Newtown Tool Library
Why buy and store tools when we can share!
Tool Libraries work just like any other library. You become a member and then you can borrow tools. Tools are expensive, and there are many privately owned tools in our community that only get used once in a while. But, if we collectively own and share tools we can save money and the planet while building community. How awesome is that?
The team behind NTL are all volunteers. We’re from lots of different backgrounds, but share the same passion to build community, and to share skills and resources.
Newtown Tool Library is a lending library for tools of all sorts. We have a growing collection of second hand and new tools (donations welcome) available for lending to members. The Tool Library is a project of the Newtown Community Centre, is run by volunteers and is located in neat little nook at 9 Constable Street, Newtown!
If you're already a member – log in here
To borrow all the tools you might need!
Join the Tool Library
Signing up is easy, just click the button below to fill in the form.
We'll need to verify your details and confirm your payment before completing your membership, please either email or bring in during our opening hours, proof of ID, address and payment. Once this is done you will be ready to make, fix and create to your hearts content!
Volunteer for the Tool Library
The Newtown Tool Library is run by volunteers, committed to making tools accessible for all people, and reducing the impact us humans are having on the environment. They're passionate about helping people share resources and skills. If you are too, it’s an exciting time to join in!
The kind of skills we are usually after are:
- Friendly – good with people, giving our members a good experience.
- Organised – up for processing membership forms, new tools and more. Keep track of items and loans on our computer system. Improve our systems!
- Knowledge of tools – or a willingness to learn is really helpful!
- Tool repair skills – if you're qualified to fix electrical items, or good at repairing non-electrical items, we always need extra help with that.
- Electrical tag & testing – if you're a trained tag & tester, we'd love to hear from you as well!
The main mahi of Tool Library volunteers is during Tool Library opening times (Saturday 11am-1pm and Wednesday 5-7pm). We run a roster of volunteers and you can sign up for the shifts that suit you.
Regular volunteers will get free membership of the tool library, as well as knowing you are helping to shape an awesome initiative, something which will serve the community!
Contact the Tool Library
You can contact us in a few ways! Please note that the Tool Library is run by a volunteer team, and emails are only checked during opening hours.
- Drop in and see us during our opening hours (Wednesday 5-7pm, Saturday 11am-1pm)
- Email us on newtown.tool.library@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I borrow?
Members can borrow power and hand tools at any one time. You can view the tools we have available to lend here. We are always adding tools to our inventory, so please check our online inventory or get in touch if you don’t see the tool you need. You can keep the tool for one week. It’s free to borrow tools once you have become a member.
What if I don’t return an item?
You’re preventing other members from using tools they need, so we urge you to return your loans on time! As a helpful reminder, emails will be sent out to notify you the items are overdue.
If you have an item that you're not able to return during Tool Library opening hours, you can return it to the Newtown Library (for books!) during their opening hours. (No large or dirty tools though sorry!)
How much does it cost?
Membership is $30 for a year or $20 for 6 months, or;
If you are a Wellington Timebank member, you can pay with 2-timecredits.
Our aim is to keep the Tool Library as accessible as possible while still having a small income to cover tool maintenance, repairs and new tools.
Once you are member, there are no charges to borrow tools.
How can I volunteer?
The Tool Library is totally reliant on our brilliant volunteers, and we welcome new members to our team. Regular volunteers can use the library for free as a thank you for their work. Apply here
Where is the Tool Library?
The Tool Library has grown from being a cupboard, to a small room in the community centre, and now has it's very own venue! We're at 9 Constable Street, right next door to the (book) Library and the Citizen's Advice Bureau. Look for the door to the right of the Public Toilets.
When is the Tool Library open?
We're currently open for two shifts over the week:
Saturdays, 11am-1pm
Wednesdays, 5-7pm
Can I donate tools?
Thanks for thinking of us! We are sometimes able to accept donations of tools, if they're in good working condition. Please always contact us first to check if we need them! If we do end up with tools we don't need they are either given to members or to our friends at orgs like Cahoots.
Can I donate money?
If you like our cause, we'd love your support! Our aim is to keep the Tool Library as accessible as possible. We keep our membership fee low and that money is used to pay for tool maintenance and repairs.
With extra financial donations, we can replace key tools that are most frequently used or expensive tools (e.g. circular saws, electric drills, etc.) that many community members would not otherwise have access to. Chuck us a few bucks here if you can!
Venue hire
Te Whare Hapori o Ngā Puna Waiora / Newtown Community Centre is based in the centre of Newtown, on the corner of Colombo and Rintoul Streets, as well as operating other venues around the suburb. With seven affordable venues, with different capacity, style and function, we can provide the perfect space for your community event, party, class, hui or much more!
Book a venue