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Kirkland Tool Library Opportunity Event 

March 31, 2026 �11:30am – 1:00pm 

Presenters: 

Kurt Triplett, City Manager, Welcome

Amy Falcone, City Councilmember, Project Vision

Josh Epstein, Seattle REconomy, Tool Library Overview

Andreana Campbell, Interim Government Affairs Manager, Implementation Plan

Kate Ryan, Special Projects Coordinator, Implementation Plan

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Purpose of Today's Meeting 

  • Discuss the concept of a community tool library 
  • Share the City of Kirkland's interest in this initiative 
  • Connect with interested organizations 
  • Answer any questions you may have!

Meeting Agenda

Welcome & Introduction – 15 min�Tool Library Overview – 20 min�City Funding & RFP Process – 20 min�Q&A Session – 20 min�Wrap Up & Networking – 15 min

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Council's Tool Library Vision 

  • A tool library is a shared resource where community members can borrow tools and equipment similar to how a traditional library lends books.
  • City Council has been interested in a Kirkland community tool library for many years.
  • Kirkland City Council approved the 2025 Year-End Budget Adjustments which included start-up funding for a Tool Library upon approval of an implementation plan.
  • We're currently in the early stage of this initiative, and there will be plenty more opportunities to engage in this project. 

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Seattle REconomy:

An overview of our tool libraries

Josh Epstein

Executive Director

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Tool Library Overview

  • NE Seattle Tool Library (est. 2013)
    • Woodshop
  • Shoreline Tool Library (est. 2024)
    • Reuse Materials Store
    • Bike Sales
    • Extensive game, toy, and puzzle library
    • Donation site for redistribution partners
  • Shared Offerings
    • 10,000 tools
    • Bike Shacks (bike repair)
    • Seed libraries
    • Classes & events (sliding scale)
    • 3D printers

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Community Benefits

  • Save money
  • Free up space
  • Reduce consumption & waste
  • Build community
  • Create jobs
  • Increase knowledge and skills
  • Create volunteering opportunities

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Financial Sustainability

  • Expenses
    • Space
    • Staffing and Volunteers
    • Overhead (utilities, insurance, etc.)

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  • Revenue
    • Memberships
    • Grants
    • Tool and material sales
    • Classes
    • Other (fees, donations, etc.)

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Potential Modules

  • Tool library
  • Bike shack
  • Reuse store
  • Classroom/gathering space
  • Fixer room
  • Woodshop
  • Metal work
  • Makerspace

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Resources

  • Seattle REconomy as a consultant or volunteer learning opportunity
  • Grants:
    • King County Solid Waste Re+
    • Next Cycle See Grant
    • Dept. of Ecology PPG
  • Shareable.net

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Thank You!

seattlereconomy.org

Josh@seattleREconomy.org

@seattlereconomy on most online platforms

Scan for seattlereconomy.org

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City Funding & Draft Implementation Plan

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  • City Council has set aside $100,000 in start up funding
  • If substantial interest today, staff will propose a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to Council for approval
  • Must apply to City’s RFP to be awarded
  • Operator chosen from RFP applicants

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Other Potential City Support

  • Location, if approved by Council 
  • Identifying additional grants 
  • Community outreach, volunteers, and communications 

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Potential Timeline

City Council to review and potentially �approve RFP scope of work 

April 21

Initiate RFP with Council approval 

End of April

RFP application due date 

End of May

Kirkland staff to award bid 

Mid June

Bring back to City Council for�approval 

End of June 

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Q&A Session

&

Indication of Interest

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Please scan and answer 3 quick questions

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www.kirklandwa.gov/ToolLibrary

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THANK YOU