Greg Dickson reflects on the growth of the much-valued Walthamstow Tool Library

The Walthamstow Tool Library team, Credit: Sarah Larby

Walthamstow Tool Library (WTL) is one of very few genuine tool libraries in London. Our 553 members get unlimited borrowing access to 560 household tools, ranging from basic DIY equipment to large power tools.

We have just surpassed 10,000 loans since we started during lockdown, which we estimate has saved 111 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from the unnecessary purchases of new tools.

In this financial year alone we have made 3,960 loans and saved 44.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide. We are very proud of the use of our lovely little site which we’re very grateful to Waltham Forest Council for providing us with.

WTL is managed by the Forest Recycling Project and run by Maria who welcomes our fantastic volunteers to help with opening days, tool maintenance days, tool sharpening, and social media.

Our model is based on three principles: great value, accessibility and being embedded in the community. Under this model we have a large tool inventory that is ever-improving, including a lot of popular tools such as drill drivers, sanders, tools you only need occasionally or large tools that would take up a lot of space at home.

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 WTL helps 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.

The original vision for the library came from William Morris Big Local, which provided our initial pilot funding. When this came to an end, support from the North London Waste Authority through the North London Community Fund helped us move to become financially self sufficient.

Recently we have received some fantastic donations of new tools from our wish list to go on the inventory over the next few months, including an array of Makita tools and a Karcher professional carpet cleaner. We’ve also received a new sharpening system and jigs for our workshop that will allow us to greatly improve our sharpening service and hopefully increase our income.

We’re expecting these to be available for loan soon – members can keep an eye out for announcements in our newsletter.

The library in Priory Court is open on Tuesdays from 3-6pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm. You can also sign up as a member or find details to contact WTL here

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