Empire State Development Announces Buffalo Tool Library Kicks Off Renovations On Newly Purchased Permanent Headquarters

Non-Profit Organization Lends Thousands of Tools to Western New Yorkers for Affordable Home Repairs

Lending Library Fosters a Sense of Community, Saves Residents Money, and Drastically Reduces Waste

Project Accelerated by a $100,000 Capital Grant from ESD

See Photo of the Building Project Here

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the official start of major construction and renovations at The Tool Library headquarters, located at 2626 Main Street in Buffalo. The civic-focused, non-profit organization recently purchased its long-term facility, clearing the path to begin extensive structural updates, modernization, and capacity expansions. Over the past 15 years, The Tool Library has equipped residents with the physical assets and technical knowledge necessary to safely maintain, renovate, and beautify their properties. What began as a localized community project has scaled into a high-impact, volunteer-powered institution capable of helping neighbors tackle everything from routine gardening to full-scale residential rehabilitations.

“Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State remains committed to fostering a vibrant, circular economy that empowers local neighborhoods and promotes sustainable development,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “The Tool Library stands as a premier example of how resource-sharing drives profound economic and environmental outcomes, helping thousands of Western New Yorkers save money while directly revitalizing their communities. ESD is proud to back these vital renovations, securing a permanent home for this invaluable asset and ensuring it builds a resilient Buffalo for generations to come.”

The Tool Library established its permanent site to anchor future growth by purchasing the historic Main Street building. Full ownership allows the non-profit to scale its community tool-borrowing program with a larger, broader inventory that actively shortens wait times for high-demand gear. Additionally, the updated facility will provide a dedicated in-house footprint to expand its signature Dare to Repair Cafes and launch new DIY educational workshops that were previously limited by space constraints. Over the long term, these expanded programs will exponentially increase the organization’s regional economic and ecological impact.

Initial construction phases include critical structural and cosmetic infrastructure upgrades, including the restoration and repair of the building’s historic exterior masonry, wood windows and storefront windows.

To support The Tool Library’s building renovations, ESD awarded the project a $100,000 capital grant through the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (REDC). The full renovation project is scheduled for completion next year.

“The Tool Library serves as a vital regional resource center, empowering individuals and grassroots organizations to enact positive change through the simple, transformative power of sharing,” said Darren Cotton, Founder and Board President of The Tool Library. “For 15 years, we’ve shown what’s possible when we share tools and build community, and these renovations will allow us to continue to meet the needs and dreams of our neighbors.”

The Tool Library provides access to an expansive inventory of over 5,000 specialized tools for a baseline membership fee of just $30 per year, with full financial aid available to ensure total accessibility. This year, Tool Library members have already borrowed 11,844 tools, saved more than $1 million, and offset 1,229,441 lbs. of carbon emissions. 

Beyond tool lending, the organization hosts free public service programs to reduce landfill waste and extend the lifespan of everyday goods:

• Dare to Repair Cafes: Launched in 2017, these pop-up events pair community members with volunteer fixers to repair broken household items free of charge. Across 39 historic events, volunteers have assisted 1,838 individuals, repaired 890 items, and diverted more than three tons of material from landfills, saving residents $45,000 in replacement costs.
• Community Service Days: Since 2014, the non-profit has mobilized large-scale volunteer operations for regional neighborhood improvement projects. Volunteers have contributed over $2.5 million in sweat equity, planting 1,600 trees, burying 15,000 perennial bulbs, and clearing over 500 bags of urban refuse.
• Civic Group Support: The library actively lent 4,476 tools to 61 distinct non-profits and community-based organizations (CBOs) for localized service projects, saving those entities $131,310 in organizational overhead.

Western New York REDC Co-Chairs Eric Reich and Steve Stoute said, “The Tool Library is a cornerstone of community-driven development in Western New York, and securing its permanent home on Main Street ensures it will continue to thrive for years to come.  By providing affordable access to vital resources and practical education, this project perfectly aligns with the REDC’s mission to invest in sustainable, grassroots initiatives that lower financial barriers, revitalize local neighborhoods, and build a more resilient and equitable regional economy.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said “The Tool Library has always understood that access to the right tools can make a real difference for families working to maintain their homes on a tight budget. That is why I was proud to secure $75,000 for its capital campaign as a State Senator, and why I am excited to see renovations begin on its permanent home. This expansion will help The Tool Library serve more residents, make home repairs more affordable, and give people the resources and skills to invest in their homes and neighborhoods. I thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their continued partnership and investment in projects that strengthen our communities and create economic opportunity here in Buffalo.”

Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “As a homeowner myself, I know how quickly you learn that owning a home means learning how to maintain it — and how expensive it can be to buy a new tool for every project. The Tool Library makes that easier for thousands of Western New Yorkers. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for investing $100,000 to help this valuable community resource put down permanent roots and continue to grow.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said, “The Tool Library ‘s value goes beyond renting out tools to our community. The Tool Library is community, and I am happy to see the library find a permanent home with renovations upcoming. Thank you to ESD and Governor Kathy Hochul for recognizing the Tool Library’s importance to our community and helping to stabilize their new home.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “This project will enhance the ability of a vibrant nonprofit organization to offer even more opportunities for homeowners to maintain and enhance their properties. I thank Governor Hochul for helping to ensure a permanent location for the Tool Library with the purchase of a historic Buffalo structure that will serve as an important resource for Erie County residents looking to do affordable home repairs and renovation work.”

About The Tool Library
The Tool Library is a volunteer-powered, membership-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Buffalo, NY. Founded on the belief that cost should never be a barrier to fixing up a home, growing food, or improving a neighborhood, the organization provides low-cost access to thousands of tools, civic programming, and DIY educational workshops. For more information, to become a member, or to support the capital campaign, please visit https://thetoollibrary.org/.

About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next-generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

 Contact:

Pamm Lent (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313

Darren Cotton (The Tool Library) | [email protected] | (716) 857-0096

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