Community Partner : Station North Tool Library Intern : Eleanor Franklin Site Supervisor : Jessa Wais
What is the Station North Tool Library ?
The Station North Tool Library seeks to empower all people to improve their lives and environments , through affordable access to tools , skills , and workspace .
Learned how to safely operate and maintain several woodshop tools Worked in a collaborative , non-hierarchical , nonprofit environment Organized and executed a community event
This summer , I interned with the Station North Tool Library , a tool-lending library and maker space in the heart of the Station North Arts District . The Tool Library provides affordable access to tools , classes , and workshop space for its neighbors in Greenmount West . While working at the Tool Library , I ’ ve been able to experience the impact that this community resource has on its members . Beyond just tools and classes , people come in search of connection , knowledge , and support , which is always met with enthusiasm . The Tool Library creates a network of experts in different areas who are excited to share what they know with someone else . One of my favorite things about the community is how welcoming and supportive they are towards beginners looking to get involved . I ' ve never felt intimidated or embarrassed to ask a question , and more experienced craftspeople were always generous with their time and knowledge . At the Tool Library , I have learned not only about tools themselves and how to use them , but also about how making inspires autonomy and empowerment . Members come into the Tool Library excited about their projects : new homeowners , longtime craftspeople , artists , or beginners . The power of making is to start with an idea and bring it to life through your own ability . My experiences at the Tool Library this summer and with the people I ’ ve met have encouraged me to pursue my interest in art restoration , as well . This was something I ’ d wanted to do before , but felt was intangible ; both because of my lack of previous skill and because of how non-traditional it is at a school like Hopkins .
Being at the Tool Library strengthened my belief in myself to be able to learn the skills of restoration , as well as demonstrating to me that most people who seem to have it all figured out are only taking it one step at a time . Life rarely goes according to plan , and the best way to go through it is to carve out your own way .
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