
The Well CDC
location_onAkron, Ohio
infoAbout The Well CDC
647 E Market St
The Well CDC, located at 647 E Market St, Akron, OH 44304, is a pioneering figure in community development as Akron's first place-based community development corporation specifically focused on the Middlebury neighborhood. Established with a mission to enhance living conditions and stimulate economic growth within the area, The Well CDC tackles systemic issues that affect the community through a variety of initiatives. Among its key offerings is a tool lending library, which serves a critical role in promoting community pride and providing residents with accessible resources for home improvement and maintenance projects.
Tool Inventory and Membership Model
The Well CDC’s tool lending library features an assortment of tools essential for various home projects and maintenance activities. The actual inventory consists of hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers, as well as power tools including drills, saws, and landscaping equipment like lawnmowers and weed eaters. While the exact number of tools available may fluctuate due to borrowing patterns and community demand, The Well CDC continuously updates its offerings to meet the needs of local residents.
Membership to the library is designed to be inclusive, allowing community members—regardless of financial means—to access these essential resources. Potential users can sign up for membership, after which they can borrow tools for a predetermined period, typically one or two weeks, depending on the tool type. While detailed information about any associated deposits or borrowing fees is not explicitly stated on their website, The Well CDC strives to maintain access at an affordable level in consideration of its community’s economic conditions. Community members are encouraged to utilize these tools for projects that promote homeownership and community upkeep, such as repairs, renovations, and gardening initiatives.
Community Engagement Through Education
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Reviewers consistently praise the friendly and accommodating staff (5 mentions), the supportive atmosphere for community initiatives (5 mentions), and the good coffee offered (4 mentions).
GOOD TO KNOW
Many reviews highlight that it serves as a great workspace with food and drink options available, making it suitable for both meetings and casual visits; additionally, catering services are offered.
SOME NOTE
A few customers express dissatisfaction regarding alleged eviction practices, noting moral concerns surrounding advocacy for safe housing; these comments suggest some operational controversies may impact perceptions.
BEST FOR
This place is best suited for community-oriented individuals, local entrepreneurs looking for support, and those in need of a collaborative workspace with food and coffee amenities.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat is The Well CDC?
The Well CDC is a tool lending library located at 647 E Market St, Akron, OH 44304. It focuses on investing in people through the built environment to improve the quality of life in the Middlebury neighborhood.
help_outlineWhat types of services does The Well CDC offer?
The Well CDC offers tool lending services, as well as classes and workshops to help residents learn new skills and improve their projects in the community.
help_outlineHow can I contact The Well CDC?
You can contact The Well CDC by phone at (330) 815-1062.
help_outlineWhat is the Google rating of The Well CDC?
The Well CDC has a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on 100 reviews.
help_outlineWhat is the goal of The Well CDC?
The goal of The Well CDC is to create a shared prosperity for current residents of the Middlebury neighborhood through housing, economic development, and placemaking initiatives.
help_outlineAre there any classes or workshops available at The Well CDC?
Yes, The Well CDC offers various classes and workshops aimed at teaching valuable skills and knowledge to the community.
help_outlineHow does a tool lending library work?
A tool lending library allows members of the community to borrow tools for a specified period of time, promoting access to resources for home improvement, gardening, and other projects without the need to purchase expensive equipment.
help_outlineWho can use the tools at The Well CDC?
Typically, tool lending libraries like The Well CDC are open to all community members, often requiring a membership or registration to borrow tools.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that The Well CDCdoesn't lend — buy them once and finish the job. Every item below ships from Amazon.
Tool libraries lend the tools — but you bring your own PPE. These are the basics worth keeping on a shelf.
ANSI-Rated Safety Glasses
Anti-fog, scratch-resistant. The pair you'll actually wear.
Work Gloves (Cut-Resistant)
Level-5 cut resistance handles utility blades and rough lumber.
Ear Protection (NRR 28+)
Circular saws and routers exceed 100 dB. NRR 28+ is the safe floor.
N95 Dust Masks (10-pack)
Critical for sanding, sawing MDF, or drywall work.
Tool libraries don't lend the stuff that gets used up. Buy these once, finish your project.
Sandpaper Variety Pack
60 to 400 grit covers most rough-to-finish work.
Drill Bit Set (Titanium)
Goes through wood, plastic, and most metals. Lasts longer than HSS.
Utility Knife Blades (100-pack)
Standard-size, fit most retractable knives. Cheaper in bulk.
Wood Screws Variety Box
Mixed lengths and gauges — saves a hardware-store trip mid-project.
Cheap, used constantly, not worth a library trip. Build your own small kit with these.
25-ft Tape Measure
Magnetic hook, standout reach. The one tool you'll grab daily.
Combination Screwdriver Set
Magnetic tips. Phillips + flathead in the sizes you'll actually use.
Stud Finder (Magnetic + Electronic)
Multi-mode finders catch both magnetic fasteners and wood/metal studs.
9-in-1 Multi-Bit Driver
Replaces a kit of screwdrivers and nut drivers in one handle.
Books and plans that show you how to actually use the tools you're borrowing.
Reader's Digest Complete DIY Manual
Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, drywall — the household bible.
The Woodworker's Pocket Book
Joints, wood species, finishes — fits in a tool bag.
Black & Decker Wiring Guide
Code-current, illustrated, written for homeowners not electricians.
Pencil & Carpenter Marker Set
Mechanical carpenter pencils + deep-hole markers — endless small wins.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are editorially independent — picks based on what tool-library users typically need alongside borrowed tools.
location_onContact & Location
dashboardFeatures & Categories
compare_arrowsNearby Tool Libraries
| Name | Location | Distance | Rating | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. Warren Tool Library | Detroit, MI | 118 mi | star4.5 | Free |
| Michigan Equipment Rental & Sales Inc | Village Of Clarkston, MI | 151 mi | star3.7 | — |
| East Lansing Public Library | East Lansing, MI | 192 mi | star4.7 | Free |
| Harrisburg Tool Library | Harrisburg, PA | 248 mi | star5.0 | 0 |
| DC Tool Library | Washington, DC | 279 mi | star5.0 | Free for DC residents |
Interested in The Well CDC?
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