Denver, CO
Denver Tool Library builds community through shared resources and skills
DENVER — Nestled in crowded buildings along Sante Fe Avenue, the Denver Tool Library offers a twist on the traditional concept of a library.
Instead of books, library members can check out a wide range of tools for their home improvement projects.
Founded in 2015 by Sarah Steiner, the library has grown from humble beginnings.
“When we first started, we had a secret back entrance in the alley,” said Steiner with a laugh. “We couldn’t afford to rent the whole building.”
Today, it holds over 5,000 tools — from table saws to gardening equipment — all available with a $150 annual membership fee.
The scope of the library has expanded, too. It now houses workshop space for classes. Those spaces can also be rented out by its members.
Chris Hoehle, a community workshop monitor and woodturning instructor for the library, believes that hands-on instruction is the best way to learn hands-on skills.
“Just like anything these days, you could learn that just from YouTube,” Hoehle explained. “But it’s a lot easier with an experienced instructor to guide you through all the pitfalls.”
Despite the challenges faced by similar workshops in the area, the Denver Tool Library thrives by fostering a collaborative atmosphere and by expanding at a rate that works for them.
“The kind of secret sauce to this place is just starting small, expanding as you go, and responding to the demands of the membership,” said Hoehle.
Steiner believes that the $150 membership fee can pay for itself almost immediately, especially if a project calls for one big rental item.
“We hear from people a lot that we’ve saved them thousands of dollars in tool rentals over a year of working on their first home,” Steiner said.
Yet, the main reason for the success of the library is the people who participate. There’s a spirit of sharing and collaboration, with members often consulting each other for the best ways to complete their projects.
“It’s really beloved in the community,” Hoehle said. “I think we also have a really personal touch that people appreciate. I’m able to give people a lot of individual attention in the open shop hours, really help them out, [and] think them through their projects. I think that shows and kind of keeps the people coming back.”
“This space is like if you started a fort in your backyard,” said Steiner. “Then it turned into something that the whole community just really loved and appreciated and participated in… It always surprises me. It’s always got something interesting to try to figure out. It is a fun place to be, and I’m really lucky to be a part of it.”
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Denver, CO
Injury Report: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers
The Denver Nuggets are hosting the Los Angeles Clippers in the third meeting between these two teams. The Clippers have won the previous two matchups, but the Nuggets will be looking to turn the tide in their arena.
The Nuggets have nine players listed on their injury report: Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Dario Saric, Trey Alexander, Vlatko Cancar, PJ Hall, DaRon Holmes II, and Spencer Jones.
Aaron Gordon is currently probable with a right calf strain, Jamal Murray is questionable as he deals with inflammation of his right hamstring, Christian Braun is probable with a right quad contusion, Dario Saric is out with a left ankle sprain, Trey Alexander is out on his two-way contract, Vlatko Cancar is out as he rehabilitates his left knee, PJ Hall is out on his two-way contract, DaRon Holmes II is out as he recovers his right Achilles tendon, and Spencer Jones is out on his two-way contract.
The Clippers have seven players listed on their report: Kawhi Leonard, Terance Mann, Derrick Jones Jr., Kobe Brown, Cam Christie, Trentyn Flowers, and P.J. Tucker.
Kawhi Leonard remains out as he recovers from a knee injury, Terance Mann is out as he fractured his left middle finger, Derrick Jones Jr. is out with a right hamstring strain, Kobe Brown is out due to back injury management, Cam Christie is out on G League assignment, Trentyn Flowers is out on his two-way contract, and P.J. Tucker is away from the team.
The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers will face off at 9:00 p.m. EST.
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Denver, CO
Denver police investigate after driver crashes into building
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Denver, CO
Friends, coworkers search for answers after Denver man killed in hit-and-run
A year after a Denver man died in a hit-and-run, his friends and co-workers are still searching for answers.
With signs down the block, memories of Nick Cordova are all around Blue Pan Pizza. General Manager Sara Walter has photos of Cordova around the restaurant.
“He was an amazing person, and so thoughtful, so funny, so talented,” Walter said, “He loved that scooter, you know, zipping around town.”
Cordova was struck and killed on his way home from work in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood in November 2023. Now friends and coworkers hope that sharing his memory will help in their search for closure.
“Someone did this, someone knows that they did this, and are choosing not to own up to it. We just want answers,” Walter said.
Walter last saw Cordova more than a year ago. After he didn’t show up for a shift last November, staff started making calls and visited his home.
“He wasn’t there. It was very clear that no one had let his dog out, and that was the point where we knew something was very wrong,” Walter said.
Authorities believe the car that hit Cordova while riding his scooter was a white Chevy Trailblazer, but they have not yet identified the driver. Walter expressed dismay at the lack of answers.
“This is a person, and that’s crazy that there’s been no traction,” Walter said.
His friends and coworkers are working to keep Cordova’s memory alive. A memorial now stands on the corner of Speer Blvd. and Grove St., the location where Cordova was fatally struck.
“Keeping his name out here in the news,” Walter said, “While it is incredibly, incredibly painful to have to remember how we lost him. We owe it to him.”
Meanwhile, staff at Blue Pan Pizza continue to call on the public for help. “Think about if it was someone close to you. What would you want? And what we want is justice for Nick,” Walter said.
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