Sweet New Volunteer Perks!

We’ve updated our volunteer system so that those who regularly donate their time to the mission get some super sweet perks! This includes free memberships, 50% off classes, discounted open shop hours, free merch, and of course getting to chop a watermelon in half on your anniversary. Keep on reading for step-by-step deets…

STEP 1: BEGINNER VOLUNTEER

GET YOUR FEET WET AT THE LOUDEST LIBRARY IN TOWN!

BEGINNER VOLUNTEERS come in once or twice a month to:

• help our world-renowned tool librarians

• clean, beautify, organize!

• perform tool repair and upkeep

• do endless and varied special projects

• preach about us at markets and special events

BEGINNER VOLUNTEERS receive:

• invites to special events and meet-ups

• being a part of a cool group of humans

• the feeling of satisfaction and blissful night’s sleep you get from contributing to a worthy cause

NOTE: No specific tool knowledge/experience is required to volunteer - just kindness, reliability, and respect for the DTL ethos and community.

STEP 2: CORE VOLUNTEER

GET MORE INVOLVED, DRINK THE KOOL-AID.

CORE VOLUNTEERS have volunteered regularly at the DTL for a good period of time, have undergone further training on librarian operations, and can be depended on to show up for specifically scheduled monthly or bi-monthly shifts to:

• check folks in and out

• sign up new members

• give the disneyland tour

• perform more detailed tool repair and upkeep

• and much more!

CORE VOLUNTEERS receive the same benefits as Regular Volunteers, PLUS:

• free DTL Library privileges

• free and discounted use of DTL Open Shop

• 50% discount on DTL Classes

• DTL merch will be forced upon you!!

OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

Have some Special Pro-Level Skillz in mind to contribute? Reach out to us if you…

• have connections at tool manufacturers or construction companies for tool donation

• have connections to help with outreach and community engagement

• have experience in grant writing or fundraising

• are able to provide DEI trainings or consulting

• have experience in tool repair/maintenance

READY TO GET STARTED?

Fill out our DTL Volunteer Form and come to an orientation.

Brand New Class: Own It! Home-Buying

Brand New Class: Own It! Home-Buying with Sarah Wells of LiveWork Denver. The first class will be 7/26.

If you’ve ever felt home ownership is out of reach or too confusing, this class is for you. We'll take a non-judgmental, education-based approach to empowering people to start their home-buying journey.

In this first-time homebuyer class, we will discuss the buying process, how to get started, and share creative strategies to finance and enter the housing market – including downpayment assistance programs, innovative acquisition strategies, and how to prepare yourself for the journey. We'll also walk through some of the common contracts associated with home buying in Colorado, walk through the steps in the process and cover common items that come up when you're buying a house.

Sarah is passionate about empowering people and businesses through ownership. A seasoned real estate agent from LiveWork Denver, Sarah enjoys working with new buyers to identify their needs and patiently guide them through the topsy-turvy process of home-buying. Her previous background includes nonprofit and sustainability as well as marketing and community relations, so it’s no surprise that she loves enfranchising artists, activists, and entrepreneurs through property ownership. Considered an expert in collective living, co-buying, and a champion for housing innovation, Sarah thrives in finding creative solutions and spaces for all.

Thanks for the Tool Donation, Amazon!

Wow! Never thought we'd see the day where we say thank you to Amazon, but here we are. Folks at the Amazon warehouse donated all these tools that they aren't able to sell for whatever reason, and now y’all get to reap the benefits!

Notes from Tool Library staff to marketing: "Thanks to Phil, Sam, and Mark for collecting all these tools for us, and to Oliver and Scott for sorting ‘em out and tool-detectiving what the weird ones are! 🕵️‍♀️ Any tools we can’t use, we send on to other rad orgs doing good work in Denver. Yada tada blah! Social media."

Brand New Class! Knowing Your Car Automotive Class

Brand New Class! Knowing Your Car with our new instructor Care Leite from Good Judy Garage, an LGBTQ+-owned auto repair shop. The first class will be 7/22.

We spend on average 17,600 minutes in our cars per year! Why not learn about how it gets you from point A to point B? In this class you will learn the basics of automotive function and how to care for your own vehicle in a mixed lecture and practical style class so get ready to get down and dirty under the hood.

We will be covering automotive maintenance and repair concepts for the student with little or no background in the automotive field. You will be learning a variety of major vehicle components including; theory of operation, intake systems, fuel delivery, ignition and charging systems, engine cooling, basic maintenance, and roadside emergency procedures.

Learn what's what under the hood of your car and never again be nervous about that weird light on your dash, or that not so inconspicuous fluid stain in the driveway!

About the Teacher: Originally from Brazil, Care Leite moved to Colorado in 2019 and has been working in the automotive industry for the past 3 years. He is currently a repair technician for Good Judy Garage, an LGBTQ+-owned auto repair shop, and has worked in other shops around Colorado. They have a passion for fixing cars and sharing their knowledge with others.

Brand New Class! Picture Ledges

Brand New Class! Picture Ledges with our woodworking instructor Tomas Vallejos. The first classes will be 7/21 and 8/7.

In this class you will be creating your own picture ledge. This project is a perfect way to spruce up a room in your home as well as be able to showcase your favorite pictures and memories. If you are interested in learning how to woodwork but are unsure of where to start, this is a perfect introductory project.

