It’s a library of tools. In Belfast!

Tool Libraries work just like any other library:  You become a member and then you can borrow tools. Simple, elegant, & infinitely useful.

This is the oldest tool-lending library on the island

We’re a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, created by a group of keen volunteers with a shared passion to build community, swap skills, and share resources (and tools!).

BTL is growing year on year.  Now with two part-time members of staff to run both our Tool Library and Community Workshop, we offer woodwork classes for the general public and community groups, and open workshop sessions for members — alongside our ever-expanding library of tools. 

Borrow, don’t buy

Our goals are simple. We want to:

• Promote DIY, making and repair skills through the sharing of tools

• Make Belfast a more sustainable city

• Create opportunities for learning and development

• Bring people together, regardless of who they are or where they come from

Sounds great, right?

Where to find us

From our founding in October 2019 until the end of May 2023, our base was the former Belfast Met/Rupert Stanley Building in the old woodwork workshop.  However, due to site redevelopment, in June 2023 we relocated to the superb Shankill Mission Building in West Belfast, sharing this magnificent space with the talented team from Vault Artist Studios. 

Our lending library is based in the retail units at the front of the building, whilst our workshop is nestled at the back.  Based next to the leisure centre, there’s both on-street parking, an ample free car park to the rear of the building, and space to lock up bikes. The library is on the 11a & 11c bus routes from the city centre.  

Sustaining the vision

Belfast Tool Library received a set-up grant from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme, for which we are very grateful. And we’ve received further support from the Dormant Accounts Fund NI, delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund.

We are indebted to all our supporters, volunteers and those who have donated tools. Donations and the support of members help meet our ongoing costs.