The Ottawa Tool Library is a tool lending library in the heart of Ottawa – providing tools, expertise and a workspace for projects. We’re not publicly funded (like, say, our friends at the Ottawa Public Library) so we rely on selling memberships for individuals to access our inventory.
Temporary Measures for COVID-19
In order to reopen to members while keeping them, our volunteers and our community safe, the OTL has adopted a series of measures for reservations, curb-side pickup and drop-off, and volunteering to address concerns during the continued novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. You can read more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The majority of our tool inventory comes from community donations, from people downsizing, moving, or cleaning up basements, sheds, and garages. Anything you want to donate? Contact us!
Only OTL members can borrow tools. We offer individual and group memberships or why not give someone you love a one-of-a-kind gift that lasts all year long.
Our annual membership is less than most rental companies charge for a daily rate for some tools AND we give you unlimited access. Nearly all tools are free to borrow for up to one week (only a couple of high-demand or high-maintenance tools have per-loan fees). We hope to inspire your creativity and help you finish your practical or creative projects.
We use the MyTurn software platform specifically designed as a database for lending libraries. Like a normal library, members must return tools in a set period of time or incur late fees. We work a lot with trust currency. 😉
Yes! Many projects require one or more tools, so feel free to borrow away. We only ask that you leave a few remaining tools on the shelf for other members to borrow. 😉
Tools are available on a first come, first served basis. Check our up-to-date online inventory to see what’s available for your project.
Normal wear and tear of tools is inevitable and we ask members to talk to us about their user experience with the tool when they return it. In extreme cases, members may be charged for damage to equipment. If you are at all unsure about how to safely operate of a tool, there is always a Tool Ninja at the OTL who can walk you through how to use it when you pick it up.
We have a Tool Hospital at the lending library where tools are cared for, fixed, cleaned, and sharpened by experienced volunteers to ensure you get a tool that is in working order. For excess tools we no longer need, we keep the best tools in inventory and in the OTL WorkSpace, we keep other tools on hand to run workshops, and whatever remains we sell to find them new homes and generate revenue for our operations.
For tools that cannot be fixed, we use them for parts and salvage blades, gears, motors and more. Whatever remains is disassembled into its component metals – copper, aluminum, steel – and sold for scrap to recyclers to divert it from landfill. We’re always looking for Tool Doctors if you’d like to help!
Absolutely. Safety and injury prevention is our number one priority. Members are required to sign waivers and must be over the age of 18.
We’re located in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) at 877A Boyd Avenue (entrance off Dobbie Street). Click here for a map.
Given it’s a bit complicated, you can find a dedicated FAQ for the OTL WorkSpace here.
Membership has its benefits!
In 2021, annual members on average borrowed over $2,000 worth of tools with their $200 membership. They got the right tools and advice, saved money and space, and made a sustainable choice. Tackle your renovations, repairs and personal projects today!
Throughout the pandemic, increased demand and supply chain issues have driven up the cost of home repairs and renovations for everyone. But did you know that labour costs often represent half the expense of a home renovation? Sometimes you’re better off entrusting work to the professionals, but often anyone can tackle smaller finishing projects like a backsplash, new shelves, or baseboards and trim, all of which will save you money towards realizing your vision. Need advice on approaches or use of a tool? Our on-site Tool Ninjas can walk you through a project, including what tools and materials you’ll need.
Membership at the OTL isn’t just about home improvement, but also about the tools you need everyday: we have the pumps and fans for a water leak; ladders to rescue that frisbee off your roof; dollies and straps to move your appliances; sewing machines and sergers to alter and mend clothes; specialized tools to tune up your bike; and telescoping pruners, fruit pickers and even a canning set for your own local harvest. You can also use our tools in the OTL WorkSpace to build personal projects from a cutting board to a coffee table.
In 2021, our average annual member borrowed over $2,000 worth of tools, and some borrowed far more! Not only did they save money and space in their own home, they got the right tools and advice for every project. They also kept their projects more sustainable, reducing the environmental impact of producing all of those tools and disposing of them later. Lastly, they also supported our core operations through the challenges of the pandemic, allowing us to reopen the OTL WorkSpace, deliver workshops, resume Repair Cafés, and host kids camps with our Tinkering School.
We have annual and monthly individual memberships, plus student, household and even group pricing. But we understand that membership isn’t for everyone. If it’s out of your price range, we also provide memberships to volunteers and pay-what-you-can memberships through our OTL Community Fund. You can also make a financial or tool donation to support us, or share the word with family and friends. Lastly, please consider signing up to our newsletter or following us on social media (ig|fb|tw) to learn about the latest news and offerings from the OTL.
Whatever you choose to do, we appreciate your continued patronage and support. Stay safe and build on, Ottawa!
