being closed due to COVID-19 related concerns,” said Green Lents Community Program Manager Jasmine Co. “It’s been good so far; a lot of people are happy to be able to have access to tools again.

“As you’ve noticed, we are also expanding our services to include gardening supplies – in addition to tools – and we arae including seeds, plant starts, and other garden-related things,” Co pointed out.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a community tool library operates like a book-and-media oriented lending library – but, instead of lending books, they lend an every-growing variety of manual and power tools, and gardening implements.

“And, it’s a way to share resources among community members,” Co explained. “It also promotes access to tools, rather than ownership of tools, which helps reduce waste and consumption – especially for homeowners who may not be able to buy the tools they need to do their own home repair, maintenance, or improvement – or gardening.”

Green Lents’ Adam Heroux relaxes for a moment while helping to check out items for patrons at the tool library.

Although it’s called a service of the Green Lents organization, this tool library serves seven outer East Portland neighborhoods, extending as far north as Montavilla.

“People might want to call in advance of coming, to make sure the tool they need hasn’t already been checked out,” suggested Co.
And, while they look forward to having evening hours on Tuesdays, they’re currently only open on Saturdays.

Green Lents Community Tool Library

Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
9215 SE Ramona Street, 97266
(971) 266-4270
To see their website, CLICK HERE

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