10 Years Ago…
When we opened the doors to the Ottawa Tool Library (OTL) back in 2015, I never imagined how far we’d come. The idea was simple: instead of everyone buying a drill they’d only use once, why not share? Borrow it, return it, and pass it on. Ten years later, that simple idea has turned into a thriving community hub I’m so proud to call my second home.
“It was never just about fixing objects – it was about repairing our relationship with consumption, with waste, and with each other.”
When we opened the doors to the Ottawa Tool Library (OTL) back in 2015, I never imagined how far we’d come. The idea was simple: instead of everyone buying a drill they’d only use once, why not share? Borrow it, return it, and pass it on. Ten years later, that simple idea has turned into a thriving community hub I’m so proud to call my second home.
I still vividly remember those early days. The OTL was sparked by a conversation over beers, when I sat with my friend Frederic, musing about how many things we all owned but rarely used. Did we all really need our own tile cutter, jigsaw, circular saw, or even multiple tape measures? That conversation turned into brainstorming sessions, and before long, we had a vision for a tool library in Ottawa. We pieced together micro-grants, leaned on friends, and poured in countless volunteer hours.
In October 2015, we opened our first location in a shared space. We didn’t have much, but we had heart – and a whole lot of determination.From the start, it wasn’t just about tools. It was about community. It was about making space where people could learn, create, and share their skills. And the milestones we’ve hit along the way really tell that story. One of my favorite early additions was the launch of our Repair Cafés.
Imagine a room full of volunteer fixers, people bringing in broken lamps, toasters, sweaters with holes, or bikes with flat tires, and walking out with working items and huge smiles. It was never just about fixing objects – it was about repairing our relationship with consumption, with waste, and with each other. Repair Cafés have become one of our most beloved offerings and they’ve grown bigger and better with each passing year.
Then came our WorkSpace, which opened in 2017.
Suddenly, people could not only borrow tools but also have a place to use them, especially those who lived in apartments or didn’t have garages. I’ll never forget the first projects that came out of that space. From bookshelves to birdhouses, upcycled furniture to handmade gifts, the WorkSpace became a place where creativity came to life. Seeing people learn to cut, sand, and build for the first time was so fun (and still gives me much joy).
In 2019, we added another amazing offering: the Tinkering School for kids.
Watching children discover the magic of building, problem-solving, and working with their hands has been incredible. Kids approach tools with curiosity and imagination that adults sometimes forget they have. Giving them safe, guided opportunities to explore that world has been one of the most rewarding expansions of the Tool Library. The smiles on their faces when they complete a project – that’s what it’s all about.
Of course, the road hasn’t always been easy. Like so many organizations, we have faced challenges. During the the pandemic, our workshops had to pause, in-person events were suspended, and our lending model had to adapt. But what amazed me was how resilient and creative our community was. Members still borrowed tools, volunteers still found ways to pitch in, and when we could finally gather again, the energy was even stronger. We survived because people believed in us. They believed in the power of sharing, of sustainability, and of community resilience.
A major turning point came in 2021, when we moved into our current home on Boyd Avenue. Suddenly, we had space to breathe and grow. We could dream bigger, host more workshops, and welcome more members. That move was a symbol of how far we’d come and how much potential still lay ahead.We celebrated our 10th anniversary celebration in 2024. From the cake cutting (with an actual saw!) to the costume contests, silent auctions, and Maker Market, it was a joyful reflection of everything we’ve built together. Seeing hundreds of people come out to celebrate reminded me that the Ottawa Tool Library is a place where people really feel they belong.
People sometimes ask me: how does the Ottawa Tool Library survive when other organizations can’t seem to make it? It’s a mix of things. First, it’s the people – our volunteers, staff, fixers, and members. They are the soul of this place. From the friendly faces at the front desk to the behind-the-scenes tool sharpeners, it’s their energy that keeps us moving forward. Second, it’s our adaptability. We’ve never been afraid to try new things, whether it’s expanding programs, shifting spaces, or finding new funding models. Third, it’s our mission. The idea of sharing tools, skills, and knowledge just makes sense – environmentally, economically, and socially. It’s an idea that continues to resonate, maybe now more than ever.
Personally, the Ottawa Tool Library has been the work of my heart and hands for a decade. I’ve poured myself into this project. I love seeing how others have made OTL their own. Members who start as timid tool borrowers and become confident makers. Volunteers who arrive to help and discover a whole community of friends. Kids who come to Tinkering School and leave with skills and confidence that will carry them for years (and get them off their screens!).
Looking back on ten years, I’m filled with gratitude – for the people who believed in us when we were just an idea, the volunteers who have given their time and skills so generously, and the members who keep showing up, borrowing tools, and spreading the word. I’m also extremely grateful for our city of Ottawa, which has embraced the concept of a tool library and shown that when we share, we all win.
As we look ahead, my hope is that the Ottawa Tool Library continues to grow as a space for creativity, sustainability, and community. I want us to keep finding new ways to connect people with skills, with each other, and with the joy of making. I want us to inspire more kids, repair more toasters, build more birdhouses, and spark more smiles.
Because at the end of the day, the Ottawa Tool Library has never been just about drills and saws. It’s about people, creativity, and sustainability. And it’s about proving that when we share what we have, we all get so much more.
So here’s to the next ten years. And here’s to more sawdust, creativity, laughter, and community.
Keep building,
Bettina