Membership has its privileges – with a membership to the Ottawa Tool Library, you will receive unlimited access to our tools, to take them home to work on any practical or creative projects. Minimum age requirement for memberships is 18 years of age.
Save money
Avoid buying new expensive tools and accessories that you’ll only use for one project.
Reclaim Space
Declutter and reclaim space by not storing bulky tools in your garage, basement or shed.
Live Sustainably
Be part of the solution, generate less waste and contribute to a greener future.
Find Community
Gain skills and confidence to undertake new projects with workshops and advice.
How It Works
We use the MyTurn lending platform to track our inventory, memberships and loans. You can become an OTL member in four simple steps:
1. Create an account
Visit our MyTurn to create an online OTL borrower account.
2. Add a membership
Choose from the above membership options, add it to your account and purchase online.
3. Sign the waivers
Agree to respect the rules, be kind to our tools, and use them safely.
4. Borrow tools
That’s it! Come visit us in person to say hello, confirm your ID and begin borrowing tools for your next project.
Membership Prices
The OTL has different membership options to suit your needs. Have a short-term project? Our monthly membership gives you access to tools and advice without the commitment. Our annual memberships come in multiple flavours for individuals, households and students. Need on-site access to tools? We now have a new membership that includes access to the OTL WorkSpace during its regular hours. Finally, for non-profits and small businesses we offer an annual group membership for up to five users.
Monthly
$120/month
Annual
$240/year
Annual+ WorkSpace
$600/year
Angel
$1,500/year
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Organization
$600/year
All prices are subject to Ontario’s Harmonized Sales Tax (HST: 13%).
Can’t afford a regular membership? Volunteer! It’s not only a great way to learn about tools and connect with great people, but you get a free monthly membership for only 8 hours per month. This can be helping at the front desk, at events, with grant writing, creating content for social media and more! Click here to get involved!
No time to volunteer? In a precarious situation? We’ve introduced a pay-what-you-can membership via the OTL Community Fund. Click here to apply. Please tell us how much you can afford, and how you will benefit from a membership.
Gift Memberships
Want to buy a gift certificate for family and friends? Click here to buy a gift certificate for either an individual monthly ($120+tax) or annual ($240+tax) membership.
Terms of Use
A loan period of one week at a time is permitted when borrowing tools, however, members are encouraged to return tools as soon as they are finished. Members can renew any tool once by phone or email, so long as there is nobody waiting for the tool. Late fees will be charged for all tools returned past the due date.
Our Borrowing Policy
Please read our borrowing policy. You will be required to sign it before borrowing your first tool.
Loan & Late Fees
We charge loan fees on specific specialized tools (e.g. planers, jointers, pressure washers, button makers) to keep them in circulation and well-maintained. We also charge late fees on all overdue tool loans. For more details, consult our fees and prices.
