On June 29, ETC submitted a proposal in response to Kirkland’s RFP 25-26-CMO “Kirkland Tool Library Operator.” We were the only group to submit a proposal, but our proposal contained two separate tracks. Track A utilizes the former Fire Station 27 to create a robust, full-scale community center, while Track B serves as a lean, containerized fallback option.

While we are fully prepared to execute either pathway requested by the City’s Request for Proposals, Track A is vastly superior for our community’s needs. Under Track A, the library would activate the underused former Fire Station 27 in Totem Lake, providing a spacious, 1,500+ square foot enclosed building with built-in climate control and restrooms. This structural advantage allows for a true, in-person browsing experience capable of housing a massive inventory of roughly 2,700 tools. More importantly, it features an incredible outdoor "backyard" area perfect for hosting the hands-on workshops, fix-it nights, and community skill-sharing classes that will make the library a vibrant neighborhood hub. Because the existing building requires only interior fit-outs, it also offers the fastest and most cost-effective path to opening our doors.

In contrast, Track B serves as a lean fallback that places one or two modified shipping containers in a parking lot, severely restricting our operations to a tight 160–320 square feet. This tiny footprint transforms the library into a window-counter retrieval service with no room for indoor browsing, no built-in plumbing, and a heavily restricted starter inventory of only about 400 tools. Operating out of containers means we would unfortunately lose the ability to comfortably host year-round educational workshops and classes. Furthermore, navigating the complex zoning and permitting required for occupiable shipping containers means it would take nearly a year just to launch, which is about five months slower than utilizing the fire station. Ultimately, while Track B functions as a basic tool drop-off point, Track A unlocks the potential for a true community institution where neighbors can share both resources and lifelong skills.

First, share this newsletter with your friends and share it on your social media accounts. You can also follow along on social media:

The City Council needs to hear from the community. It is critical that they know not only that Kirkland wants a tool library, but that we need them to recommend Track A (Old Fire Station 27) to give it the best chance at success.

Please take 3 minutes to send a quick email to the Kirkland City Council. You can write them at [email protected].

What to include in your message:

The City Council listens when neighbors speak up. Let’s make sure they hear us!

For extra credit (but by no means required), there are three ways you can help advocate for the tool library in physical space.

First, the city is hosting a casual, drop-in "Conversations with Council" event on Thursday, July 30, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the O.O. Denny Park Picnic Shelter 2 (12032 Holmes Point Dr. NE). This is part of a pilot program designed for open, agenda-free listening outside of formal city hall meetings, making it the perfect, low-pressure space to stop by, grab a light refreshment, and tell Councilmembers face-to-face why Kirkland needs a tool library centered around Track A. Whether you stay for ten minutes or an hour, letting leadership hear our community's excitement for Old Fire Station 27 in a relaxed setting like this can make a massive impact!

Second, talk to your friends and neighbors about the tool library proposal. Spreading the word and getting people informed not only helps us get the proposal approved, but will also give us a better chance at success because we will need to recruit members to get to a point of financial sustainability. Those could be your friends and neighbors! Share information about the tool library project on social media.

Finally, city staff plan to bring this in front of council at their August 5th meeting, which starts at 7:30 PM at Kirkland City Hall. While normally we would suggest showing up in-person, there is going to be some work going on at City Hall so we encourage you to attend virtually. Showing up because you care about an issue is an excellent way to communicate the depth of support in our community. There is also an opportunity to speak for up to three minutes at the beginning of the meeting if you feel so inspired.

Thanks for being a part of this with us!

- Penny, Judy, Jonathan, and Kurt (ETC steering committee)