Suburban tool library aims to raise $45K after being forced to move locations

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A library in north suburban Mundelein, which lends out tools rather than books, has been forced to move, and organizers say they will need help covering the costs.

Mark Wilson is the treasurer of the Mundelein Tool Library. He said the library has helped hundreds of people in Lake County who need tools but either don't want to buy them or can't afford to.

“Tool libraries are an innovative aspect of what has been labeled the ‘sharing economy,’ and it’s similar to ridesharing services, co-ops and other types of community endeavors that allow people in a community to share resources, which is more efficient and it brings people together within the community.”

The group's president, Shelley Clark, said the village of Mundelein had allowed the library to operate rent-free out of one of the village's buildings.

“The tool library was doing very well, and then we were notified by the village that the building we were in had been sold,” Clark said. “We had to find another space, and we’ve been looking since February. We could not find any free space in any of the other surrounding towns and ultimately found another space in Mundelein. It is going to cost us money. We do have to pay rent.”

Clark said that's why the Mundelein Tool Library launched a GoFundMe campaign in August to raise $45,000. She said the money will help cover the costs of rent, as well as build the library in the new space.

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