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Message Imagine a place where your ideas come to life—a spacethat inspires, empowers, and equips you with the tools andknowledge to make your vision a reality. That’s the CvilleTool Library (CTL)! As Charlottesville-Albemarle’s nonprofittool lending library, we provide an extensive inventory oftools for borrowing, host skill-building workshops, and fostera community where members share knowledge and growtogether.But we want to do more.We envision a future where people from all backgroundsengage with tools and each other to create a better world.Our mission is to empower our community through sharedtools and knowledge. We are a community hub with apassion to promote education and skill development,encourage sustainability, and empower individuals toachieve their goals. We believe that everyone deserves theopportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to theircommunity. The CTL is more than a lending library; it’s a critical part ofour community’s infrastructure. Together, we can strengthenour foundation of volunteerism, tool lending, and skillsharing, paving the way for the next 3-5 years of growth. S T R A T E G I C P L A N2 0 2 5 - 2 0 3 0cvilletoollibrary.comBuilding Community, One Tool at a Time: The Vision and Future of the Cville Tool LibraryOur MissionOur VisionCore ValuesEmpowering ourcommunity through sharedtools and knowledge.We are driven by theseWe are a community hub with apassion to promote education andskill development, encouragesustainability, and empowerindividuals to achieve their goals.We believe that everyone deservesthe opportunity to learn, grow, andcontribute to their community. Inclusivity SustainabilityEmpowerment

Help with our community’s top challenge: the growing cost of living, especially affordable housing.Partner with trusted organizations to bridge CTL services into varied communities.Increase tool access for the community.Make tool borrowing easier and more convenient.Be a place where CTL members connect and get to know each other.Increase community knowledge of tools, tool use, and build DIY skills.Develop more programming for skill development and make this programming more accessible.Build a strong and committed volunteer community to support CTL programs.More effectively communicate CTL events and programs.Our journey began in 2020 with organizing meetings and a handful of donated tools. By 2022, weopened our doors with enthusiasm and a vision for a stronger, more connected community. Today, withregularly scheduled hours and events, our small but dedicated volunteer team fosters a sharing economyand a spirit of neighborly collaboration. That same spirit drives us into this exciting new phase ofdevelopment.Through a recent strategic planning process, we sought to be as inclusive as possible. We engagedcommunity leaders, surveyed users and non-users, and held meetings with members, volunteers,neighbors, and board members. The primary messages we heard are that the CTL can:These insights we gathered shaped our objectives, and we hope to remain adaptable as we pursuethese goals. Your continued support will be crucial to our success.If we achieve our vision, the future CTL will be a bustling hub of activity—a place where peoplecome to borrow tools, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects that enhance our homes andneighborhoods. Imagine a well-organized library with a wide inventory of tools, an invitinginformation desk, a dedicated maintenance workshop, and a classroom for hands-on learning. Thisvision includes vibrant gatherings during library hours, where people learn new skills, borrow tools, orfind the community support they need to bring their projects to life. It’s also a place wherevolunteers give back, maintain tools, teach workshops, and foster a sense of belonging.At the heart of our mission are our volunteers. While tools, spaces, and programming are essential,our greatest asset is the people who drive our efforts. To grow sustainably, we must focus onbuilding strong teams and partnerships. Each goal ties back to expanding our community and itsknowledge—including reaching marginalized and members—and fostering tool literacy, skilldevelopment, and volunteer engagement. We aim to make the CTL a go-to destination forcreativity, problem-solving, and confidence-building. With a more robust schedule of lending hours,workshops, and events, we plan to engage the community both on-site and through partnershipsthat amplify the amazing work already happening in our area.But to realize this vision, we need you. Whether it’s borrowing tools, attending or leading workshops,volunteering on a team, joining our Board of Directors, or simply spreading the word, everycontribution matters. Together, we can grow the CTL into the vibrant community hub we all imagine.As you read on, see what resonates with you, and imagine making a difference to the community.

