PVD Things

PVD Things is a volunteer-driven cooperative lending library for tools and other useful things. We strive to empower Providence residents to maintain safe and secure housing, develop new skills and passions, and strengthen connections within their communities.

After nearly 18 months of planning, conversations with community members, and fundraising, we opened our location in Olneyville in Providence in September 2022. We lend a comprehensive selection of tools for home maintenance and DIY projects as well as other things that can be shared across neighbors such as games and cooking equipment. Membership is open to all, with a focus on serving Providence residents. Members pay sliding-scale dues starting at just $20 a year. This allows access to over 1,000 tools and useful items- we offer everything from table saws to power washers to pressure cookers.

Beyond providing day-to-day access to 'things’, PVD Things is a place for learning and strengthening skills through formal workshops and skillshares, ad hoc teaching, and our learning library. Our calendar includes workshops in English and Spanish on topics like basic carpentry, plumbing, gardening, sewing and more. Our goal is to create a community hub for learning and a 'third space’ where neighbors can share skills in a welcoming and community-focused environment.