Ottawa Tool Library
{{Infobox library
| library_name = Ottawa Tool Library
| library_logo = Ottawa Tool Library.png
| location = 877A Boyd Ave Ottawa, Ontario
| country = Canada
| established = 2014
| collection_size = 301+
| members = 200+
| director = Bettina Vollmerhausen
| num_employees = 1
| website = [http://ottawatoollibrary.com Ottawa tool library]
}}
Ottawa Tool Library (OTL) is a not for profit tool lending public library system based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.{{cite web |url=http://kitchissippi.com/ottawas-tool-library/ |title=Ottawa's first tool library is now under construction |access-date=Apr 6, 2015 |publisher=kitchissippi.com |year=2015}} Tool libraries lend specialized tools for both experienced and inexperienced community members who are interested in home repair, maintenance, building projects, community projects, gardening and landscaping as well as cooking.{{cite web |url=http://www.ottawacommunitynews.com |title=Handy tool library open for borrowing |publisher=Ottawa Community News |year=2015 }} The OTL offers annual, short-term, group and gift memberships.{{cite web |url=http://westendwell.ca/news/great-new-community-resource-ottawa-tool-library |title=Great new community resource: Ottawa Tool Library - West |access-date=Dec 11, 2014 |publisher=westendwell.ca |year=2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318010820/http://westendwell.ca/news/great-new-community-resource-ottawa-tool-library |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |url-status=dead }}
History
The Ottawa Tool Library (OTL) is a project of The Society for Social Ingenuity (SSI), a registered Canadian non-profit organization based in Ottawa. The OTL was cofounded by Bettina Vollmerhausen and Frederic Sune.
The goal is to put tools in the hands of people who want them to do their projects.{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/life/homes/house-works-ottawa-tool-library-founders-offer-inspiration |title=House Works: Ottawa Tool Library Founders Offer Inspiration |access-date=Nov 4, 2015 |publisher=ottawacitizen.com |year= 2015 }} The OTL opened at 250 City Centre, in 2014, and moved to 877A Boyed Ave. in 2021.
Governance
The OTL is governed by a Board which is responsible for the strategic planning, financial stability, and oversight of staff and volunteers.{{cn|date=May 2025}}
Services
=Collections=
The tool library adapted Share Starter's free "Tool Library Starter Kit" {{cite web|url=http://www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-start-a-tool-library|publisher=shareable.net|title=How to Start a Tool Library - Shareable|date=9 May 2012 |access-date=Apr 26, 2017}} which includes start up guidelines, frequently asked questions, and sample documents. The library uses "Local Tools" from "myTurn.com, PBC", a web-based inventory management system to track loans to Tool Library members and to automatically display tool availability online.{{cite web|url=http://localtools.org/|publisher=localtools.org|title=Local Tools: Rental and Tool Library Software | Asset Tracking|access-date=Apr 26, 2017}}
The library has over 2,000 specialized tools to lend to members with all skill levels welcomed. The inventory of equipment includes automotive, bicycle, carpentry and woodworking, electrical and soldering, home maintenance, metalworking, plumbing, re-modelling, electronics, garden, kitchen, hand, air and power tools, although no gas-powered tools.{{cite web|url=https://ottawa.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse?max=15&offset=0|publisher=ottawa.myturn.com|title=Ottawa Tool Library: Inventory |access-date=Apr 26, 2017}} The OTL is seeking cash donations as well as donations of hand tools, power tools, garden tools and kitchen tools.{{cite web|url=http://ottawatoollibrary.com/donate/|publisher=ottawatoollibrary.com|title=Donate Tools. Donate Funds | Ottawa Tool Library |access-date=Apr 26, 2017}}
=Training=
The Ottawa Tool Library offers workshops open both to Tool Library members and the public on tool related skills and projects. For example, in the Intro to Power Tools workshop, participants build a planter box; and similarly in other hands-on workshops.{{cn|date=May 2025}}
Mission
=Tool library=
The Tool library performs the following main tasks:
- Tool Lending: to members for use in personal projects, community improvement events, and special events.{{cite web|url=http://localtools.org/features/|publisher=localtools.org|title=Tool Library Software | Local Tools Features | | Start a Tool Library|access-date=Apr 26, 2017}}
- Tool Advocacy: for the complete and timely return of all borrowed tools, to guarantee the long-term sustainability of available inventory. Staff also seeks compensation for lost tools and tools returned late.
- Tool Maintenance: performing routine maintenance and repairs on all equipment to ensure good condition and to extend the lifespan of the inventory. This function is typically performed by volunteers and community service workers.{{cn|date=May 2025}}
Location
- Ottawa Tool Library is located at 877A Boyd Ave., Ottawa. Tool donations can be borrowed from this location, and volunteers are welcomed to help keep this community resource going in Ottawa. Volunteer opportunities include: assisting members, providing tool and equipment knowledge, instructing workshops and tool maintenance.{{cn|date=May 2025}}
See also
{{Portal|Ontario}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Commons category|Ottawa Tool Library}}
{{Ottawa}}
{{coord missing|Ontario}}
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Category:2014 establishments in Ontario