Welcome to the Edinburgh Tool Library (ETL)—the UK’s very first tool library! We operate just like a normal library, but instead of borrowing books, our members borrow tools.
From drills and lawnmowers to sewing machines and specialised woodworking machinery, we provide affordable access to over 3,000 tools. But we are more than just a lending service; we are a community-powered movement building a more sustainable, resourceful, and connected Edinburgh.
Beyond Lending
Our work goes far beyond checking out tools. We are dedicated to empowering people, supporting local communities, and building a more sustainable future through a variety of hands-on programmes:
Makers Space: Our Leith Community Workshop and Learning Space has everything you need to make, repair, and learn a new skill. It is a fully equipped, welcoming environment designed to bring your projects to life.
Classes and Courses: We run regular classes and workshops open to everyone. Crucially, we also provide fully funded community learning opportunities for individuals who experience the biggest barriers to making and creating.
Care and Repair: We don’t just help you build; we help you maintain. Our Care and Repair services teach you the practical skills needed to keep your things working for longer, saving you money and keeping waste out of landfills.
Community Builds: Our incredible team of volunteers works side-by-side with local charities and community groups to build useful infrastructure and provide vital, hands-on project support where it’s needed most.
Draughtbusting: Through our Retrofixer team, we help local residents draught-proof their homes, keeping Edinburgh warm and helping families save significantly on their energy bills.
Our Manifesto
We believe in access over excess.
We share. It’s what we’re here for. Sharing tools, sharing skills and sharing know-how.
We fight waste. The three R’s – reducing, reusing and recycling – are central to our work. We repair tools to be reused and we reclaim materials whenever we can. We believe the first R is the most important: reducing the amount of excess tools and materials so often wasted.
We are inclusive. Ours is a welcoming space of respect and tolerance. We work to make it accessible to all, breaking down any potential barriers of gender, race, age, ability, means or experience.
We are open. To everyone in our community, our members and our volunteer crew, we’re not only as transparent as possible, but we’re ready to listen. Everyone has a voice in our decision-making process.
We work for the community. Empowered individuals make for vibrant communities. We bring people together so everyone can learn from each other, share knowledge and find support.
We inspire. By showing that alternatives work, we’re creating a ripple effect that turns small actions into big waves of change – opening minds to a low-carbon, community-forward future.
Our People
Volunteers
The tool library community is supported by over 100 volunteers and a small number of part-time staff. The vast majority of the service delivery at ETL is done by our volunteers.
Staff team
Our staff team works closely with volunteers to manage the day to day running of our services.
Board of Trustees
Our board is made up of people with a shared enthusiasm and excitement for the Tool Library. We have worked hard to ensure it is diverse and representative of the communities we work with. Our
Our Funders
The Edinburgh Tool Library been fortunate enough to be supported by some great organisations and funding bodies. A big thank you to those who’ve supported us since 2014. we couldn’t have gotten this far without you.
Bank of Scotland
Sainsbury’s
Unltd
Climate Challenge Fund
The Big Lottery – Awards for All
OneCity Trust
Leith Chooses
EDI Group
Foundation Scotland
The Tudor Trust
Social Bite
Firstport
NESTA
The Volant Trust
University of Edinburgh Community Fund
Our Friends
These are some of the friends of Edinburgh Tool Library. We receive ongoing support from each of them, for which we are extremely grateful.
If you want to be a friend of the Tool Library and play a key role in leading us towards a sharing economy in Scotland, please get in touch or read more on our Support Us page.
