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Getting ready for spring projects

The sun is shining and the snow is melting, which means people are preparing to get some projects done around the house. Luckily for Minot-area residents, the Minot Public Library has tools to help with those spring projects.

March marked the one-year anniversary of the Minot Public Library’s Tool Library. The MPL Tool Library is the first-ever lending library for tools in the state of North Dakota and was made possible thanks to a partnership with Cities of Service. Anyone who is over the age of 18 and has had an MPL library card for more than 90 days can check out tools from the library at no charge.

Whether you’re looking to do some yardwork, plumbing or minor construction, the MPL Tool Library has what you need. Landscaping, gardening, and home repair tools are available to check out for seven days, with the possibility of one renewal if no one else is waiting for the tool. Library cardholders can even look up the tools they need on the library’s online catalog and place a reserve. There are even tools for people who want to get crafty – a jewelry crafting kit, a glue gun and other tools for popular hobbies are available.

In addition to the actual tools you need for home improvement projects, the library has dozens of books and DVDs to help you complete your project. Check out a “How-To” DVD on household wiring, a book on building a deck or even take a free online class on landscaping through the library’s subscription to Universal Class. Woodworking and home repair magazines are also available in print and to download digitally through rbDigital. Furthermore, library staff are available to help you find what you need to complete the project whether it’s the actual tool or instructions.

Once you’ve got the tools and help you need, homeowners should also make sure to have the correct permit prior to starting any major projects. Michelle Kimball, City of Minot Permit Technician wants Minot homeowners to keep in mind that many projects require permits, so she will be discussing how to obtain building permits at a free workshop on Tuesday, April 2. This workshop will be held in the lower level of the Minot Public Library at 6 p.m. on April 2 and is open to the public. Topics Kimball will cover include the different types of permits, details of the building permit process and how to use the City’s website. “Please contact the Inspection Department if you’re uncertain about what to do; we are here to help with construction questions,” Kimball said. She also added: “when applying, be sure to allow time for review and issuance as this can take up to two weeks.”

Later in April, City of Minot Commercial Inspector Rick Walker will host a free workshop about residential concrete projects. On April 23 at 5:30 p.m., Walker will discuss what considerations need to be made when starting a concrete project as he presents information at the library. Topics covered will include: forms and reinforcement, soil preparation and compaction and pour and finish work. This workshop is also open to the public and will be held in the lower level of the Minot Public Library.

As the temperatures continue to rise and your to-do list continues to grow, be sure to let the Minot Public Library help you complete your projects. For more information on any of the services offered by the library or for details on the workshops presented by city inspectors, call 852-1045.

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