Volunteering for Your First Shift

Thank you so much for serving your community by volunteering at the tool library!

Before arriving

If you don't already have a tool library account, create one (and bring in a government ID to your first shift). Volunteers do not need to pay for membership, so you can use the “Flexible” option and select $0 for payment.

The account creation process also importantly includes signing our liability waiver.

Attire

Wear close-toed shoes and avoid dangling clothing, hair, or accessories. You'll be working near heavy objects and power tools, so it helps to be careful!

Location

We're at 1552 Crawford Pl, Seattle, WA 98122, halfway down the Crawford Place alleyway between Pike and Pine in Capitol Hill. If you have trouble finding us day-of, you can call the library phone at 206-420-7005.

Transportation

• The closest bus routes are the 8, 10, 11, and 49
• If you bike in, you can lock your bike safely inside during your shift
• If you need to drive, Capitol Hill has free street parking on Sundays but otherwise you'll need to park several blocks away to avoid expensive parking meters

Creature comforts

We have an ADA-accessible bathroom and water fountains, and usually have some snacks around the workshop that everyone is welcome to. If you’d like to bring your own food, water bottle, etc for during your shift, we have a fridge and microwave that you can use.

Expectations

Shift volunteers are expected to be present for as much of the shift as possible, and are expected to serve patrons or proactively work on tool library initiatives rather than work on their own personal projects.

If you have more questions

Ask us

We're happy to chat! Just message or call back the tool library staffer you've already been communicating with.

Read more

Absolutely not necessary; you already know all you need for your first shift! But if you're really, really curious you can read how onboarding will go, or dig into the details of how we run shifts.