The New Tool Lending Library: The New Orleans Tool Lending Library

Great News,

The Tool Lending Library is finally coming back, this time as the brand new, soon to be completely independent New Orleans Tool Lending Library.  

**HandsOn is no longer associated with the Tool Lending Library, please do not contact them**

We are currently partnering with lowernine.org and Greater New Orleans Disaster Relief Partnership (GNODRP) to get things off the ground.  We are starting this weekend (march 17th, in honor of st. patrick) lending to Non-profit organizations.  We are in the early stages, but to borrow tools please send a list of items that you would like to toolnola@gmail.com and we will get back to you with details and pick-up information.  We are going to be expanding our services greatly in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes open for more info!  Most exciting will be our own building in the lower 9th ward set to open in may that will cater to New Orleans residents.

Mike & James
the new tool lending library team!

Future of the HandsOn Tool Lending Library

As many of you are probably already aware, our 1204 S White Location is officially closed, and new tenants have already moved in.  Fear not, for there are plans in the work to reopen the library (hopefully in March) under new management and in a new location.  The details of that plan are still being worked out, but all looks good for a reopening soon.  Any new and pertinent information will be posted here at this blog.  As details become clear, we will get them to you as soon as possible.  

Some of you still have tools out.  Those tools need to get back to us so that the new library can start strong and at full capacity.  For those that are still trying to return tools, please contact Peyton at pjuneau@handsonneworleans.org to arrange a time to either drop them off our pick them up.  If you do not return the tools, we reserve the right to collect the debt through a collection agency, and you will be banned from participating in the future library.   There is also a chance that legal action may pursued.  Please figure out a way to get the tools back to us so you can particpate in the new library and avoid any potential headaches.

Warehouse Sale

Dear Members,

As we continue our transition to a new location, under a new organization, we continue to clean out our current space and pack up tools to move.  During this process we are finding many tools and items we aren’t planning on keeping.  There is a not a ton of stuff that we are selling, but that being said there are some interesting finds (that will be priced right!).  We are clearing out the following: 

• any battery operated tool that is not an 18V Dewalt tool 
• we still have a couple of the Dewalt drills for sale 
• storage containers (like tool boxes) 
• broken tools (that we believe are repairable, but haven’t had the momentum to fix)
• Hand tools like dry wall squares, tape measures, hammers, screw drivers, utility knifes (etc.) 
• Tool Belts 
• A large Portable A/C unit (although this won’t be that cheap since its in great condition) 
• A truck bed cover measuring 64” x 80" 
• Some lumber (mostly odd lengths in bigger cuts ie 2x8s,4x4s etc) 
• Misc Screws and Fasteners 
• And a bunch of Freebies as well

We will be open for our Ware House sale:  

9am-Noon and 1pm-4pm  

Thursday Dec 15^th, Saturday Dec 17^th and Tuesday Dec 20^th.  

We may add a few days depending on how things go, so keep your eyes open.  There will also be new items  each day. 

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call 504 483 7041 ext 105 or send us an email. 

Thanks

Tool Lending Library Team

Important News

Hello All,

As many of you already may have heard HandsOn New Orleans has been planning to move the Tool Lending Library to another organization in the New Year. Part of the transition will be closing down the current location and moving it to a new location.  While we are still working out the details, we at HandsOn New Orleans wanted to fill you in on some of important points and timelines for the next month while we begin this process. 

• - December 9th is the last day for Check Outs at our current 1204 S. White St Location. 
• - All Tools must be returned by December  17^th. This is extremely important to the success of this transition period.  
• - December membership is currently pro-rated to $5 until we cease check outs. 
• - If you currently have long overdue tools, please return them now, we would rather have the tools here for the transition than anything else and we will waive late fees.  Having the tools here is the only way to keep the library open, not returning them threatens the library’s continuing operation in the community. 
• - We will be having a “garage sale” to get rid of tools that are no longer lent or deemed unnecessary to the future of the Tool Lending Library, expect more news about this soon.  It will be a great way to get some good tools really cheap.

