Volunteering
Volunteers make a massive impact and positive contribution to our work. Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to offer the breadth of services that we do, nor to train people with lifelong maker skills. Plus, our volunteers get the chance to use their skills to make a difference.
Fill out our Volunteer Application form today!
We are lucky to have lots of interest in volunteering at ETL. Please note that we undergo a recruitment drive every couple of months, so you may not hear back immediately!
What do you get when you volunteer?
We call our volunteers ‘Tooligans’ and being one comes with loads of perks:
- Join social events, build things and friendships, become a living part of a community that is changing the world!
- Learn new skills and use them to help people and your local community.
- Open your horizons with new things like DIY, event planning, teaching, and specialist skills through the mentoring and training we offer.
- Earn recognition for the work that you do from a community who appreciates your input.
- Use our workshops for your own projects – you can learn how to use the equipment and volunteer to assist, but can also work on your own project with our workshop buddy sessions.
- Be part of our Volunteer Assembly – each quarter, volunteers have the opportunity to direct where our resources go. Read more here.
Current volunteering opportunities
Below is a list of some of the volunteering options we might have available.
Tool Librarians
Tool librarians interact with members at the front desk, helping in person with tool check outs, renewals, and membership signups, and also work online via our database preparing and confirming tool reservations. We strive to create an inclusive space that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds and skill levels. No need to have experience with tools, but you should be passionate about our mission and values. We also have lots of tools (as you can expect), so there are a few regular “backstage” shifts to catalog, organise and maintain our inventory. Shifts are three to four hours. Minimum of three shifts per month during operating hours.
Events and Fundraising
Help spread the word either as a key member of the events committee or as a keen helper! Duties vary but include speaking with members of the public about ETL, setting up and taking down a stall and display, signing up new members, and teaching/moderating small activities or workshops. You could also help plan or participate in fund-raising events, like stand up comedy nights, members talks, mad challenges, etc.
Shifts are two to fours hours. Most of the time on evenings and weekends. The committee meets once a month to schedule and plan ahead events and calls out for one-off helpers. This is a great way to get fully involved in our local community and the exciting opportunities it offers.
Tool Repair & Maintenance
At ETL, we know better than most that the efforts behind the curtains are just as important as the work that the outside world sees. We are looking for expert volunteers to help us carry out the essential task of maintaining and repairing our tools and getting them ready for the limelight! Shifts are two to fours hours. Most of the time on evenings and weekends.This is a great way to share and learn skills whilst fully supporting our ETL community.
Zoe from Studio Zo donates her time to help us with our branding and graphic design.
Have more questions? Check out our F.A.Q page or email us at hello@edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk.
