Mission

The Denver Tool Library provides folks with low-cost access to tools and the know-how to use them, all in a safe and supportive environment.

Vision

We envision a future where everyone in our community has the resources they need to make and maintain the lives they imagine. We believe that by providing affordable access to tools, skills, and workspace, we can empower people to fix their homes, create art, and build a stronger community together.

Values

Sharing & Affordability

Tools are expensive, take up space, and may only get used once or twice per year. By pooling our resources together we create a much greater and more affordable variety of items for everyone.

Inclusivity & Accessibility

People from all walks of life are welcome to enter the Denver Tool Library without fear of criticism or judgement and get the tools (and skills) they need to succeed in their projects. Whether you're a first-time drill user or a third-generation carpenter, there's a place for you at the DTL.

Education & Empowerment

You have the ability to create the things you use. Through classes, skill sharing, and some friendly advice from your community, anyone can learn how to accomplish their projects.

Community Spaces

Our digital age offers unlimited potential for connection but at times leaves us isolated. Community oriented spaces connect us directly to people who have similar passions to scheme, learn, and tinker.

Art & Creativity

Tools are the bridge between imagination and reality. The right tools allow infinite potential to create the things we scheme. Through tools and resources, we can transform day-to-day items and materials into whatever shape, color, and function we choose.

Self-Reliance & DIY

Adequate access to tools, resources and education enables us to build or fix almost anything. Rather than costly expenses for others to make or repair the things we need, we are able to do it ourselves.

Sustainability

The processes it takes to manufacture the items we buy often leave a significant negative impact on our planet due to resource consumption, transportation emissions, and waste from planned obsolescence. Rather than buying new, we can make and repair things that already exist and reduce negative impact.

Success & Failure (or “Success in Failure”)

The achievement of our projects should be celebrated, but so should our failures. Creation is a process that is not about winning or losing, but is a process that requires courage, resilience, and constant evolution. The Denver Tool Library offers free high-fives for anyone whose projects don’t end up the way they expect, and the encouragement to try again!

Who We Are

These are just some of the faces of the Denver Tool Library - not pictured are the dozens of workshop monitors, teachers, and volunteers that keep the place going!

Partnerships

The Denver Tool Library is excited to build symbiotic and regenerative relationships with other nonprofits and organizations working towards social, environmental, and economic justice. We do this with an invitation to reciprocity and a shared vision of collective abundance for Denver’s non-profits and mission driven organizations.

What are People Sayin' about the Denver Tool Library?

"Best place ever!!! If you're remodeling your home and you're not a member of the Tool Library, you're wrong!" - Deke

"I can't say enough great things about the people there... but I'll try - They're friendly, helpful and always excited about whatever project you happen to be working on." - Anon

"I find myself coming up with new projects just to use the cool stuff I find here." - Cherie

"As a renter, you guys are exactly what i needed to make a home in a place where I couldn't afford to buy a house. from that very first day, I always felt welcomed and part of a family, rather than some woman who ‘must certainly be lost’ in the tool department. thanks for being here!" - Anna

"One of Denver's best resources! Don't go to to the hardware store for a speedy tool purchase or rental. Get a tool library membership!" - Marie

"I was so excited to finally get my membership. Staff was great! It literally took 2 minutes online and 2 minutes in store to get started. I was in and out in 15 minutes with all the tools (4) I needed to finish a lawn seeding job. I checked out a landscape rake. Would have cost $40 at hardware store since my neighbors didn’t have one or the job would have been much more difficult without it. Can’t wait to go back."

"Legitimately the best resource in Denver for anyone who likes making things, owns a house, or just needs tools sometimes!" - Anon

"Anyone who has had to use a butter knife for a screw driver knows the value of a place like this." - Mara

"As an artist, The Denver Tool Library has allowed me to create pieces I've had sitting in my idea book for years. I had never had access to all the appropriate tools it takes to build my projects and when I found the DTL I was beyond excited. Along with providing access to a wide variety of tools, there are also some super awesome people that work there whom are all very knowledgeable and helpful. The DTL is AMAZING!!!" - Jon

"Denver Tool Library is a great place to gain access to tools you might need for home repairs, basic construction, and woodworking projects. The yearly membership pays for itself if you check out two large power tools." - Rachel

"The Denver Tool Library has been saved me SO much money in my first year of home ownership. Their tool selection has grown substantially in the last year and continues to amaze me. I plan on having a membership well into the future, even as I acquire more of my own tools." - Jordan

"What a magical place full of creativity, enthusiasm, community, and hard work. Can't wait to make a family donation." - Maureen

"The selection of tools you get access to, all for one annual fee is ridiculously awesome. I know I've spent more on a renting a single tool from Home Depot and you don't have to be stressful and rushed. You get the tools for long enough to actually do something!" - Anon

"Very organized and complete collection of tools. I needed a few items to finish building a fence. They had everything I needed and I was in and out of there in a snap! Great job, DTL!" - Lindsay

"Love this concept! We are happy to be members. Everyone who I have encountered here has been awesome! I am looking forward to taking one of their classes." - Kelli

"Invaluable resource! DTL has nearly everything I've needed for multi-faceted remodel projects. Tools I would never purchase and are costly to rent. Sarah is great and always has a smile. It is terribly useful from this supporter’s point of view. Thx DTL" - Bruce

"All in all, I would recommend this to everyone I know... and I have! This is the place to get a membership if you have ever had to borrow tools from your dad, or neighbor, or god forbid... rent one!" - Anon

"A fantastic resource for homeowners, crafty people... anyone really. Why buy a tool if you only need it once? Borrow it here. From sewing machines and hammers to pneumatic drills and pitchforks... there are so many possibilities." - Anon

"Such an amazing place! A cheap membership for access to all the tools to build your hopes and dreams:)" - Montana

"It's a deal. For less than the cost of one power tool, you get access to hundreds of tools." - Anon

"This is an exceptional community effort I hope everyone can get behind!" - Brenda

 "Thank you! Borrowed a few tools to install Pergo floors. Looks great, and now, I don't have a zillion tools in my house." - Rayana

"Awesome, convenient, friendly, cool." - Evan

"Simple. Friendly. Community. Excited to be a member." - Kenneth

"Fantastic idea. Amazing people. Super useful." - Daniel

"Everything I've ever wanted. And the staff are super attractive." - Garrett