We appreciate your patience during this time, and will be sending out more news once we have it.  The Tool Lending Library wouldn’t be what it is today with out its members.  If you have any questions do no hesitate to contact us at: 504.483.7041 ext 105

Tool Lending Library Team

Thanksgiving Closures

Hello All,

In honor of the Thanksgiving Holiday we will be closed

• Thursday November 24
• Friday November 25
• Saturday November 26

We will reopen Tuesday November 30 at 8am

Any tools that are due during that time will be due on the 30th.  Please contact us ahead of time if you foresee  have any problems returning tools on the 30th

Thanks, 

Tool Lending Library Team

New Fees, Important!

Hello All, 

In an effort to help cover the cost of repairs and tool purchasing, we are going to start charging a per use fee on some of our most popular tools (and most easily damageable) beginning Sept.1st.   For the time being, this will not include all of our tools, but more tools will most likely be added on as time goes by.  

• These fees will be waived for active Volunteer Leaders (if your interested in becoming a volunteer leader, contact lnash@handsonneworleans.org)
• Individuals will be able to earn credit to take out tools by volunteering at the Tool Lending Library ($10 per hour volunteered).  
• Non-profits may choose to have their tool fees billed to them at the end of each month.  
• In effort to expand services while raising fees, there will be reservation lists for the tools that have fees associated with them (but only tools with per use fees for the time being).  If you are a member with your membership currently paid and in good standing(no late fees), you will be able to place your name on a list for any of the items that have a per use fee associated with it by calling or stopping in. 
• Late Fees will remain $5 a day, and please note, we will be enforcing late fees on these items more rigorously than before.  
• Extending the check out past a week will depend on whether there is a waiting list on that particular item. 
• Please contact us with any questions

Here is a list of the Tools and the new fees associated with them.  Please notice there is a 4 day check out fee and a 7 day check out fee.

Tool Name	4 day fee	7 day fee
Small Air Compressors	$3	$5
Large Air Compressor	$5	$8
All Air Tools	$3	$5
All String Trimmers (weedwacker)*	$5	$8
Lawn Mowers**	$8	$12
24’ Extension Ladders	$5	$8
40’ Extension Ladder	$8	$12
Scaffolding	See Staff	See Staff
Small Generators	$5	$8
Large Generator	$6	$10
Pressure Washer	$6	$10
Table Saws	$5	$8
Bosch Combo/Demo Hammer	$6	$10
Roto-Tiller	$8	$12
Cement Mixer	$6	$10
Impact Drivers	$3	$5

* string trimmers will have a one day rental option of $2

** Lawn Mowers will have a one day rental option of $3

As always, if you have any questions, concerns or even comments, feel free to contact us

Tool Lending Library Team

DeWalt Drills for Sale!

Hello Everyone,

A little while ago we had to purchase 100 18V Cordless DeWalt Drills for a large project that we were working on.  Well, 100 is more than we could ever use at the Tool Lending Library, so we are going to be selling them for $100 a piece!  This is a really good deal, each comes with its instruction manual, two batteries, a charger and a drill bit.  They have all either been used only once, or in some cases not at all.

We are excepting cash or check.  If you can try to have exact change though, that would be great so we don't wear out our change drawer.

Not only will you be getting a great deal on a drill, but you are making a donation to help out the Tool Lending Library.  And Always, if you are feeling generous, you can donate money or tools for a tax deduction.  (although purchasing the drills, at the price we are asking, don't count for a tax deduction)

We hope to see you soon,
Tool Lending Library Team

Come to Pink Berry Aug 13th and Vote for Finn's (and HandsOn)

Hello All, 


First Off, the Pinkberry on Magazine Street and Joseph Street is helping to raise money for HandsOn New Orleans.  Pinkberry will donate money each time their customers mention HandsOn New Orleans on Saturday, August 13th, so go to Pinkberry, buy frozen yogurt, and mention HandsOn New Orleans and give your support while enjoying delicious desserts!