1740 Broadway Street, Charlottesville, VA cvilletoollibrary.com3In the next section, we outline in more detail theactions and outcomes for each goal. We alsooutline what the CTL will need to accomplisheach goal. We hope you will find inspiration to join uson this journey of growth and empowermentfor the CTL. You will hear from us regularlyas we communicate our accomplishments.We will share brief updates on social media,via our email newsletter, and other specialupdates when we just can’t wait to tell youall about it! More comprehensive plan andprogress updates will be posted on the CTLwebsite.Through the Strategic Planningprocess, we outlined five primarygoals below.We identified initiatives, milestones,and resources to achieve them.Each is designed to align with theCville Tool Library’s core values:inclusivity, sustainability, andempowerment.Improve Accessibility& OutreachIncrease MemberEngagementDevelop Tool Skills& KnowledgeAttract, Engage,& Retain VolunteersExpandCommunications

ACCESSIBILITY + OUTREACHDevelop, identify, and support an internal CTL position that owns this goalSeek out and participate in community events that engage diverse andunderserved populationsPartner with trusted local organizationsLead community programs that provide strategies to address affordablehousing and the high cost of livingEvaluate alternate membership options and scholarships for low-incomeindividualsRecruit for leadership positions with a commitment to reflect the diversity ofour communityMILESTONES: Years 1 - 2GOAL: Increase community engagement in CTL programsMETHODS:KEY ACTION: Develop and implement a targeted outreach program to identify andengage in the community through partnerships, focusing on populations with highneeds related to affordable housing and cost of living. Outreach coordinator role established and supported by a volunteer teamand secured fundingDevelopment and documentation of CTL’s partnership network to supportsustained community outreachEvent calendar created, with commitments to participate in partnerorganization’s eventsSupplies and materials secured to support outreach programming anddemonstrations: collateral, swag, translated materials Documented event participation metricsIdentification of barriers to community engagementYears 3 - 5 (Outreach Coordinator and Board will consider)Formalize outreach team structure with events, effort and collateraldocumentationBenchmarking analysis with other tool libraries and other Charlottesville-Albemarle organizationsImplementation of joint CTL/Community programming (in-house or on site)CTL Board and leadership that represents the diversity of the Charlottesville-Albemarle communityExpansion of partnership network, event participation, and barrier awarenessDevelopment of grant strategy for outreach initiativesSTRATEGIC PLAN 2025ACTION ITEM #1

#ToolStoryMember and volunteer F. led a drywall and wall repairworkshop for HabitatHomeowners, teaching the skillsand providing the tools for DIYand repair.What do we need to move forward?How will we measure success?Survey the community about the effectiveness ofoutreach efforts and the impact of resources providedFunding for Coordinator stipend Additional volunteers to form Outreach TeamFunding to support CTL membership grants tolow-income community membersDevices and materials for tabling andmembership signup out in the communitySecure funding for part-time role to sustainoutreach efforts beyond 2027Expertise for language and culturalknowledge to develop relationships withnon-English speaking communities 1740 Broadway Street, Charlottesville, VA cvilletoollibrary.com5

MILESTONES: Years 1 - 2Develop, identify, and support an internal CTL role that owns this goal Develop opportunities for CTL members to come together through groupproject builds and social eventsImprove overall member experience for CTL core services in tool lending andprogrammingPrioritize recruitment of members at community eventsMEMBER ENGAGEMENTGoal: Increase CTL Member numbers andengagement and build a network of tool-literateusers who are excited to share knowledge.METHODS:Key Action: Build the membership network and improve membership experience Documentation of membership coordinator role and team structureExploration of financial resources for long term staffingExpansion of open hours through increased volunteer engagementStreamlining of MyTurn system with consistent data fields and userinstructionsDevelopment of an Illustrated Tool Guide for project assistanceExpansion of CTL footprint in Visible Records or other identified spaceBuilding and CTL space signage improvementsAnnual membership partyExpansion and updating inventory for lendingIdentification of potential group project(s) for members Years 3 - 5 (Outreach Coordinator and Board will consider)Establishment of a member mentorship program or “build buddies”Development of a member skill-sharing programImplementation of a mobile tool library initiativeExpansion of online resources on CTL websiteSTRATEGIC PLAN 2025ACTION ITEM #2

