Lents ‘Tool Library’ shows off remodeled space

Discover folks’ reaction when they came to this sale in outer East Portland — and found the Tool Library completely made over …

After its remodel, the Green Lents Community Tool Library is now well lit, and much better organized to help neighbors.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The last event of the year for the Green Lents Community Tool Library – it was on December 17 – was a combination used tool sale and open house party. They were showing off their updated shop in Lents Town Center.

People who came to shop found the tools they needed at bargain prices. Other guests said they just stopped by to admire the totally-renovated space.

“Need to borrow tools?” asks Green Lents Community Director Dasha Foerster. “We’ve got ’em!”

“Lots of exciting things have happened this year, starting with how we addressed the need in the community for usable tools, shared tools, and shared resources,” Green Lents Community Director Dasha Foerster began.

“We still held the Garden Swap every month, from March through October,” Foerster told East Portland News. “We’ve offered a number of great events, including a Community Picnic in October; the Green Ring tour; and we had a Strawberry Shortcake Party at the Malden Orchard!”

Helping in the tool racks, here’s one-year Tool Library volunteer Gantt Rawls.

Major remodeling project completed
“We looked at our space, and saw – in the dim light available – the exposed insulation ever since we moved in here; as well as the old roll-up ramp door,” recalled Foerster. And our out-of-date, ‘complicated’ electrical wiring system had been impacting our computers and technology.”

With funding from a Prosper Portland Community Livability Grant, volunteers looked for projects that could be completed in about three weeks. Specifically, their focus was on making the space a greater asset to the community, by making it a warmer, cozier, larger space for meetings.

“So we invested the grant funds in putting in a sheetrock ceiling, the new back wall, the new electrical system, and the new ramp door – as well as brighter lighting that illuminates every square inch of the library,” beamed Foerster. “Now everybody –including our ‘Tool Library Doctors’ who work in the back space – have sufficient lighting.”

Tool Library volunteer Lindsay Schmonsees checks out another borrower.

They were closed through the Holiday season, but they’re now open again – providing they have sufficient volunteers to cover their shifts:

Wednesdays from 6 until 8 p.m.
Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 1p.m.

To see if you live in a neighborhood that qualifies for a free Tool Library “card”, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

Green Lents Community Tool Library
?9215 SE Ramona Street
Portland, OR 97266

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