This is an entry level class designed to get you more comfortable with some of the most commonly used tools in a wood shop. We will be going over techniques and safety practices for the table saw, router table, and miter saw. We will also touch on some hand power tools like drills and drivers, nail guns and orbital sanders. Gain confidence in woodshop tools and leave with a fun project for your home!

This class will be taught by Tomas Vallejos. He is a Denver local who works as a custom picture framer, carpenter and woodworker with an emphasis in custom furniture making. He is also a current student of the fine woodworking program at Red Rocks Community College where he continues to ever expand on his woodworking knowledge and skills. Take a look at some of his work via his Instagram page @north20_finewoodworking

Brand New Class! Stackable Coasters

Brand New Class! Stackable Coasters with our woodworking instructor Tomas Vallejos. The first classes will be 7/28 and 8/21.

In this class we will be making a set of four coasters and a stand for them to sit in. These real hardwood coasters are a lovely addition to your coffee table or a handmade gift for family and friends. This entry level class is designed to be a stepping stone into making simple yet fun projects. If you are interested in learning how to woodwork but are unsure of where to start, this is a fantastic introductory project.

You will practice on a number of shop tools during the class including the table saw, miter saw, drill press, router table and orbital sanders. We will go over appropriate techniques and safety practices for using these tools as well as how to prepare your project for a stain or finish. Gain confidence in woodshop tools and leave with a fun project for your home!

This class will be taught by Tomas Vallejos. He is a Denver local who works as a custom picture framer, carpenter and woodworker with an emphasis in custom furniture making. He is also a current student of the fine woodworking program at Red Rocks Community College where he continues to ever expand on his woodworking knowledge and skills. Take a look at some of his work via his Instagram page @north20_finewoodworking

Brand New Class! Alterations: Hemming w/ Jackie

Brand New Class! Alterations: Hemming with our sewing instructor Jackie Drummond. The first classes will be 7/30 and 8/23.

In this class, you will learn to hem your clothes! Hemming or creating a hem occurs when you folder over the edge of the fabric and sew them together - this creates a smooth and rounded edge without frays. Sometimes your clothes can be too long and learning how to hem with a sewing machine opens up a world of possibilities to customize your looks.

We will review the basics of setting up a sewing machine as well as learn new styles of seams, stitches, and sewing techniques! Learning how to alter your clothes can help you feel more confident in your wardrobe. Please Bring one to five items per person. These items could include clothing like: shirts that are too long (in the arms or the bottom), pants, dresses, and skirts that are too long.

Jackie Drummond (they/she) grew up in Colorado learning to sew from their mother at a young age. While studying Technical Theatre at Fort Lewis College, they learned techniques involving pattern making, alterations, and design and explored the historical and cultural importance of sewing over 500+ hours of learning and experience. Jackie encourages BIPOC, 2SLGTBQIA+, and Neurodiverse creators to join them in class, where they intentionally hold space for marginalized people to reclaim joy!

Tool Library Members get 10% off Austin Hardwoods and Rockler Woodworking

Did you know that Denver Tool Library members get discounts around town? Members get 10% off at Austin Hardwoods, Rockler Woodworking, and more great local shops coming soon! If you have some suggestions of what other local tool, material, and hardware related places you’d like to save some money at, let us know below and we’ll see what we can do!

Brand New Class! Beekeeping 201

Brand New Class! Beekeeping 201 with our Intro to Beekeeping instructor Alex DeCesaro. The first class will be Friday, July 14th at 5:30pm.

This class is the sequel to our Intro to Beekeeping class. Taking Intro to Beekeeping or having similar beekeeping education is highly encouraged before taking this class.

In this course we will go more in depth about what a hive inspection consists of, how to 'read' comb, diagnosing, and honey processing. Students will have hands-on opportunities to see and 'read' honey comb up close as well as harvesting honey. We will also cover how to gear an over-wintered colony up for spring.

Most beekeeping that is taught today is taught in a conventional manner, and Alex's class will help open your mind up to natural beekeeping tendencies as well as some of the folklore that is associated with the honeybee. Students will have the opportunity to ask general questions as well as specific questions regarding their hive throughout the class.

Brand New Class! Mixed Media Mosaics

Brand New Class! Mixed Media Mosaics with our Tool Librarian Jessie. The first classes will be on 6/26 and 7/24.

Let's break things! In this class we will explore different kinds of materials that can be used to make mosaics from glass to tiles and more. We will practice techniques in cutting and breaking, and the occasional smashing of materials. Think of this as a tiny rage room where we will let decorative scraps fly (with the proper eye protection, of course).

Everyone will get to create their own mosaic tile. We will explore design, adhesive materials, grouting, material sourcing and resources. Students will leave with the confidence to turn surfaces into colorful works of art. In teaching, Jessie strives for a space where everyone can engage in their own creative process while learning new mediums and techniques.

Jessie is the Tool Library Coordinator at a beloved local tool library. She is also a mixed-media artist working with a wide range of materials and techniques. Current and past work include printmaking, sculpture, digital and video art. Recent work is composed of linocut prints that she turns into short stop motion films. An interest in mosaics was born after upon learning stained glass she found herself with piles of scrap to experiment with. This of course, led to more projects. Check out her work at jessierodriguezart.com or on Instagram @jessierodriguez.art