A new community resource is out to become a helpful tool: the Central Oregon Tool Library launches Sept. 5
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new community resource is coming to Central Oregon: the Central Oregon Tool Library (COTool), a nonprofit lending library for tools and DIY resources, will soon open its doors in the parking lot of the Bend ReStore. The launch date is set for Friday, September 5th.
The Central Oregon Tool Library is designed to give community members affordable access to tools for home repair, gardening, and DIY projects, regardless of income.
In a region where the cost of home maintenance or the price of tools can be a barrier, this tool library will offer a sustainable, empowering alternative, the organization said in Monday’s announcement.
Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, a local nonprofit committed to building homes, communities and hope, is serving as COTool’s fiscal sponsor. As a 501(c)(3), Habitat can accept tax-deductible donations on behalf of the tool library, helping to fund this valuable new initiative. The partnership is rooted in shared values of empowerment, equity, and environmental sustainability.
COTool is the creation of Tony Grzesik, Peter LoVerso and John Heylin. They each bring their own experiences with tool libraries, and were brought together by Kavi Chokshi, the Rethink Waste Program Manager at The Environmental Center.
“The idea behind the Central Oregon Tool Library is simple: everyone deserves access to the tools,” said Heylin. “At our core, we want everyone, no matter their income level or ability, to be able to borrow a tool so they can improve their lives. It’s also important that we reduce waste through reuse and build community through local empowerment.”
Locating the Tool Library at the Bend ReStore — known for keeping nearly 3 million pounds of usable materials out of landfills annually — underscores the project’s commitment to reuse and environmental stewardship.
COTool will offer a wide range of tools, from power drills to garden shears, available for borrowing just like books from a library. It plans to partner with Habitat in hosting workshops and providing DIY education to promote skill-building and self-reliance.
Currently, the tool library is fundraising for the September 5th launch. Learn more about the Central Oregon Tool Library by visiting www.cotool.org.