It’s a library of tools. In Belfast!

Belfast Tool Library is the first tool lending library in Northern Ireland.   Tool Libraries work just like any other library.  You become a member and then you can borrow tools.

We’re not-for-profit, and are now a registered charity.

Created by a group of keen volunteers with a shared passion to build community, share skills and resources, (and tools!), BTL is growing year on year.  Now with 2 part-time members of staff to run both our library and workshop, we offer woodwork classes, and members open workshop sessions, alongside our ever-expanding library of tools. 

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?

For the past 3.5 years and until the end of May 2023, our base has been the former Belfast Met/Rupert Stanley Building in the old woodwork workshop.  However, due to site redevelopment, from June 17th 2023, we will be based in the superb Shankill Mission Building in West Belfast, sharing this magnificent space with the talented team from the Vault Artist Studios. 

Our lending library will be based in the retail units at the front of the building, whilst our workshop will be 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 bus route from the centre.  

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 will meet our ongoing costs.