Library & workshop volunteers — committed to helping people share resources & skills

The whole BTL story began when a group of people gave their time because they were passionate about making tools, and the confidence to use them, available to everyone in Belfast (and beyond). If you care about building community and conserving resources — whether you’re a seasoned DIY pro or a total tool beginner — there is a place for you among our amazing team of volunteers.

We need all kinds of skills & people to make this happen

Tool Librarians – friendly, good with people and able to keep track of items and loans on our simple computer system. You’ll assist members with their tool reservations and help us stay organised with admin tasks such as processing membership forms, checking tools and updating the inventory.

Tool Experts – knowledgeable and skilled with tools, ready and willing to share your expertise in an encouraging way in both the library and workshop, helping us keep our stock of tools in tip-top condition

Other - maybe you have a special skill or precious miscellaneous (& ethical!) resource that would help out the tool library? We’d love to discuss it!

What we ask & what you get

We ask folks to volunteer for one library or workshop session (3.5 hours) per month. You are welcome to do more, and we also understand that life is an infinitely flexible situation.

Regular volunteers will get:

  • free BTL membership, with full access to the Tool Library and Community Workshop

  • a chance to share and gain valuable skills — there is no such thing as not learning or teaching something at a BTL library or workshop session

  • additional training in skills like PAT testing and tool sharpening

  • a community of solid, generous, knowledgeable people in your fellow volunteers & the BTL team

  • the knowledge that you’re helping to shape an exciting project, serving our city and helping the people of Belfast make, do and learn more

How to apply

If you’re curious about joining the team, complete the expression of interest form below.

We’ll be in touch to set up an info session with our Library & Volunteer Coordinator (usually on a Thursday).

If we both feel like it’s a match, you can start signing up for training shifts right away. All of our learning is hands-on: You’ll shadow the existing Tool Librarians & Experts for 2-3 training shifts, observing and practicing as you go, before becoming a full member of the volunteer team.