Brandon Expands Tool Lending Program with Weatherization Resources

The Town of Brandon has established an innovative tool lending program to help residents improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. The program includes a mobile "ToolShip" and a "Weatherization Resource Library" that provides access to specialized equipment through the Brandon Free Public Library.

The ToolShip Program

The ToolShip is a mobile tool lending cart that was first introduced to the community during Brandon's Independence Day Parade in 2024. The Energy Committee designed the ToolShip to be compact and towable, potentially by an electric bike, allowing it to be moved to different neighborhoods so residents can more easily access the tools.

The original ToolShip was built through collaboration between the Brandon Energy Committee (BEC), the Regional Educational and Business High School (ReBHS), and SolarFest, with funding from the Vermont Council on Rural Development's Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund Grant Program. SolarFest designed the solar system that charges the tool batteries.

According to the Town of Brandon's 2024 Annual Report, the ToolShip was positioned in front of the Library from September through November 2023. The project began when the town purchased six pieces of electric lawn equipment from Brandon Lumber using funds from a Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) mini-grant.

The program has been successful, with reports indicating the ToolShip was used at least once per day during its operational period before being shut down for winter storage in November 2024.

Expansion to a Second ToolShip

Due to the success of the first ToolShip, the Brandon Energy Committee secured funding for a second unit. In February 2025, the Trustees of Public Funds approved a request for $2,000 to fabricate a second mobile ToolShip. Jeff Dardozzi and David Martin represented the Brandon Energy Committee at this meeting, where the trustees were "impressed by the model and how it could be used for other groups."

Additionally, SolarFest agreed to add a second solar panel charging arrangement for the new ToolShip, and several locations for setting up the tool shops have been arranged.

Weatherization Resource Library

In April 2025, the Brandon Energy Committee discussed the development of a "Weatherization Resource Library." This expansion includes specialized tools such as indoor air quality (IAQ) monitors and induction hot plates.

The committee is exploring ways to integrate this resource with their Brandon Energy Navigator Program (BEN) and considering hosting mini "Button Up" events at the library in partnership with the Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP).

Future Expansion Plans

The Brandon Energy Committee is actively working to expand their tool offerings. In April 2025, they discussed creating a promotional video for the ToolShip program and exploring the acquisition of additional tools including snow blowers, power washers, and sweepers. The committee noted they would need to conduct fundraisers and pursue additional grants to support this expansion.

Earlier, in March 2025, the committee applied for a "Grow Grant" to support providing free weatherization materials, tools, and equipment through the library. They expected to hear about the grant's status in June 2025.

Integration with the Library

The Brandon Free Public Library has embraced the tool lending program as part of their "Library of Things." In addition to books and digital resources, the library now offers various items for borrowing, including the electric tools from the ToolShip program.

The library's "Library of Things" has expanded over time to include a diverse collection of items. As of 2022, it included "snowshoes, moisture meter, projectors, backup power supply, sewing machine, serger, Cricut, games, ukuleles, microphone." By 2023, the collection had grown to include "green screen set-up, lawn games," and by 2024, it also included "E-bikes, Toolship E-tool lending, puzzles."

Community Impact

The tool lending program represents Brandon's commitment to creating more inclusive opportunities for energy efficiency. As noted in the Brandon Enhanced Energy Plan, "The town purchased two electric bikes and offers a local bike share program to reduce transportation related GHG emissions. The electric bikes are free to use by checking them out at the library."

The plan further explains that these programs "enable people without financial means to participate in healthy alternatives, save money, and reduce pollution."