Need to borrow a hammer? A saw? A rake or a spade for the garden?
Soon, all of these items and more will be available to check out through a new program coming to Fayetteville.
The Ozarkansas Tool Library, created through a partnership between the Fayetteville Public Library and Feed Communities, will operate like a traditional library, but instead of books, the facility will be equipped with tools for gardening, farming, and basic home repair.
“I believe that access to quality tools and education on how to use them will continue the long tradition in the Ozarks of community self-sufficiency,” said Jared Phillips, new program manager of Feed Communities. “I’m excited to see where the OTL will take us.”
The initial investment in tools for the OTL is funded by a grant from the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance obtained by Feed Communities. The library is now accepting donations of basic hand tools like hammers, saws, and screwdrivers; gardening tools like rakes, hoes, and spades; and power tools like circular saws, drills, and shop vacs at the Feed Communities offices, 221 S. Locust Ave. They’ll also accept donations at their table at the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market beginning April 2.
It’s not the first time the library has experimented with the concept. A similar program was in place at FPL back in the 90s.
“We are excited to offer this service to our patrons again in partnership with Feed Communities,” said FPL executive director David Johnson. “They have the space to house the tools and we have the technology to manage the inventory checkout.”
Residents can begin checking out tools on Saturday, April 2 at the Feed Communities booth at the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market. After that, they will be available for check out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9-noon from Feed Community’s facility on Locust Ave.
Phillips added that the tool library will be informally open any time Feed Communities office is open, typically between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., he said.
Residents wanting to checkout tools from the OTL will only need a Fayetteville Public Library card. Standard library late fees and fines will apply to the tool collection. Tools can be checked out for seven days.