Secondly,  its that time of year to vote for the Gambit's Best of New Orleans and we are hoping to influence your vote.  There is a category for best Non-Profit, and we hope you vote for HandsOn New Orleans.   A few months ago our great friends at Finn McCool's donated a roto-tiller to us.  To show how much we appreciate their support, we are also asking that you vote for Finn McCool's for every bar category on the list.  


A couple of things to know about the Gambit's best of voting.  You have to vote for at least 50% of the categories to have your ballot count, so unfortunately you can't just vote for Finn's and HandsOn.  To vote online you also have to create a log-in.  Its a bit of work, but we hope you vote for us!


Last note, remember we have new hours starting Aug 1st (8-4) and will be closed on Mondays for at least the next couple months.


Hope to see you all soon and thanks for voting!
Tool Lending Library Team

Closed Friday July 29th

Hello all,

We wanted to let you know that due to Americorps Graduation Ceremonies, we will be closed Friday July 29th.  Any tools due that day will be due on Saturday.

On that note, Ford and Patrick are finishing their Americorps Terms and their last day at the Tool Lending Library will be on Thursday 28th. They will be moving on to bigger and better things so the next time your in and you see them, make sure you thank them for everything they have done for the Tool Lending Library, they will truly be missed.

And remember, because of the shrinking size of the staff, our hours will be changing.  Will be closed on Mondays starting Aug 1st and open from 8-4 every other day except friday, where will keep the same hours, noon-5.  Note, though, that we will officially be open on Saturdays from 8-4 now, a big bonus.

We hope to see all soon,

Tool Lending Library Team

New Hours (and a few new tools)

Hello All,

We wanted to let you know that starting August 1st the HandsOn Tool Lending will be changing our hours.  We will be open Tuesday-Saturday (so closed Monday and Sunday) and will be opening at 8am and closing at 4pm each day, except for Friday, when we will open at noon and close at 5, just like our current hours.  This should last through August and September, where will be looking at adjusting the hours again.  Please let us know what you think and fill us in on ideas that would make the Tool Lending Library a better place for everyone.

We also just received two new Porter Cable routers, 15(!) new 18V DeWalt drivers and one new 18V XRP DeWalt Hammer Drill.

We hope to see everyone soon,

Tool Lending Library Team

Back to Normal (and one more closure)

Hello All,

It is our pleasure to inform you that we are back to full operating capacity.  That being said, there is one more closure to speak of.  The Tool Lending Library will be closed Monday June 13th.  We applogize for any inconvenience that this may cause, and we hope that you can plan accordingly

Tool Lending Library Team

New HandsOn New Orleans Website!

Hello All,

The HandsOn Staff has been working very hard getting our new website up.  Come by and visit the site, learn more about HandsOn as an organization outside of just the Tool Lending Library, sign up to volunteer on our new and improved calendar!  The new website is wonderful resource for non-profits and volunteers alike.  The website offers you an opportunity to create a volunteer profile and find specific projects that cater to how you want to volunteer.  You need to check it out and explore.

While your there, visit the Tool Lending Library's page and "Like" it on Facebook to spread the word about the TLL to all your Facebook friends.  And as always your welcome to spread the word to all your real world friends too, we wouldn't be who we are without such great members!

See You Soon,
Tool Lending Library Team

Important Information

Hello All, 

In an effort to get information to you as soon as possible, it is our responsibility to inform you that we will not be performing any check-outs May 27th-31st and June 4th-6th.  This is because of the large scale volunteer project we will be coordinating for the upcoming National Conference on Service and Volunteering on June 6th.  We apologize for any inconvenience that this might cause and ask you to plan ahead.  

It is also important to note that many of our tools will be dedicated to this project and we will be in fairly short supply of items from mid may until June 7th.  We ask that you please call us to ensure that the tool you are looking for will be in before coming into the TLL.   We will also be limiting extensions on many items, placing holds on other items and may ask for you to return certain tools early so that we may accommodate this very very large project.

