A number of makerspaces, repair cafes, and similar initiatives have arisen locally and abroad in the last decade.
The Auckland Library of Tools (ALoT), which has recently opened in nearby Kingsland, provides members with access to high quality and well-maintained tools.
ALoT is run as a not-for-profit social enterprise. Members pay a modest fee, generally less than the price of a single tool, for access to a broad range of tools and equipment. ALoT is umbrellaed by Grey Lynn 2030, and has received start-up funding from Waitemata Local Board. However, the group is primarily funded by its members and donations from the local community.
ALoT shares a workshop with Hackland, an existing makerspace located on Bond Street. Members can borrow tools, attend workshops, learn, collaborate and share resources and ideas.
The project is spearheaded by zero waste advocate Amanda Chapman (who launched New Zealand’s first Community Fridge in 2016), and Tom Greer. A growing number of talented and enthusiastic volunteers have also begun contributing.
The library is for everyone, and will allow people to build, share, learn and create in a more sustainable way. At present, accessing tools requires people to buy, hire or borrow from friends or family. Not everyone is in a position to do this, while those who are often can’t justify purchasing or storing expensive and bulky items for the occasional job. As Auckland housing becomes denser, with people moving into smaller homes, providing a shared resource such as ALoT becomes both more practical and more necessary.
Whether you want to drill a hole or learn how to use a CNC router, ALoT will be the place to come. ALoT aims to be a valued community resource that changes how people think about ownership, resources and the material world. Collaborative consumption reduces the need for individual private ownership and can profoundly reduce the environmental impact of human activity.
The library provides an extensive range of equipment for construction, gardening, woodwork and textiles. Library volunteers come from different backgrounds and bring a range of knowledge and expertise to the workshop. They are able to advise members on best practice and ensure the proper maintenance of all tools and equipment.
The team of volunteers are currently gathering funds, setting up their new space and sorting through the slow but steady trickle of tools that have found their way to the library (and a second life). If you would like to donate tools or get involved, you can get in touch with the ALoT team via the contacts below.
Auckland Library of Tools, 48D Bond Street, www.aucklandlibraryoftools.com