We can't believe it's been a whole 12 months since East Linton Tool Library first opened its doors!
We'd researched the logistics, sought advice from the pros at Edinburgh Tool Library and others in the Share and Repair Network, but it was all a bit of an unknown...
Did the people of East Linton and surrounding areas really want a Tool Library? Would they pay £25 per year membership?
Would we have the tools they need?
Would all the great theory translate into practice?
Over the last year, membership has steadily increased and we are delighted to have almost 70 members from all corners of East Lothian!
In 12 months, we've had 412 loans of 218 items!
We think that the answer to the above questions must be 'Yes!'
Our volunteers (Chris, Jennifer, Brian, Bob, Hanna, Martin, Dave, Muriel, Malcolm and Liz) have juggled an array of tasks with dedication, energy and good humour - mastering the online loaning system Myturn; repairing donations; electrical testing; cleaning; engaging in numerous other 'extracurricular' pursuits, taking DIY out into the community to build a bug hotel at East Linton Primary and delivering a bird box workshop at West Barns Primary.
Since the Tool Library opened, we've been keeping a record of which tools are most popular and what projects our members have been working on:
In 1st place...
followed closely in 2nd place by...
and in 3rd place...
Among the wide variety of projects our members have embarked upon and - with the help of tools from ELTL - completed, we have:
Dismantling rotten old shed
Path cleaning
Hedge pruning
Building a mud kitchen
Laying cable underneath flagstone path
Paint stripping from East Linton phone box for Climate Action East Linton
Kitchen tile job
Replacing window panes in East Linton phone box for Climate Action East Linton
Assembling a new shed
Gardening cleanup
Hedge removal
Replacement of tap cartridge to fix leaky tap
Reclaiming old masonry and bricks for re-use
Refurbishing woodwork on a painted bed
Removing old wire fence from a tree that had grown around it
Woodworking to accommodate wiring
Upholstery work
Cleaning up and finishing half a barrel for a garden project
Clearing high grass surrounding newly planted trees
Knife sharpening
Putting up shelves in a garage
Grass cutting
Digging through a concrete floor to allow replacement of lead pipes
Garden maintenance
Making garden planters out of offcuts of decking planks
Looking for buried wire
Ripping up manky old carpet in new house
Tall tree and hedge pruning
Gutter maintenance
Fixing a leaking mixer tap
House renovation
Breaking up concrete while digging trench for ground source heat pump
Blocked sink
Digging through concrete floor to allow replacement of lead pipes
Laying wooden floor in camper van
Building stud wall
Fixing aerial connection
East Linton Phone Box seed swap prep
Loft Access
Patio Cleaning
Making bookshelves and raised bed/planters
Building base for shed
Fitting security bolts to window
Cleaning decking
Window refurbishment
Van conversion
Why Buy when you can Borrow?
If you'd like to sign up for membership right now, go here We also do Gift Subscriptions, which you can find here
To view our full inventory, go here
Become a member of East Linton Tool Library for £25 pounds per year and you'll:
Save money
Reduce CO2 emissions
Reduce waste going to landfill
Learn new skills
Join a community of people working to create a circular economy
Thank you to all who have supported us by joining East Linton Tool Library over the past year. If there are things you think we can be doing better or particular tools you think we should have in our inventory, please let us know!
And, of course, a massive thank you to our exceptional volunteers, for your hard work and team spirit; for making it happen!
Year 2, we're ready for you!
Our volunteers are knowledgeable and always happy to help with any questions and offer advice. Opening hours are 5-7pm on Tuesdays and 10-12 midday on Saturdays. If you're thinking of becoming a member but aren't sure, come along and find out more.
We look forward to seeing you soon!