Built in the 1840s, the weathered-stone Grange has long been a gathering place, hosting everything from musical performances and dances to harvest suppers, auctions, and plays. For generations, it has served as a steadfast hub of connection and community.

Since 1903, the AuSable Valley Grange No. 973 has called this historic building home. Today, it continues to bring together neighbors from all walks of life, fostering mutual support and collaboration.

In the most recent years of its' long history, the Grange has entered a period of revitalization, with both longtime members and newcomers working to preserve its rich traditions while opening the space to new ideas. From restoring the building itself to uncovering and cataloging decades-old memorabilia, dedicated hands have put in countless hours to breathe new life into this historic space.

One of the latest transformations has been the creation of open, and usable space in the lower level, cleared and reclaimed through the collective effort of many Grange members. So when Robyn Pray, Director of the Keeseville Free Library, shared her vision of a Keeseville tool library with a fellow Grange member, the idea resonated, sparking a new chapter in the Grange’s legacy of shared resources and community-driven action. Thus, the Keeseville tool library found a home.

• Increase local access to tools  

• Cultivate interdependence and reliance on one another

• Foster a culture of sharing resources 

• Empower residents with skills and resources to lead their own maintenance and revitalization projects 

• Host workshops and create space for skill building and skill sharing 

The organizers of the NeTL envision a space where the community gathers around the shared desire to create, depend on one another, and take care of our spaces. We envision a community where borrowing things, such as tools, from neighbors is the norm, reducing our consumption and carbon footprint along the way.