Building A Community With Louisville Tool Library

By Russ Brown Photos By Kathryn Harrington 

Katherine Keeney, who describes herself as an “avid tinkerer, problem solver and hobby collector,” says that over the years she was constantly borrowing tools from neighbors for various odd jobs and larger projects. That’s not necessary anymore; now she can get everything she needs from her own creation -- the Louisville Tool Library (LTL). 

Think of a book library, only with tools, and best of all, no late fees! Think traditional saws, hammers, and wrenches. As well as other infrequently used household tools like sewing machines, kayaks, popcorn makers, flash photography kits, and camping equipment. 

The library is a volunteer-run, community-based non-profit lending system dedicated to accessibility of resources, waste reduction and growth through education. There are about 60 such libraries in the U.S. The Louisville Tool Library was the first in the state of Kentucky, and later assisted in the opening of a Lexington location. The LTL is located at 1227 Logan Street, with hours on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

“I went down a rabbit hole of researching sharing economies in 2005,” said Keeney. “The idea embedded itself into my life goals, but the timing wasn’t quite right. Fast forward through life, passion projects and a few career changes and I just went for it. No concrete plans, just a deep-in-my-bones desire to build the scaffolding for a community library space.” 

But the instant popularity of the library surprised her. “I had no idea how powerfully the sharing world would bloom,” she said, explaining that the venture immediately had a handful of founding volunteers and members who believed in the mission. “Donations came flowing in and the space was filled with classes, stories and celebrations,” Keeney said. “I may have given it bones, but our community gave it life.” 

The library was incorporated in March of 2022 and officially opened to the public that July, and as Keeney noted, it was an immediate success. “As soon as our awesome volunteers started posting to social media that we were looking for tools, the outpouring of support was lightning fast,” said founding member Paul Faget, Katherine’s partner. “We had a goal of having 1,000 tools in inventory the first calendar year. We hit that goal in 30 days.” 

Now the inventory has grown to 2,469 tools and is constantly evolving as tools are broken or upgraded or as new items are donated. A wide variety of tools are available to borrow on a 7-day lending cycle. 

Among the most popular items in demand are lawnmowers, string trimmers, electric tillers and chainsaws. One of the most underrated is a rotary hammer. “It’s one of those tools you never really thought you needed until you use one, and then you realize that you’ve been doing it wrong your whole life,” Faget said. “If you’re trying to make a hole in masonry and you’re not using a rotary hammer, you’re just making your life harder. 

Faget is an engineer by trade who worked in Aerospace developing hardware for the International Space Station. He said his passion for “fixing things” was stoked by visits to Keith’s Hardware in the Highlands as a child. “Keith and Bill would always set broken equipment to the side for me to mutilate,” Faget said. “The folks who worked there really left their thumbprints on my brain and helped me realize that one of the coolest things you could do is share knowledge.” 

Among the 84 volunteers are Emily Tarquin, who is also the newly-appointed Managing Director of Actors Theater of Louisville, and Mitch Smith. “The idea of ‘there is plenty if we share’ really speaks to me,” Tarquin said. “And I love being a part of a space that builds community through resource sharing. It feels like (LTL) filled an immediate need and recently has experienced an exciting period of growth as the word spreads even more.”

Actors and the Tool Library have joined forces to create a workshop series called “Stagecraft Tools for the Apocalypse,” a learning series applying arts-based tools for sustainability, survival and joy. Second Sundays at the LTL or Actors have included rope making, electrics, seeds and mending.

Smith, meanwhile, has a much different background than Tarquin. He is a master electrician as well as being trained in carpentry, plumbing and welding. With that work history you could call him a natural for a volunteer position. “I was the type of kid who would break something so I could figure out how to put it back together,” Smith said. 

“I think there are few things more valuable than the ability to fix things and make them work. I even enjoy the dreaded task of troubleshooting problems. I absolutely love volunteering at the Tool Library. It’s my opportunity to be a detective and trace down the issue. I love to learn and share my knowledge with others. I like being the guy who knows things, the person you look to when you’re not sure what to do next. The people are incredible and I’m so happy to be able to offer my expertise for the betterment of the community. The (LTL) immediately felt right, like I was meant to be there. My skills and knowledge meshed so well with what the library was working towards and it’s one of the most fulfilling ventures I’ve taken in my life. I’m so grateful to have found them and to be a part of such an amazing opportunity to give back.”

Following are a few of the basics involved in borrowing tools. To become a member, inquire about tool donations, or browse the inventory, visit louisvilletoollibrary.com. 

How many tools can be checked out? It’s called the “ten and two rule” -- ten hand tools and two power tools. Librarians reserve the right to allow larger rental quantities on a project-by-project basis.

How long can a tool be kept? Tools circulate for a seven calendar day lending period. 

Can tools be renewed for another week? Yes, as long as there isn’t someone signed up on their waiting list.