1 Star -- My Experience as a Volunteer (Starting ~July 2023)
I'm writing this review to share my experience as a volunteer at the South King Tool Library (Federal Way & Auburn). I began volunteering around July 2023, and over time I contributed a great deal of effort, hours, and personal commitment because I believed in what the tool library could be for the community.
Unfortunately, the leadership culture made the experience increasingly discouraging. When I raised concerns about communication and feeling undervalued, my comments weren't handled privately or respectfully. Instead, they were repeated to staff and even a few board members, which made my next visit uncomfortable and unprofessional.
I was also denied opportunities to participate in community events on 10/11/25 and 10/25/25, without any clear explanation, despite being a capable and committed repair volunteer. Watching other volunteers be prioritized repeatedly created an atmosphere of favoritism that was hard to ignore.
Transparency was another issue. I witnessed inconsistencies in how donated tools and materials were handled, and I feel that clearer procedures and accountability would benefit both volunteers and the public.
I still believe the tool library has potential to be a great resource, but that would require significant changes in leadership attitude and volunteer support. As it stands, my experience became stressful rather than fulfilling, and I hope future volunteers are treated with more fairness and respect. read more