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Volunteer with Tacoma Tool Library!

We rely on community volunteers to keep us going, and there are many ways you can help out your local tool library!

Take a look at the different volunteer role descriptions to see what makes the best use of your abilities, fits your schedule and will help you gain new skills. Most of our volunteer roles do not require any tool knowledge.

Volunteer perks include a free one-year membership and early access to tools.

Signup to Volunteer

During tool lending hours, volunteers are responsible for building tool reservation orders, checking tools in and out, inspecting and reshelving tools, writing maintenance tickets, and general customer service ito the public and members alike.

Tool Lending Hours:

  • Monday 4:30pm – 7:30pm
  • Wednesday 4:30pm – 7:30pm
  • Saturday 10am – 1pm

Suggested skills for this position include:

  • Customer service: talking with people, listening to and understanding questions and problems.
  • Computer/tech literacy
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs easily (not necessary, but helpful

Volunteers spend time sorting through donations, testing out tools and cataloging tools into the MyTurn inventory database. Performing safety checks on power tools may require tool research or some tool knowledge.

This role offers greater flexibility in time commitment and scheduling on an as needed basis following tool donations.

Suggested skills for this position are:

  • Detail-oriented
  • Data entry
  • Research skills/ Problem solving
  • Computer/tech literacy (esp. using a touch-screen tablet)
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs easily (not necessary, but helpful)

Volunteers in this area play an instrumental role in keeping the tool inventory up and running for members. Tasks include simple and complex electric tool repairs and preventative maintenance.

This role offers greater flexibility in time commitment and scheduling on an as-needed basis for tools needing repair.

Suggested skills for this position are:

  • Above-average tool use/proficiency required
  • Safe DIY repair experience preferred
  • Tool/shop safety knowledge
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs easily (not necessary, but helpful)

We need fixers with expertise in repairing small appliances, electrical items such as lamps and vacuums, furniture, clothing and textiles for mending, electronics, computers, jewelry and eyeglasses, toys and tools. 

Fixers can bring their own equipment and tools. We will provide small supplies and some tools. Fixers are volunteers who are not expected to have answers for every fix. 

This role occurs during Fix-it Nights which are every Thursday 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Fixers should arrive 15 minutes early and should expect to stay 15 minutes after closing. Fix-it Nights are located at Tacoma Public Library Main Branch on the 2nd floor in the Mixing Chamber. Enter at 1100 Court F through the gated door.

Suggested skills for this position are: 

  • Above-average tool use/proficiency required 
  • Safe DIY repair experience preferred 
  • Tool/shop safety knowledge 
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs easily (not necessary, but helpful 

Volunteer Fix-it Night greeters welcome community members, answer any general questions about FiN, determine if the item is viable for a fix, help with sign-in and do setup and breakdown. 

This role occurs during Fix-it Nights which are every Thursday 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Greeters should expect to arrive 30 minutes early for set up and stay 30 minutes after for breakdown. Fix-it Nights are located at Tacoma Public Library Main Branch on the 2nd floor in the Mixing Chamber. Enter at 1100 Court F through the gated door.

Suggested skills for this position are: 

  • Customer service: talking with people, listening to and understanding questions, and providing information.
  • Ability to work in fast paced environment 
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs easily (not necessary, but helpful) 

Volunteers help participants by answering questions about sewing projects and sewing machine use. 

This role occurs during Make-it Sew events EVERY Tuesdays from 6pm-7:30pm. Helpers should arrive 15 minutes early for set up and stay 15 minutes after for breakdown. Make-it Sew is located at Tacoma Public Library Main Branch on the 2nd floor in the Mixing Chamber. Enter at 1100 Court F through the gated door.

Suggested skills for this position are: 

  • Customer service: talking with people, listening to and understanding questions, and providing information. 
  • Ability to work in fast paced environment 
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs easily (not necessary, but helpful)