For the health and safety of everyone in our OTL family, while it is no longer mandatory, we encourage our volunteers, instructors, workshop participants and WorkSpace users to follow recommended vaccine schedules and relevant public health advice, and especially avoid visiting the OTL if you are feeling unwell.
We’re now accepting applications for Tool Librarians, Tool Wizards, Donation/Webstore Support and Event Volunteers. You can learn more below. Interested? Fill out our Volunteer Application Form!
Join Our Team
Volunteers are at the 
of our Tool Library. They dedicate their time, share their skills, and work directly with the Ottawa community. We are excited about the tool library and hope you will choose us as a way to spend some of your time!
We strive to find the right fit for our volunteers. There are a number of ways to be involved with the Ottawa Tool Library and we hope you find the one that allows you to explore your interests, share your talents, and ultimately elevate our cause.
Below is a list of the types of volunteers it takes to see our project become a reality!
Tool Librarian
Our Librarians interact with members: lending tools, managing memberships, selling merchandise. They also foster the sense of community at the OTL, explaining the library to visitors, sharing upcoming events, and building relationships with members. Shifts are four hours, twice (or more) per month during Tool Library hours.
Donation/Webstore Support
Tool donations are an integral component of our operations; they revitalize our inventory and some materials and surplus tools are listed on our Webstore. We’re looking for volunteers who can connect with donors and buyers; receive and organize donations; take photos, research prices and draft listings; and process orders. This role is flexible. It can be tailored to your skills and availability at the OTL. Some tasks may be done from home.
Vintage Tool Group
The OTL occasionally receives donations of vintage tools. Volunteers help to restore, categorize and research these tools, which we then will sell to collectors to generate revenue to support the operations of the tool library. This is a great opportunity if you have an interest in — or knowledge about — old tools.
Tool Wizard
Sometimes, learning from YouTube videos and blog posts isn’t enough! Our Tool Wizards have sufficient general expertise to offer advice regarding the best methods and tools for most home reno and personal DIY projects. They ensure that members leave with not only the right tools, but the knowledge and protective gear to make sure they can do it safely. Shifts are four hours, twice (or more) per month during Tool Library hours. This role requires significant expertise and experience with the safe use of tools.
Workshop Instructor
The mission of the OTL is to help give people skills to make and do projects. We are always looking for people willing to teach 2-3 hour classes in our workshop space. Past workshops have included making small woodworking projects like a shelf or box, making Ukrainian easter eggs, learning how to patch drywall, and how to wire a lightswitch. Volunteers willing to teach in the workshop will need to demonstrate an understanding of safe usage of any tools needed for their class.
Please fill out our Volunteer Application Form if you’re enthusiastic about any of these opportunities!