Tool Library
&
Repair Cafe
Why Buy when you can Borrow?
A Tool Library is exactly what it says it is - a library where you, as a member, can borrow from a wide range of tools and equipment to complete almost any carpentry, gardening, sewing or other DIY project!
They work just like a normal library but instead of books, you can borrow from a huge range of tools and equipment when you need them, and not have to worry about storage when you don't.
Most of our tools have come to us by way of donation, however, if we become aware of a commonly used item that we should stock, we will raise funds to purchase them. Of the donated tools, they are pat tested, and serviced, ready for you to hire. If you can't find your chosen tool in our inventory, please get in touch. We receive lots of donations and it might be your required item might not have made it onto the system yet!
​
To become a member and begin borrowing from our vast range of equipment head over to - Upcycle Kernow CIC (myturn.com)
​
Or for more info please email us at toollibrary@upcyclekernow.org
​
Our Tool Library is still open throughout our Refurbishments​
​
Don't know how to use the tool? Don't worry, one of our wonderful volunteers will give you the low-down. Our community of like-minded people will guide you through using the tools you wish to borrow, as well as sharing tips and hints on completing the project safely and efficiently.
Our Repair Café will return in March 2025, once our building has finished being refurbished.
A Repair Café is a meeting place of Volunteers dedicated to repairing broken things, sharing their expertise and knowledge with the aim of reducing our Carbon Impact. The benefits also include creating communities, teaching new skills and challenging a throw-away culture.
Assisted by Volunteer Fixers, all with their own talents and skills,
our Tool Library will have the tools, and often the materials,
to help you make the repairs you need.
​All things textile and sewing, mechanical and electrical, mobile phone technical help, jewellery repairs, bike repairs, and much more, visitors bring their broken items from home and together with the Volunteer Fixers,
find the confidence and ability to fix most items.
Repairing broken items has so many benefits, not just for individuals,
but for communities and for the planet!
​
Why not check out this carbon calculator from the Farnham Repair Cafe
to find out how fixing, not ditching your broken items can
help reduce your climate impact -
https://frc.cfsd.org.uk/index.php/about/#
​
Presently, we are unable to host our usual Repair Cafes due to our refurbishments, but please contact
to find details of your local session, which are held
regularly throughout the month and throughout the County.
How to be a Volunteer:
The Tool Library and Repair Cafe is operated and run by Volunteers who give up their time and share their skills to make our projects work for the benefit of the wider community. From maintaining the tools and running the database, or joining the team of Volunteer Fixers at the Repair Cafe, we are always happy to expand on our Volunteer team and welcome new members of all ages and abilities.
If you have an affinity with tools, a knack of fixing things, or are able to tinker, then please get in touch! We have volunteer positions on Thursday and Fridays to assist in the general running of the Tool Library and volunteer positions once per month, on a Sunday, to assist in the running of the Repair Cafe. Please CONTACT US for further details.
​
Our Repair Café will return in March 2025, once our building has finished being refurbished.
