What is sktl all about?
Our Mission: The South King Tool Library provides access to tools and training in order to help maintain neighborhoods, build community and reduce unnecessary consumption with households of all forms including low-income residents and under-served populations.
We lend out tools for everyone to use to maintain their homes and spaces, all while reducing the waste of unnecessary consumption, removing barriers to access of expensive tools, and empowering folks to make the changes they need or want to in their spaces. SKTL is unique in several ways, the first is not requiring membership fees, but rather suggesting folks donate the value that they find in our resources. Thus we use grant funding and sponsorship of local businesses organizations, to staff and maintain our inventory and programs. That said, we approach the community resource aspect of the tool library by focusing on waste reduction, habit forming, and response to a community needs.
Many of our classes and workshops have been recorded and live on our YouTube channel.
You can click the hyperlink or copy and paste this web address into your browser:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYgSpS-unDnF8svPg4EMbAw
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Food Preservation and All the Tools You Need
Resolutions for Better Recycling
Hanging By a Thread: Sewing - Hems, Holes, & Hacks 101
Everything You Want to Know About Rain Barrels
And more!
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Want more details? Here's the faqs
What is a tool library?
A tool library is like a traditional library, allowing you to check out tools and equipment to help you build, repair and maintain your home and things. You need to sign up for a free SKTL membership to borrow tools. By sharing tools, we save money and space, while reducing consumption and waste. BECOME A MEMBER
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When can I visit?
SKTL is open for tool pickups and returns Mondays: 11 AM - 1 PM, Wednesdays: 4-6 PM, and Saturdays: 11 AM - 1 PM. We are located on-site of the Masonic Lodge at 1700 S 340th St, Federal Way, WA 98003.
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Who can use South King Tool Library?
Anyone age 18 or over can join SKTL and check out tools; all of our events and classes are open to the public, no membership needed! We're especially convenient for people in South King and North Pierce Counties. Stay current on all we offer: SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES
Are memberships just for households?
Nope! Small businesses, nonprofits, and service groups can BECOME MEMBERS as well as individuals. Having access to tools can help you take care of your work spaces and serve your community.
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What kind of tools do you have? Where do the tools come from?
Our inventory includes donated and purchased tools, based on the needs of our community. See our CURRENT INVENTORY, or SUGGEST A TOOL for our tool wish list. Want to donate tools? FIND OUT WHICH TOOLS WE ACCEPT
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Can you teach me how to use tools? What if I need help fixing something?
When you check out tools at SKTL a staff member or volunteer will review safe and proper use before you leave. If you'd like help fixing a household item, bring it to one of our REPAIR EVENTS and our team of fixers will do their magic and explain as they go. We also offer CLASSES on a wide range of DIY topics for your home, garden and more.
Does South King Tool Library offer anything besides tool checkouts?
You bet! SKTL offers programs throughout the year that are free and open to the public, including repair events to fix your household items, drive-thru recycling events, and special events like clothing swaps. We also host classes and workshops where you can learn a variety of DIY skills and green living methods. Stay up to date: SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES
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How can you afford to do this?
Our success is a team effort! SKTL is an IRS qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in the State of Washington, Tax ID 83-15621476. In addition to voluntary MEMBER DONATIONS, we accept INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS, BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS, and public and private grants. We're proud of all our community supporters who believe in our mission!
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How do I volunteer?
We depend on volunteers to keep things running smoothly. Whether you love tinkering or tweeting, want to help occasionally or on a schedule, we'd love to welcome you to our team. FIND OUT ABOUT VOLUNTEERING
Read our 2021 Annual Report to learn more about our accomplishments
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Almost 3,000 checkouts
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2,500+ participants in classes, events & borrowing
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500+ items repaired
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150,000+ pounds diverted from the landfill
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$250,000+ saved by the community
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Almost 26,000 pounds of embodied carbon (CO2 not produced)
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Countless projects and goals have been accomplished, inspired, and actualized!
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