The facility will allow people to borrow expensive tools for one-off use instead of forking out to buy them, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Enfield Council is teaming up with an environmental charity to create a ‘tool library’ which aims to help residents save money.

Instead of books, the shelves will be stocked with DIY supplies and electronic goods that can be borrowed for a set period of time.

Enfield Tool Library will be operated by Forest Recycling Project (FRP), the charity which has run Walthamstow Tool Library in East London since 2020 and has amassed 550 members, 580 tools and issues around 4,000 loans a year.

Greg Dickson, project manager at FRP, said tool libraries offered a range of items to borrow, including drills, sanders, and strimmers.

The aim is to reduce individual purchases of rarely used tools and large items of equipment that would take up space at home.

“Our model is based on three principles: great value, accessibility and being embedded in the community,” said Greg.

“We encourage local people to get involved and help, the membership is really affordable and our tool inventory is ever-improving.

“It really enables many people to do DIY jobs they wouldn’t be able to attempt otherwise, saving money and reducing waste.

“Tools are made to make things and we help realise this and people’s untapped potential.

“It demonstrates how reusing and recycling can have a positive environmental impact while also bringing people together to work on collaborative projects.”

Enfield Tool Library will open at Palmers Green Library this summer. Annual regular membership will cost £40 per year, £15 for concession membership and £65 for a sponsorship membership, which will go towards paying for someone else.

Users can borrow up to five tools for a week at a time; to borrow more will come with an added cost. The charity is also looking to entice early-bird members by offering use of both the new Enfield Tool Library and existing Walthamstow Tool Library to those who are first to sign up.

The charity is now looking for donations of tools in good condition, from DIY, power, and hand tools to garden and trade tools. Petrol-powered tools are not accepted, however.

FRP also hopes local people will volunteer to help set up and run the library.

For more information and to sign up:
Visit Enfield Tool Library | Forest Recycling Project

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