Funding for Coordinator stipend (shortterm) for building membership engagementand improving CTL lending operationsAdditional volunteers to staff expandedhours of lending operations and skillbuilding events and build a membershipfocused committeeFunding or donations to update computersand other devices used in lendingoperations and allow for space expansionPlatform to allow for member skill sharingDetermine funding for part-time role tosustain membership relations years 3+#ToolStoryMember and volunteer B. borrowed multiple tools over many weeks to adapt their van for a cross-country trip, “Nomadland” style. Worklights made it possible to work on the project after work during long, dark winter nights. What do we need to move forward?How will we measure success?Track membership growth engagement and survey theCTL Membership on their experience.1740 Broadway Street, Charlottesville, VA cvilletoollibrary.com7

Documentation of programming coordinator role with exploration of financialresources for long term staffingExpansion of workshop calendar and implementation of workshop teacher trainingDevelopment of programming in partnership with community leaders andorganizationsImplementation of live tool literacy demos during shiftsCreation of a post-programming feedback and evaluation processEstablishment of a online project spotlight feature and archiveFacilitation of discussions on the development of a community makerspace andpotential partnershipsMILESTONES: Years 1 - 2Develop, identify, and support an internal CTL role that owns this goalIncrease workshop and programming offerings on a diversity of topicsConsider the feasibility of programming in external locations and varied audiencesCOMMUNITY SKILL DEVELOPMENTGoal: To increase tool and skills literacy in our community METHODS:Key Action: Develop partnerships, workshops, and other programming that increasetool and skill literacy in our community Years 3 - 5 (Outreach Coordinator and Board will consider)Feasibility assessment of youth programming (in house or through communitypartnerships)Exploration of project consulting events and associated liability considerationsEngagement with Cville IRC and the immigrant community to exchange skills andtool knowledgeSTRATEGIC PLAN 2025ACTION ITEM #3

What do we need tomove forward?Funding for Programming Coordinatorstipend (short term)Additional volunteers to form aprogramming team and assist during skillbuilding events Workshop leaders (subject matter experts) Rolling screen for presentationsWorkshop and event space withappropriate lighting, work surfaces, andseating upgradesConsumables and other supplies for skillsworkshops through targeted donationsDetermine funding for part-time role tosustain skills programming years 3+How will we measure success?Assess and adapt programming based on communityneeds and preferences.#ToolStory“As a first-time homeowner, thetool library has allowed me toremodel my new home on a budgetand I am very grateful to haveaccess to it. I think it is a very valuableresource for this community.”1740 Broadway Street, Charlottesville, VA cvilletoollibrary.com9

MILESTONES: Years 1 - 2Develop, identify, and support an internal CTL role that owns this goal. Develop a widerange of volunteer roles, activities, and training to grow a welcoming andknowledgeable teamRecruit strategically and utilize community partnersCreate a culture of commitment among our volunteers. Build nimbleness into volunteerprograms by regularly getting feedback from current and potential volunteersVOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENTGoal: Provide an engaging volunteer experience that recruits andretains a robust volunteer team to support CTL operations and growth. METHODS:Key Action: Foster knowledgeable volunteer base who enhance and growCTL services and programs. Documentation of volunteer coordinator role with exploration of financial resources forlong term staffingExpansion of volunteer team with increased diversity of roles and tasksImplementation of volunteer training to log and share knowledge, decrease thresholdfears and increase confidenceDevelopment of recognition methods to honor volunteer contributions and strengthenconnection to CTL’s missionOrganization of volunteer team events and collection of volunteer feedbackEstablishment of a system for logging volunteer hoursDevelopment and communication of a volunteer communication and feedback planDefinition of a volunteer grievance policy and procedure, modeled after other toollibrariesFormation of a grants committee to identify funding opportunities and document localfunding cyclesYears 3 - 5 (Outreach Coordinator and Board will consider)Pursuit of grants for enhanced or expanded programmingDevelopment of capacity for grant reportingAssessment of space needs and exploration of dedicated CTL spaceEvaluation of paid roles (workshop leaders, coordinators) and determination of part orfull time staffing needsAnalysis of organizational structure options based on collected data (fiscal sponsorship,501(c)(3), co-op model)Organization of volunteer field trips to other tool libraries and participation in toolworkshops or trainingsSTRATEGIC PLAN 2025ACTION ITEM #4

