There is a new library in North Kohala, but you won’t find books on the shelves.
The North Kohala Tool Library is open to residents of North Kohala and offers a wide variety of tools that can be “checked out” like a traditional library.
Library founder and president David Gibbs has lived in North Kohala, moving here from Utah five years ago with his family because his wife is a Kona girl.
“I have a background in engineering, but only did it for about a year and a half after college. My wife and I did a little traveling for a couple of years and during that time I worked for Doctors Without Borders doing logistics in Nigeria and Kenya. That was an introduction to project management. After that, we moved to Utah for five years working in construction and project management and decided we wanted to raise our kids here,” he said.
He had never heard of a tool library, but a chance conversation with his sister planted a seed in his head.
“I was talking to my sister one day on the phone about two years ago and we were talking about some project I had to do and she asked me if there was a tool library here. I had never heard of a tool library but as soon as she said the words, it made sense to me. I started doing some research on it and thought it might be something that would fly,” he recounted.
Gibbs consulted with some community leaders in the town to see if they would support such a venture, even if just helping spreading the word. They thought it was a great idea.
“I did more research and talked to more people and eventually started an online survey to ask the community if people were interested in it,” he said.
He received about 100 responses. The survey asked questions such as would you be interested in a tool library? Have you ever not been able to complete a project because you don’t have access to the tools? Do you borrow tools from your neighbors? Do you ever rent tools? How much would you be willing to pay to be a member of a tool library? Do you consider yourself a back yard gardener, do it yourself person or a homeowner with occasional projects?
All of the respondents were interested and with the information gained from the survey, the idea moved forward.
With a small group of volunteers, the vision, mission and values for the library were realized. He put out a public service announcement in the community seeking a building that could accommodate them.
“A space became available, where the old hardware store was on Akoni Pule. We weren’t quite ready because we had no money so we had a fundraiser , which got us enough money to get in there and start paying rent,” he said.
The next thing he needed was inventory.
“Someone who was moving off island found out about us, and said he had a lot of really nice tools that he didn’t want to take with him. That was our first donation. He gave us shelves and a rolling tool chest and thousands of dollars worth of tools and equipment,” he recalled.
Next he had to figure out how to manage the inventory and move forward.
He connected with the Honolulu Tool Library to see their operation and train on an inventory software program used by other tool libraries.
Gibbs said the Honolulu Tool Library operates on a membership subscription for $40 per month.
“I thought that wouldn’t work here because we have a lower income and different clientele base here and especially being our first year, we decided to try out a $30 suggested donation annually,” he said adding each tool library has a flavor unique to its own community it serves.
Gibbs said 100% of the tools at the library have been donated by community members.
They have over 300 individual tools registered in their inventory, and a lot of smaller tools like screwdrivers that haven’t yet been checked in.
In order to become a member, you must be a Kohala resident.
“Part of the reason for doing this is so people don’t have to drive long ways. You can sign up online or come in and sign up. During that process, you get walked through our borrowing policy and sign an indemnification waiver.
“Then you can come in and look for what you want or search online at nktoollibrary.org,” he explained.
Most of the tools are free, but some gas powered items will have a maintenance fee.
Gibbs said he would like to see tool libraries created in other towns on the Big Island.
“We want to plant the seed in people’s mind just like it was in my conversation with my sister. We don’t have to always buy new tools because so many tools now are designed to last for one project- planned obsoleteness. We are doing a little bit to keep things out of the landfills and help people so they don’t have to drive,” he said.
There has been generous donations from the community for his nonprofit. They recently were approved for a grant through the county council contingency relief fund that will cover rent for one year. He will also be applying for additional grants to help pay for overhead costs.
He is also keeping a list of tools that people request, hoping to be able to meet their needs.
“I want to keep that in public view so people can say ‘oh i have one of those I don’t use’ and donate to us. Hopefully eventually we will have the money to purchase these highly requested items,” he said.
The library is completely volunteer driven, so there are currently limited hours on Mondays 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday 8:30-10 a.m. and Saturdays 8-10 a.m.
Gibbs welcomes Kohala residents who would like to volunteer, noting he would especially would like to find someone who can do social media. He suggested Kohala residents visit their website or stop by to check them out.
“We are here to get tools in people’s hands,” he said.
