Resident response to the idea of a tool library in Federal Way has been positive so far, leading the city, its partners at Zero Waste Washington and a group of interested residents to begin hunting for possible “storefront” locations.

Jeanette Brizendine-Jurgensen, recycling project manager for the city of Federal Way, and Eva Dale and Jennifer Boutell, representatives from Zero Waste Washington, hosted a second discussion regarding a tool library on Dec. 11 to talk about concerns residents may have with the project and brainstorm location and management ideas.

A tool library would operate similarly to a book library, with a few differences. A membership fee would be required to check out a tool and everyone would need to sign a waiver before taking anything home.

At the first meeting in November, representatives from organizations including Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together were in attendance and on board with the idea, but none had the capacity to take on running the tool library, Brizendine-Jurgensen said.

Using city property and staff is out of the question, due to complications operating a non-profit municipally, she said.

Because none of the initial organizations were able to take it on, Brizendine-Jurgensen is looking now for a group of individual residents willing to take on the task.

“There’s been enough interest so I feel obligated [to do it],” she said. “And it’s a really cool project.”

Zero Waste Washington, like the other organizations, does not have the capacity to run the program once it is launched. But its representatives are willing and able to help the city and residents get the program off the ground.

The organization is interested in a societal shift from individual ownership to sharing, Dale said. Not everyone needs to own a floor sander or chainsaw, and shared ownership through a tool library could help reduce waste in terms of tools that are purchased for one-time use, she said.

Nine residents attended the meeting last week, and the general consensus was that a tool library would be a good addition to Federal Way.

Jorge Rios-Brennan, a Federal Way resident said he is interested in sharing the tools he already has and borrowing things he needs.

Jack Broom, another resident and member of Sunrise United Methodist Church, said the church would be interested being a partner with the tool library.

Rebecca Solverson of Tacoma said she would like to see a similar project started in Tacoma, but would use the Federal Way tool library until a Tacoma location could be established.

Concerns regarding liability, structure, funding, theft, initial tool donations and differences between using the library versus renting from a hardware store were discussed.

Tool libraries have been around for about 35 years, and in that time, only one claim has been filed regarding them, Brizendine-Jurgensen said. Liability insurance options have been explored, ranging from $700 to $1,500 per year. Further, people tend to be more cautious when using an unfamiliar tool, she said.

In addition to the waivers for checking out a tool, there was also some discussion regarding classes or workshops for patrons to complete before checking out unfamiliar and more dangerous equipment.

Additionally, most tool libraries refrain from dealing in gas-powered tools, which eliminates some degree of liability, she said.

The tool library would be structured as a non-profit, either on its own or possibly under an umbrella organization through fiscal sponsorship, Dale said.

Most of the work will be done by volunteers, though it is common to have one paid staff person to run the library for 12 hours each week.

Brizendine-Jurgensen has two grant opportunities for the tool library in the coming year. The grant funding could be used for long-term investments, such as a location, an inventory management system or obtaining tools.

“Pretty much anything that will get it off the ground,” she said.

For day-to-day funding, the membership fee would be the main revenue source. A $40 fee would be charged each household using tools. Senior members would pay $30 and low-income families would pay $20. Additionally, if a family needs a tool but cannot pay the membership fee, volunteer hours could be used as payment.

Experiences at other tool libraries has shown that there is often an over-abundance of tools donated, and duplicates or excess can be sold to fund the tool library. In addition, members may be encouraged to make donations when they borrow tools, and local hardware stores might be interested in being sponsors of the library, Dale said.

Theft at other tool libraries has been of minimal occurrence, and therefore, minimal concern, Dale said.

When people have paid a fee and become somehow invested in the library and the tools, theft is uncommon, Jennifer Boutell said. In addition, late fees may be charged if a tool is not returned on time, and other libraries have found that members are usually willing to pay the fees, she said.

Of surveyed residents, most said they would be willing to donate tools as a condition of membership, Boutell said.

Other tool libraries with an abundance of tools would also be willing to donate to help Federal Way’s library get started, Dale said.

Tools may also be purchased with grant money or donated by commercial sponsors.

“We can get the tools, they will come,” Brizendine-Jurgensen said.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the tool library and renting from a local hardware store is the price. The membership fee is nominal compared to what a commercial store might charge to rent an item.

In addition, the tool library has the potential to become a kind of community hub where people can share skills and knowledge and becomes a way for people to network, Dale said.

A tool library can also cater to specific interests and keep items that might be hard to find other places, such as canners or cider presses, she said.

The next steps for the project revolve around finding a location and finding an organization or individuals who are willing to be the management team. A location would need to be at least 400 square feet, Brizendine-Jurgensen said.

The next tool library meeting will be at 6 p.m., Jan.7 at City Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend and share ideas and discuss concerns.

To take the survey online, visit tiny.cc/sharingproject.

For more information, questions or ideas, contact Jeanette Brizendine-Jurgensen at recycle@cityoffederalway.com or 253-835-2771.