Volunteer Spotlight on Danielle Stolley

TTL: What inspired you to first volunteer with the Tool Library?

DS: I wanted to find a way to be involved in the community. I love Tacoma and I made a resolution in January to look into volunteer opportunities around town. I wanted something that would get me out of the office and something I could learn new skills from.

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TTL: How do you volunteer with the Tool Library?

DS: I check tools in and out and I have recently started to help with cataloging inventory. 

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TTL: What is the biggest personal benefit you receive as a volunteer at the Tool Library?

DS: Access to knowledge and the tools to follow through. I’m still learning, but one of my hobbies is home automation and I am teaching myself how to build my own systems, the casings, and then be able to install them in my home in an unseen, seamless way.

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TTL: What have you learned through volunteering?

DS: I learned there is a specialized tool for every single task you can come up, no task is too small. 

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TTL: Is there anything you would like to see the Tool Library doing that we aren’t already doing?

DS: I am very into home automation and I also watch a lot of wood lathing and resin mold project videos on YouTube so I’m in favor of anything in that realm.

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TTL: Anything about your career or schooling you would like to share?

DS: I received my bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and majored in Electronic Communications and Marketing, with a minor in Music Technology. I also have a master’s degree from Full Sail University and majored in Entertainment Business. 

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TTL: Where are you from, and how long have you been living in Tacoma?

DS: I was born in Dallas, Texas, spent a few years in Reading, Pennsylvania and eventually grew up in a small town called Granbury, Texas. I’ve lived in Tacoma for over 8 years.

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TTL: What do you like about living in Tacoma?

DS: When I first moved here there was a strong push to shop and eat local. That kind of small business support is something that is missing from small towns like the one I grew up in. The range of arts and creative spaces is so great here.  I also love that you can drive 20 minutes in any direction and be either on the beach, in the city, in the suburbs, or a rural area. In Texas, it’s either the city or a lot of flat nothing.