Victoria's first tool library, which allows residents to borrow tools instead of purchasing new ones, will open its doors this weekend.
The Victoria Tool Library works in a similar way as a public library. Members pay between $50 to $100 to access a wide variety of used tools, such as ladders, hammers, sewing machines, gardening tools and painting equipment, and return them when they're finished.
The idea of tool libraries has been growing in popularity across the country. There are currently tool libraries in Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. The Berkeley Public Library also established a tool library roughly 30 years ago, which is still in operation.
In August 2015, Victoria residents decided to bring a similar service to the Island, with the tools donated during a drive last May. Now the group's dreams have come to fruition.
The grand opening of the tool library takes place Saturday, Feb. 4. Opening hours are on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 858 Devonshire Rd. In Esquimalt. For more information visit victoriatoollibrary.org.