How will we measure success?#ToolStory “This is an amazing, importantcommunity resource and I deeplyappreciate all of the work—especially volunteer hours!—that go into it.It’s a very valuable resource forthis community.”1740 Broadway Street, Charlottesville, VA cvilletoollibrary.comFunding for Volunteer Coordinator Additional Volunteer Leads to mentor newvolunteersSoftware to track volunteer hours and activities,and facilitate communication with volunteersSoftware to document and house trainingmaterialsFunds for volunteer recruitment, team events, andappreciation giftsDetermine funding for part-time role to sustainvolunteer recruitment and retention years 3+What do we need to move forward?Track CTL services and program coverage. Survey volunteersfor engagement and satisfaction.11

Documentation of communications coordinator role and exploration of financialresources for long term staffingDesign of media and marketing planDocumentation of communication channels and access to online platformsCreation and maintenance of a content calendar Website SEO audit of cvilletoollibrary.com and implementation of recommended editsAssessment and update of current collateral materialsDevelopment of asset library and style guide (photos, graphic elements, brandelements, etc)Provision of translation services for collateral materialsEstablishment of connections with local media organizations and documentation ofdeadlinesCreation of connections with local government (City Council and Board ofSupervisors meetings)Years 3 - 5 (Outreach Coordinator and Board will consider)MILESTONES: Years 1 - 2Develop, identify, and support an internal CTL role that owns this goal Use community survey responses to identify target demographics and preferredcommunication channelsExpand shared content (e.g., member success stories, and educational resourcesrelated to our tool library)Use engagement tracking metrics to evaluate and adjust marketing efforts based oncommunity feedbackCOMMUNICATIONSGoal: Improve community awareness of CTL services, programming, and initiatives.METHODS:Key Action: Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to support CTL initiatives. Evaluation of potential collaboration with UVA students for nonprofit marketingeffectiveness assessment Exploration of SMS system for text communicationSTRATEGIC PLAN 2025ACTION ITEM #5

How will we measure success?Track engagement metrics. Evaluate and adjust marketingtactics based on community feedback.1740 Broadway Street, Charlottesville, VA cvilletoollibrary.comFunding for CommunicationsCoordinator stipend Additional Marketing TeamvolunteersSteady supply of printed and digitalassets Software for various campaigns tomeet diverse audienceAccess to language translationserviceWhat do we need to move forward?13#ToolStory Follow Cville Tool Library onSubscribe to our newsleter

S T R A T E G I C P L A N 2 0 2 5 -2 0 3 0cvilletoollibrary.comCville Tool Library thrives because of people like you—passionate, generous, and ready to make a difference. Here’s how you can be a part of this movement:JOIN: Your membership gives you access to 1,000+ tools while supportingour mission!Sponsor: Fuel our mission with financial support that keeps our programsrunning strong.Donate: Give tools, materials, or funds—every bit helps empower ourcommunity. Volunteer: Share your skills, help us expand our hours, teach workshops, orassist with outreach.Partner: Collaborate with us to create opportunities for learning andgrowth.Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, and neighbors—let’s grow thismovement together!Join us in building something amazing!We’re building more than just a tool library—we’re creating a hub for creativity,learning, and community. Let’s make something great - together - one tool at a time!Cville Tool Library | 1740 Broadway Street | Charlottesville, VA 22902info@cvilletoollibrary.com cvilletoollibrary.com Have questions or want to know more?