Supported by: Claudia Beamish*, Iain Gray* *S5M-04564 Alison Johnstone: Commending the Charitable Work of Edinburgh Tool Library That the Parliament recognises the work of the charity, Edinburgh Tool Library (ETL), in — promoting sharing as a way of reducing people's environmental impact; understands that ETL is the UK s first tool library, with tools shared among the community in order to maximise the number ’ of times each tool is used, reduce waste and make access to tools affordable for everyone; notes that, since opening in 2015, ETL has gone from operating out of founder Chris Hellawell s spare ’ room to opening three locations, with 600 members including several refugees from Syria, who are Monday 13 March 2017 15 Today's Business Future Business Motions & Questions Legislation Other Gnothaichean an-diugh Gnothaichean ri teachd Gluasadan agus Ceistean Reachdas Eile Motions | Gluasadan joining the community to improve their English language skills and make things for other people and groups, and with 4,000 tools available; believes that providing access to such equipment can empower people to better their environment, and potentially their lives; notes that, in addition to the lending library, ETL also runs a workshop where members can come to use larger tools and get expert support from a team of volunteers, and that it also has its own employment programme, ToolsForLife, which supports young people who experience barriers to work, pairing them with a mentor to learn valuable practical and life skills and build confidence; believes that ETL has made a positive difference to the local community, and wishes it all the very best in its efforts to open more locations and make the library service available to more communities across the city of Edinburgh.