BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As we head into the summer season, many people will begin repairs to their homes and property - but buying tools for those jobs can be very expensive.
That is where "The Tool Library" at 5 W. Northrup Place in Buffalo is trying to help.
The non-profit tool library was started in 2011 by Darren Cotton, a former UB student, who wanted to make sure cost was not a barrier to fixing up a home.
It was originally known as the "University Heights Tool Library" but is now going by the name "The Tool Library."
Since 2011, the library has seen its collection of tools grow to over 3,000, thanks to donations, and includes everything from hand tools to more expensive power equipment.
There were more than 5,600 transactions for the tools in 2018.
Individuals, homeowners, block clubs, church groups and community organizations are all invited to use The Tool Library.
People can join for a $20/year membership that allows you to borrow tools for a week at a time. (There are higher cost memberships that allow you to borrow more tools at a time.)
It is open to anyone in WNY and members come from as far north as Lewiston & Niagara Falls and as far south as Colden & Springville.
The library is now in the process of looking for a larger space so it can better handle its growing collection of borrowable tools.
7 Eyewitness New "Making Ends Meet" Reporter Ed Reilly takes a closer look at the community resource in the attached clip.
