Group, Org, & Biz Private Classes at the Denver Tool Library!

Is your group or organization taking on a building project and needs to learn some tool basics? Or maybe you’re planning a company party and want to find something that’s fun, empowering, and educational? Well forget a trust fall - give your coworker a circular saw in one of our private workshops!

Not only are our classes a lot of fun, they also encourage creativity and camaraderie and will pass on practical skills to your group that will last a lifetime. All courses are taught by experienced instructors in a beginner-friendly and supportive environment with materials provided, that way your group can focus on the hobby and the harmony. By choosing us, you’ll also be supporting local craftspeople, artists, and a non-profit that strives to put tools in the hands of all folks and organizations regardless of income.

Brand New Shirt! A Decade of DIY

To celebrate the unlikelihood of an org surviving over 10 years on old donated tools and stubborn goodwill, Evan of @artandsuchevan made us new shirt design!

If hard to see, it reads: "Denver Tool Library. Building communities together for over a decade."

If you’ve ever wanted to give us $20 worth of support and spread the gospel of tool sharing by acting as a stylish billboard, now is a great time!

Unfortunately we don’t sell these online, so you’re just gonna have to come in and tell us what a cool concept we are in order to get one.

First Friday Aug 7! DTL Screen Printing

This next First Friday with the @denversartdistrict is the big one where they shut down the street!

We’ll be doing a special event where you can screen print your own DTL shirt (or tote bag, or pants, or patch, or whatever you want really so long as it fits). Bring a blank shirt, or purchase one from us, and pick a design. Click here to RSVP for free.

We will have music, drinks, a limited amount of pizza (so come early!).

August 7th 5pm-9pm. $5 suggested donation.

Our First Take it (A)Party

Our first volunteer appreciation Take it (A)Party last Monday was a ton of fun! Our volunteers get some sweet sweet perks, like events where they can all get together and tear things apart.

Take it (A)Parties are an invitation to take already-broken electronics apart and look at their insides! Participants get the chance to dismantle a device and figure out how it does what it does in a space that fosters curiosity and confidence. We work together at identifying what the components inside are for and how they function. At the same time, we have a group discussion around how to move beyond observation to diagnosis and ultimately repair or re-use. The goal is to encourage adopting and sharing repair and maintenance concepts and ethos.

Interested in volunteering? Learn more at denvertoollibrary.org/volunteer

Planned Obsolescence Isn't a Conspiracy - It's a Business Model

A perfectly good pressure washer has plastic internal gears that are known to break soon after the warranty expires. This isn’t a coincidence - this is how budget manufacturers engineer repeat purchases at the expense of the consumer and the environment. At a tool library, it’s more cost effective for us to buy quality tools that can be fixed again and again.

Instead of buying that bottom dollar big-box tool, use the Denver Tool Library's pro-grade tools for just $150/year.

Tired of stuff breaking too soon? Follow @repairorg_official and @ecocycle_zerowaste to learn how you can take action against planned obsolescence.

Back from Hiatus! Woodturning III: Lidded Boxes

Woodturning III: Lidded Boxes is back from a bit of a break! First dates are Saturday, October 24th and Saturday, November 14th. October is already almost sold out, so sign up soon.

Take your turning skills to the next level by creating a lidded box. This workshop dives into the art of precision, teaching you the techniques to craft a beautiful hardwood box with a seamless, friction-fit lid. We'll guide you through advanced skills like hollowing end grain and creating a continuous grain match, transforming a simple block of wood into a functional work of art. You’ll leave with a stunning handmade piece that showcases a high level of craftsmanship. Join this supportive friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

New Mending Circle Date - Volunteers Wanted!

Our next Mending Circle will be Wednesday, August 12th 6pm to 8pm - but we are already at capacity because we’re short on volunteers!

Want to be a mending volunteer and pass on your skills? Reach out to amanda@denvertoollibrary.org ASAP.

Mending Circles are bi-monthly community events where anyone is welcome to meet and mingle while giving their damaged item a second life. Each event has volunteers ready to teach you the necessary techniques and practices so you can repair your one item during the event and in the future. We provide the sewing machines and basic supplies, so just bring your item and any specific patches you might want. No sewing experience required!

New Dust Collector! Breathe Easy in the Workshop

Thanks to James, Ian, and Chris for installing our new @grizzlymachines G0977 HEPA Quiet Series dust collector - it’s a beast! Better dust collection means cleaner air for your lungs, and less sweeping for you and your shop monitor.

Want to work on your own woodworking project while this thing sucks up your dust? Check out our Open Shop Hours. You'll need to take our Woodworking I: Shop Safety Certification class, then buy a discounted punch card after class.

Share Your Skills at the DTL!

Are you working on a home improvement project you want to show off? Did you teach yourself something new? Do you know how to change your car’s oil, mend clothes, or build things and want to share that knowledge with other people?

Join us for grown-up show-and-tell! We’re looking for people to share a short demo or presentation (~10 minutes) at our next skill share on Wednesday, August 19th at 6:00pm.

We have such a talented community, and we love seeing your projects and getting inspired to try something new.

Please email hello@denvertoollibrary.org if you’re interested!

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Closed 4th of July Weekend

Tool Library Lending & Open Shop Hours will be closed Saturday, July 4th & Sunday, July 5th for Fourth of July weekend.

Classes will still run as scheduled. Checkout times will be extended so you can keep your tools a few extra days (though we highly recommend taking the weekend off to wander the mountains or take a tube down a river.)