Tool Replacement Fund

Update 2!: We're so grateful for all the support we've received in the past month! As some of you may know, our fiscal sponsor is not accepting any more donations after March 15th, after which we will have to find a new fiscal sponsor. We're hard at work to make that transition real, but want to give that warning up front.  If you are planning to give us money, please make sure it arrives before March 15th.

UPDATE: Wow! We are incredibly encouraged by the outpouring of community support for our small project! Any money given over our goal will go towards setting up and putting the finishing touches on our second location in Ward 7 as well as setting up a fund for future tool libraries in other Wards. We've bumped our goal by an additional $5,000, so that we can get our Lederer Tool Library up to speed.

Our beloved, all-volunteer DC Tool Library lost many vital tools and equipment during break-ins in early February. This free neighborhood resource has been empowered by DC residents’ tool donations since 2020, and in turn, has empowered residents by providing access to tools for home repairs, maintenance, community projects, and more. Now, the Library’s ability to carry out its mission is at risk. The replacement value of the tools stolen is about $11,000. For the time being, we’ve made the decision to close this library branch while we resecure the building and work to rebuild our stock of tools.

While we have pursued every possible avenue to get the tools back, we expect the losses to be permanent. Besides replacing the tools—through donations and repurchasing—we urgently need to invest in insurance and improved security measures, including an alarm system, lighting, and cameras. The total estimate is about $15,000, which we can reach with your help. 

Our Twin Oaks Tool Library branch represents the spirit of community and empowerment within our local neighborhoods in DC. With your support we can rebuild a Tool Library that serves our community for many years to come. Thank you for believing in the tool library as much as we do.

For more information about the break-ins and our route going forward check out the website.