On Feb. 28, 2023, Walla Walla University’s Center for Humanitarian Engagement (CHE) hosted the well-attended grand opening of the new Walla Walla Tool Library. CHE is grateful to Upper Columbia Conferences Adventist Community Services (ACS) for providing the trailer to house the new program.

The Walla Walla Tool Library’s mission statement is “to empower individuals to do their part in creating a stronger community by providing easy access to tools, training, volunteer opportunities, and community workshops.” The tool library will also host community events that help people learn basic tool maintenance and how to complete various projects.

The idea for the Walla Walla Tool Library began when David Lopez, executive director of the CHE, noticed that many of the tools used by WWU for service days went unused for most of the year. “Many people have the skill to do home repairs or community projects but might not have the funds to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive tools,” said Megan Lersbak, senior business major and project specialist for the Walla Walla Tool Library. The tool library will be an affordable resource connecting the community to the tools they need, with membership fees starting at $25 per year.

Students and community members are encouraged to get involved with the Walla Walla Tool Library. Tools can be rented on the tool library’s website and will typically be loaned for seven days. A variety of volunteer opportunities will also become available at the tool library. During emergencies, the Walla Walla Tool Library will be deployed to provide tools and resources for volunteers working with ACS.

The Walla Walla Tool Library is located at 204 S. College Avenue, College Place, Washington, in a large black trailer behind the Walla Walla University campus security building.

To learn more about the tool library or to reserve a tool, visit the Walla Walla Tool Library website.

— Emma Dodds is a Walla Walla University Relations student writer.