WASHINGTON — Volunteers set up a tool library in D.C. so neighbors could borrow power tools for free. Some thieves helped themselves, stealing thousands of dollars in tools.
They estimate they cleared out about two-thirds of their stock, forcing them to close for the time being.
This tool library sits in the historic Twin Oaks Community Garden in the Petworth neighborhood.
The group Green Neighbors DC opened it in 2021 to allow neighbors to check out tools like one does books from a typical library.
In early February, they first noticed that a smaller window broken into and a small amount of tools stolen.
"Some folks were able to break in through a couple of windows, sort of escalating over the course of a couple of weeks," volunteer, a.k.a. tool librarian, Abigail Salvatore said. "They initially had to tuck, you know, a bunch of stuff through a smaller window that we were able to secure, and then they came in, you know, were able to get in through one of our bigger windows and took, I think it was about 120 tools in total."
They estimate that the thefts cost about $11,000.
"It was really heartbreaking at first honestly," Salvatore said. "It sort of felt initially like, how are we going to continue?"
They launched a fundraiser, thinking maybe they could start to rebuild their stock.
Salvatore said they never could have imagined how massive the response would be.
“Over just the course of a few days, it really turned around into something that's like, been genuinely, really inspiring," she said.
As of Friday morning, more than $18,000 has been raised.
“I think that this is kind of a great opportunity for us to kind of like almost hit reset," Salvatore said.
They plan to use the extra funds to purchase insurance on the priciest tools, ramp up security at the Petworth library, and work to bolster the new library they're planning to open in Ward 7.
“Looking to the future, I think we really want to grow this as an institution in D.C.,” she said.
Eventually, they hope to set up tool libraries in every ward throughout D.C..
Right now, Salvatore said about 900 people are registered users from DC, Prince George's, Montgomery, Alexandria, and Arlington counties.
To sign up, you just have to prove your residency in D.C. or a surrounding county.
If you want to donate, click here.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.