Great news for West Philly’s Tool Library and Neighborhood Bike Works – both organizations received enough votes from the Facebook community to be awarded $25,000 grants as part of State Farm Insurance’s nationwide “Cause An Effect” grant program. Causes were submitted by individuals via Facebook to help build safer, stronger, and better educated communities (over 3,000 causes were submitted!). 40 out of 100 finalists received the grants based on the highest number of votes. See all the winners here.

“Earn-a-Bike Education” cause will allow Neighborhood Bike Works to offer five 8-week after-school Earn-a-Bike classes, providing a total of 60 youth with free, enriching programming. Youths involved will be introduced to safe urban riding, health and nutrition.

After learning of their win, West Philly Tool Library’s Michael Froehlich said that “this could be a real game changer for the Tool Library. Thanks to State Farm Insurance and the hundreds of people that voted for us, we now have $25,000 to spend on new tools and programming. We’re incredibly thankful to everyone for their support. We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: West Philly is the Best Philly.”

Thank you to everyone who voted and helped these two amazing local programs win the grant.

On Saturday, March 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the West Philly Tool Library is holding its Fourth Annual Garage Sale and Tool Drive. Hundreds of tools will be on sale, most of them as cheap as $1.

The Tool Library also accepts donations, so if you have tools in your basement that you no longer need, especially power tools, bring them along. Note: donations to the Tool Library are tax-deductible.

Finally, this is a great opportunity to become a member or renew your membership. More information about the Tool Library membership can be found here.

The Tool Library is located in a warehouse at 1314 South 47th Street, just south of Woodland Avenue.

Do you have something super heavy in your house or garage that you want to pick up or move, but don’t know how? No worries – neighbor Douglas Pugliese has donated a heavy-duty lifting engine crane to the West Philly Tool Library. The engine hoist can lift up to a two-ton item on its hydraulic arm and can move it around on heavy-duty casters. Doug, who is a West Philly Tool Library member, used the equipment once or twice and doesn’t need it anymore.

We’re told that the crane can even lift something high enough to get into the bed of a pick-up truck.

Now many folks can use this tool through the library’s low-cost tool rental or for free if you are a member. Think about how many things you can do with it! Anyone have a cow they need to move?

Here’s something else to do tomorrow after the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll. The West Philly Tool Library is throwing an open house party at 7:30 p.m. for folks in the neighborhood. If you haven’t seen their new location yet this is a good chance to do it and also to enjoy the company of your West Philly neighbors.

Food and drinks will be served and West Philly’s own Sour Mash will perform starting at 8 p.m.

If you have some tools lying around your house that you are not planning to use bring them with you and receive a prize (and a receipt for your tax-deductible donation).

And just a reminder: the new warehouse is located at 1314 S. 47^th Street.

The West Philly Tool Library is moving and expanding this weekend and they need some help. This valuable neighborhood resource is currently located in a cramped space at 4620 Woodland Avenue. They have secured a new space around the corner in a warehouse at 1314 S. 47th Street. The new spot is nearly triple the size of the current one and will allow for more tools and more community workshops.

The plan is to move everything down to the last hammer on Saturday and Sunday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you can spare an hour or two, the Tool Library folks would love some help. Write Jake at (jake — at — westphillytools.org) to sign up for a time.

If you are tied up during the weekend, there are other ways to help. The added space needs to get filled up. You can donate your spare tools to the Tool Library by clicking here.

The Tool Library also needs teachers. If you have a skill to share write Stacey at stacey — at — westphillytools.org to sign up to teach a class.

Lastly, more space means more costs. Memberships and late fees account for only about 40 percent of the library’s budget. Tax-deductible contributions are always welcome. Click here to make one.

The West Philly Tool Library is hiring a part-time tool coordinator. The job hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and occasional weekday nights.

Here are the job responsibilities (from an e-mail from the Tool Library):

• Maintaining and basic repair of tools
• Keeping the Tool Library organized and clean
• Accepting tool donations
• Checking tools in and out to members of the community
• Collecting late fees
• Performing simple bookkeeping
• Maintaining computer database that tracks tool use and member information
• Promoting the Tool Library and recruiting volunteers
• Communicating with the Steering Committee about areas for improvements

And here are the requirements:

• Basic knowledge of tools with a desire to learn more (strong knowledge of tools preferred)
• High level of organization
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Commitment to promoting community in West and Southwest Philly

This position pays $12.00 per hour. They are looking for someone who is committed to the project and reliable about running the Tool Library.  They hope to hire for this position as soon as possible.

Please send your cover letter and resume to the attention of Michael Froehlich at info – at – westphillytools.org or by mail to West Philly Tool Library, 4620 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143.  Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.