News Summary
Tallahassee’s new Screws Tool Library offers residents access to essential tools through a membership model. Founded by Gordon Cox, the library addresses a lack of hardware stores in the area, helping community members pursue DIY projects and home repairs affordably. It also features a garden center and workshops to enhance skills and community collaboration.
Tallahassee has welcomed a valuable new community resource with the opening of the Screws Tool Library, located at 3972 Woodville Highway. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this innovative facility allows local residents to borrow tools much like they would check out books from a traditional library.
The Screws Tool Library was founded by Gordon Cox, who aims to empower his community by providing access to essential tools, especially in an area that has been described as a ‘hardware store desert.’ This term reflects the limited availability of hardware stores in southeast Tallahassee, where only two smaller providers serve the local population. Residents often struggle to access necessary tools, making the library a much-needed addition to the community.
Cox’s journey to establishing the Screws Tool Library is deeply personal. Having overcome his own struggles with addiction, he is motivated to give back to the community. He departed from his insurance career to focus on this project, cashing in his retirement savings to fund the library’s development. This financial commitment highlights his dedication to the residents of southeast Tallahassee, whom he believes will greatly benefit from the resources provided by the library.
The Screws Tool Library offers a membership model, charging a modest fee of $4 per month. This fee allows members to borrow a variety of tools, which can include hammers, wrenches, drills, gardening supplies, screws, and nails. To further enhance its inventory, Cox is currently organizing a tool drive, encouraging residents to donate any unused tools they may have. This initiative aims to stock the library adequately and ensure that it meets the diverse needs of its users.
In addition to tool rentals, the library plans to feature a garden center and conduct workshops related to crafts and trades. These additional services will provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities and resources for individuals looking to develop their skills in various areas, from gardening to home improvement projects.
The establishment of the Screws Tool Library addresses a critical gap in local resources. Neighboring residents, such as Nigel O’Rear, recognize the library’s importance, particularly for those who may struggle to afford new tools. By making tools accessible to everyone, the library fosters a spirit of collaboration and support within the community, encouraging people to pursue their DIY projects and home repairs without the financial burden of purchasing new tools.
Overall, the Screws Tool Library represents a significant step toward enhancing community support and resources in southeast Tallahassee. By providing access to essential tools and educational opportunities, the library embodies the spirit of empowerment and community collaboration. As the library continues to grow and develop, it hopes to become a focal point for residents looking to improve their homes, learn new skills, and connect with their neighbors in a meaningful way.
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Library
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
