People across north Glasgow are learning practical skills and improving public spaces through hands‑on projects led by Glasgow Tool Library, a community organisation rooted in repair, reuse and mutual support.
The library launched in 2019 and has grown to become the second largest tool library in Scotland, with more than 1,000 tools and items available to borrow.
Access to tools is a significant barrier to DIY, repair and home improvement, particularly for people on low incomes who cannot afford to buy equipment they might only use occasionally. The charity has 1,090 active members and has completed over 18,000 loans since launch, saving members a total of £900,000 by borrowing instead of buying.
Glasgow Tool Library’s lending model also has a significant environmental impact. They estimate that by enabling local people to carry out their own projects by borrowing tools instead of buying, they have saved an estimated 101 tonnes of CO2 over seven years.
Their work is supported by a diverse volunteer base who help run the library, maintain equipment and share skills with others, and the charity’s Volunteer Programme is a central part of its work.
Up to 50 volunteers work alongside local organisations to repair and refresh community spaces across north Glasgow, offering structured opportunities for people to learn new skills, improve existing ones, and contribute to their community.
Alongside this practical work, volunteers take part in training and shared learning that helps them develop social connections and open up routes towards employment. Feedback from volunteers shows 95% felt their skills had improved, 87% felt a greater sense of community, and 81% reported better mental health.
Glasgow Tool Library’s work has been supported by a £1,500 donation from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which distributes funding each month to charities and community organisations in north Glasgow and beyond.
The funding will contribute towards volunteer training and the Community Builds project, where volunteers support local organisations to improve community spaces. Recent local partners include Possibilities, Barmulloch Community Development Company, Make It Glasgow and Shakespeare Street Youth Club.
Chris Strachan, Co‑Founder and Director of Glasgow Tool Library, said, “Thanks so much to Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. Their funding will provide vital support for our Community Builds and volunteer training. These projects help to maintain and improve community spaces, and support people to learn new skills, improve their confidence, and find pathways into work.”
Gerry Facenna, founder and owner of Allied Vehicles Group, added, “Glasgow Tool Library shows what can happen when people are given the chance to learn by doing. This support will help volunteers improve local spaces and support other fantastic local organisations, while building skills that stay with them long after a project is finished.”
By putting tools and training into local hands, Glasgow Tool Library continues to strengthen communities across north Glasgow, one shared project at a time.
