Become a Member
Membership Benefits
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.
Membership
How It Works
Whether you need a space to build, want to learn something new, fix what’s broken, or spark creativity in young minds—we’ve got you covered. Our programs and services are designed to support DIYers of all ages and skill levels.
1. Create an account
Visit MyTurn to create an account.
2. Add a membership
Choose the membership option you want and purchase online.
3. Sign the waivers
Agree to respect the rules, be kind to our tools, and use them safely.
4. Borrow tools
Come visit us in person, confirm your ID and begin borrowing tools for your next project.
Membership
Pricing & Plans
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.
All prices are subject to Ontario’s Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
Learn more about our Borrowing Policy.
Need more information?
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more before investing in a membership at the Ottawa Tool Library? Read our most frequently asked questions. Still not sure? Reach out today.
What is your Terms of Use Policy?
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.
Where do your tools come from?
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!
Who can borrow tools?
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.
How do you track all the tools?
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.
Can I borrow more than one tool at a time?
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.
Can I reserve a tool?
Yes, members can now reserve tools for their projects. You can learn more about how it works in the MyTurn documentation. When you’re ready, log into MyTurn with your active OTL member account to reserve your tools. You can also contact us if you encounter any issues.
What happens if I damage a tool?
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 Wizard at the OTL who can walk you through how to use it when you pick it up.
What do you do with surplus or broken tools?
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.
Are you insured?
Absolutely. Safety and injury prevention is our number one priority. Members are required to sign waivers and must be over the age of 18.
Can I use your WorkSpace?
Yes, but there is an additional cost to access the WorkSpace. You can find a dedicated FAQ for the OTL WorkSpace here.
