Edinburgh Tool Library: A decade of Community, inclusion, and empowerment

Since taking up residence at Places for People’s Urban Eden development in 2022, Edinburgh Tool Library (ETL)—Scotland’s first tool-sharing Community—has become an inspiring hub for inclusivity, skill-sharing, and environmental impact. This thriving initiative, supported through our #SocialSpace program, connects social businesses like ETL with available commercial units, allowing them to expand their Community-driven work. 

With a milestone 10th anniversary around the corner, ETL’s journey highlights its profound impact on Edinburgh’s Communities. The organisation has not only reduced waste but has also built a welcoming space where People from all walks of life can participate in new ways, empowering their voices, and creating positive social change. 

The Meadowbank Community Hub 

ETL’s Meadowbank base, launched by MSP Lorna Slater in April 2022, has become a beacon for both long-standing members and newcomers alike. The space’s popularity is reflected in its impressive growth. In the last 3 months alone, the hub has provided: 

• 743 new members
• 3,180 tool loans
• £79,983 in member savings
• 16 metric tonnes of CO₂ saved
• 2,046 visitors through its doors
• 44 regular volunteers giving 426 hours 

From tool borrowing to skill-building workshops, the Meadowbank site has accelerated ETL’s ability to serve the Community and attract a growing, diverse membership base. 

A voice for everyone 

Central to ETL’s mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, feels welcome and valued. ETL actively supports women, non-binary individuals, and other groups traditionally underrepresented in trades and technical work. Through dedicated sessions like the Women & Non-Binary Makers program, ETL offers not just access to tools but also a supportive environment where participants can learn, create, and connect. The initiative is one of many that reflect ETL’s commitment to dismantling barriers and creating a sense of belonging in every project. 

More than just tools: building skills, confidence, and connection 

While tool-sharing is the core of ETL, its offerings extend beyond simple loans. ETL organises repair cafes, workshops, and a range of Community projects, helping members learn new skills and build confidence while contributing to their neighborhoods. ETL’s Community Builds have yielded Little Free Libraries, accessibility ramps, benches, and bird boxes—projects that are both practical and symbolic, representing a collaborative approach to Community improvement. 

The Places Foundation-funded ‘Tools for Equity’ project stands as one of ETL’s proudest accomplishments. Created to address the barriers that minority groups often face in accessing trades, this initiative offers dedicated spaces for learning and self-expression. Through ‘Tools for Equity,’ two distinct groups—those who may not typically have access to such resources—now have the chance to learn hands-on skills, build their confidence, and explore new career paths. 

Celebrating ten years and counting 

To mark its 10th anniversary, ETL will host a series of events celebrating its history and Community, more information on this can be found here.  However, this milestone is also a moment to reflect on the ambitious future ETL has in mind, with plans to expand its services even further. New tool library hubs, pop-up satellite services, and accessible ShareBoxes are all on the horizon, bringing ETL’s vision to more Communities around Edinburgh and continuing its legacy of sustainability, inclusivity, and empowerment. 

We were proud to attend a special parliamentary reception which was held to celebrate a decade of ETL’s innovation, Community building, and climate action. The Tool Library has shown that tools can do more than build furniture—they can build Communities. By nurturing a welcoming, accessible environment, ETL has helped individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds find their voices, gain confidence, and contribute to a shared vision for a thriving, inclusive Edinburgh.