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 help look after lending sessionss: assist members with their tool reservations and help us stay organised with tasks such as checking tools for safety, adding new items to the inventory, signing up new members and keeping our loan records clear. (*This is the key way that volunteers support BTL)
Workshop Volunteers - willing to jump in on various practical tasks to support the community workshop and all who use it: preparing materials, keeping tools in good condition, and looking after the workshop space
Maintenance Team – knowledgeable & skilled with tools and repairs, ready and willing to share your expertise in an encouraging way in both the library & workshop, helping us keep our stock of tools and workshop equipment in tip-top condition
Comms Group — telling the story of this remarkable place & everything that happens in it could well be a full-time job… but we have two part-time staff and they are flat out delivering our services. This group of staff, trustees & volunteers helps to amplify the work of BTL online, in printed material and IRL at events
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 volunteers to aim for a commitment of 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 (available for people volunteering 3.5 hours per month)
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.