There comes a time when someone really needs a high-powered belt sander. But sanders are costly and what if it’s needed for only one project? Luckily, Sustainable Ballard is planning on creating a tool library where citizens can borrow tools.

Sustainable Ballard has plans to launch a tool library in central Ballard by early 2016. The tool library would be one of three in Seattle: one library is located in Maple Leaf and the other in West Seattle.

How does it work? Tool libraries are just like book libraries but with tools. Members register, pay a small fee and check out tool.

Sustainable Ballard plans for not just hammers, saws and belt sanders but also arts and crafts tools like knitting needles, sewing machines and easels.

“Similar to a traditional book library, a tool library is good for people to try something without investing in tools and spending hundreds of dollars to make just one project,” said Anna Fidgeon with Sustainable Ballard.

Fidgeon also said that tool libraries are a way to promote mutual reliance and environmental sustainability.

“We encourage people to not buy every tool they need especially if it’s only for one project. There’s no reason to go out and buy a power sander. It saves people money and is meant to be a sustainable project and that could mean fewer tools in the garbage. … We are looking to promote sustainability.”

To make the tools accessible to more people Sustainable Ballard plans to have an income-based sliding scale for membership.

They are currently in the process of building a tool inventory by gathering contact information from individuals willing to donate tools.

Sustainable Ballard is also looking for a space to operate out of. But it can’t just be any space because they plan to offer a project area where citizens can work. They would like the space to be centrally located in Ballard and want at least 500 to 1000 square feet. They would also like keep rents cost low and reported that a church in central Ballard may be willing to donate or rent a space at very little cost, however that is not for sure.

Sustainable Ballard aims to raise funds with an Indiegogo page. For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/ballardtoollibrary and http://www.sustainableballard.org