If this tool library is to be Halifax’s, we need to hear from residents on what kind of library they need. But how do we get people talking about something that does not yet exist?

By building something that represents the ethos of the Tool Library and taking it to them. In November 2013, a group of volunteers got together and built a “mobile engagement bike trailer.” Many learnt how to use tools in the process, making this the Tool Library’s first workshop.

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It’s a fold-out box that we can take to where people gather to show residents the idea and get their input. This is what it looks like in action:

The Halifax Tool Library public engagement bike trailer.

The trailer includes dotmocracy, a map of where people live and their interest, a quick survey, examples of other libraries, and costume pieces so we can take fun photos of residents expressing why the idea excites them. So far we have done engagement at:

  • The Aboriginal Friendship Centre
  • The Quinpool Super Store
  • The Good Food Emporium
  • The Searport Market
  • The Gottingen Street Public Library with Food Not Bombs
  • The Fusion AGM
  • The Ecology Action Centre Open House

Keep an eye out for us before we wrap up in late January.

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