What is the VTL?

What is the VTL?

The Vancouver Tool Library (VTL) is a cooperative tool lending library in East Vancouver. We are located at 3448 Commercial Street. We acknowledge that our shop is on unceded Coast Salish Territory.

The VTL is a collective community resource, run by its members for its members. We are motivated by a vision of our community empowered by the tools and skills needed to live creatively, make art, and transform homes and neighbourhoods into vibrant spaces that reflect a commitment to sustainability. We are dedicated to taking a proactive and responsive approach to managing our organization, and adhering to the values of inclusivity, empowerment, community building, member participation, and sustainability in all that we do. Our space is open to people of all identities, backgrounds, abilities, and skill sets. We pride ourselves in providing the resources and learning opportunities to make tool use accessible to everyone.

Our governance structure

The VTL is a Community Service Co-operative registered under the BC Co-operative Act. Co-ops, as defined by the International Co-operative Alliance, are

autonomous associations of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprises.

Our choice to build the VTL on a cooperative model is based upon our strong belief in local community ownership. We see this structure as a way to empower and educate our members, as well as tie our organizations’ success to the commitment of its community. As a Community Service Co-op, we are bound to operating under non-profit practices.

The VTL is primarily volunteer driven. A Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Members keep our organization moving forward in partnership with one paid staff member. We highly encourage members to get more involved in the VTL, and a great way to do so is to become a volunteer or run for a position on the Board of Directors. More information about these positions here.

Take a look inside

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    VTL Craft Night!

    Posted 02-10-2023

    As of May 1, the VTL will be offering a monthly craft night on the first Monday of the month. Free for members, suggested $5-$10 donation for non members. Bring […]

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    Carving Workshop: Eating Spoon

    Posted 05-10-2023

    Join us and practice the ancient art of hand carving, by learning to make a wooden spoon! This iteration of the Vancouver Tool Library’s popular spoon carving workshops relies exclusively […]

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    Moss Ball Workshop

    Posted 10-10-2023

    Come learn the fascinating art of making Kokedama Balls! Kokedama Balls are a globe of moss that contains soil and a plant. Kokedama is the practice of taking the root […]

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    Leather Workshop: Dog Leash and Collar

    Posted 12-10-2023

    Learn to a leash and collar for your best friend, and have fun developing the skills associated with a new craft. This workshop will familiarize participants with the commonly used […]

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    Leather Workshop: Cardholder

    Posted 17-10-2023

    Join us for an evening of leatherwork! In this beginner workshop, you will learn how to make and finish a card holder from vegetable tanned leather! We will cover beveling, […]

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