If you are interested in Volunteering for the project on Monday June 6th (we will be doing improvements on 4 local parks) please contact Lindsay Nash at lnash@handsonneworleans.org or by phone 504.483.7041 ext 105    

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding and as always feel free to contact us with any questions

Tool Lending Library Team

Free Respirators

Hello Members,

A little while ago we were gifted a ton of respirators and filters.  We have finally gotten around to sorting through them and would love to see them get some use.  What that means is we are giving away the respirators since they are not the easiest thing to lend and as an organization will never use all of them.  Stop by the HandsOn New Orleans Tool Lending Library today to pick up one or two or three.  

Sincerely,
Tool Lending Library Team

Over 300 members!

Hello all,

We here at the HandsOn New Orleans Tool Lending Library wanted to extend a thank you to all of our members and friends of the TLL.  This past month we passed 300 members.  Since we are a word of mouth organization at the moment, we understand that it is in large part a result of our members spreading the word.  So thank you and keep up the great work.  We look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Tool Lending Library Team

Refinishing Furniture Workshop at Green Project

Hello All,

So Patrick has the furniture, he has the acetone, he has the steel wool, he has the cat litter.  That's right everything is falling into place for this Saturday's workshop at the Green Project.  Patrick will cover the basics (and some of the finer points) of furniture refinishing with some hands-on demonstrations, some great images and all with tools from the HandsOn New Orleans Tool Lending Library.  Basically, you don't want to miss this!

What: Furniture Refinishing Workshop
Who: HandsOn's own Patrick O'Brien and all of you
When: Saturday April 30th, 10am
Where: The Green Project - 2831 Marais St. NOLA 70117


Its $5 for the general public and free for Green Project Members (which you should be anyways, the Green Project is amazing!)


Thanks and Look forward to seeing you all there,
Tool Lending Library Team

More New Tools

Thanks to Boy Scout Troop 96 of Silver Spring Maryland, the HandsOn New Orleans has acquired a brand new Milwaukee 1/2" Hole Hawg Drill and a brand new Porter-Cable Air Compressor.

Also a few notes of interest, next Saturday April 30th our very own Patrick O'Brien will be teaching a workshop at the Green Project on refinishing furniture, get more information at the Green Project Website

It should also be noted that we are officially phasing out Chain Saws and Paint Sprayers from our inventory due to the difficulty of keeping them running.

Tool Lending Library Team

Thursday April 5 Lunch Closure

Hello All,

The TLL will be closed briefly from 11:30am-1:00pm on Thursday April 5

We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause.  Please plan accordingly.

Tool Lending Library Team

New Tools!

Hello All,

Big News!  It has finally arrived!  Finn, our new Roto-tiller, is in our warehouse and nearly ready for lending.  There will be a few things to keep in mind though when checking out this item.  Because of its high price, we are currently only lending it to Organizations that are established tool lending library members, (that will most likely be changing soon though, so keep your ears open).  We will also be adhering to a very strict one-week check out and strictly enforcing all late fees that accrue fully.  If you are in an established Non-profit member, you can give us a call and put your name on our wait list.  We will not be actually lending it out for a few days though because we are in the process of making a ramp for it so that it will be less likely to be damaged.

We also received a pressure washer that needs a few repairs, but will be ready to go soon, there is another generator on the way and a set of Milwaukee 5/8" power shears.   Remember you can always donate unused tools for a tax write off!

See you all soon

Tool lending Library Team

DIY Energy Audit Kit Workshop

Hello All,

We here at the TLL are partnering with the Green Project for another class as part of the Green Project's Projectivities Series.  This time around we will be showing off our newly revamped Energy Audit Kit and showing you the basics of what you would need to know to be able to use the kit yourself!

The new workbook that accompanies the DIY Energy Audit Kit is chock full of New Orleans specific information for making your home more energy efficient.  After attending the class you will be able to use the kit that we have here in the Tool Lending Library to get a basic assesment of the efficiency of your home and have the basics for diving into a full blown energy overhaul if you so wish.

So come on down to the Green Project (2831 Marais Street) this Saturday March 19th at 10am and start out on a path to a greener home!

for more info, call the HandsOn New Orleans Tool Lending Library at 504 483 7041 ext 105 or Email Kaylie at kbirdsall@thegreenproject.org for more information.


Hope to see you all there


Tool Lending Library Team