Is that modifier misplaced? I’m not talking like, “hey, Belinda, can you lend me that tool of a boyfriend for a few hours…I need to reach some high stuff.” I’m talking actual tools.
Most weeks, the most fascinating email I receive comes from Kevin Kelly. I’ve referenced his collaborative effort Cool Tools before, but it’s worth repeating. If you have an interest in making your life more efficient, join his mailing list now. And, while you’re at it, read Meta Efficient regularly.
This week Kevin discusses the phenomenon of tool lending libraries. It’s a great, altruistic idea, particularly in urban areas where townhouse and apartment owners might not have space or money for a lot of tools:
The typical tool lending library offers basic hand tools, and a selection of garden, landscaping and construction tools. The hot items with waiting lists at the San Francisco Tool Lending Library (now in the middle of a move to a new location on Howard Street) are heavy duty power tools. The top four borrowings are: an electric jack hammer, a drain snake for clearing sewage lines, an electric weed wacker (the library only deals with electrical tools, no gas), and rotary impact drills.
This reminds me slightly of the very successful Vancouver car co-op.
DarrenBarefoot.com 