Seeking a saw? New 'tool library' debuts in Ottawa

Need a highly-specific sawfor an upcoming renovation, but don't want to buy it? Got an old drill lying around collecting dust?

You may want to get in touch with the Ottawa Tool Library.

The local non-profit is designed to get donated, second-hand tools into the hands of its members, for one week at a time just like one might borrowa book or a DVDfrom a traditional library.

It's a model that exists in other Canadian cities but was missing fromOttawa until Saturday morning, when the library officially openedat the City Centre building nearAlbert Street.

While people can already rent tools from big chains like Home Depot, those chains are usually out in the suburbs and can be hard to reach, saidtool library co-founderBettinaVollmerhausen.

"We have nothing in the city core. So we wanted something that was very accessible financially, as well for people to have access to tools," said Vollmerhausen.

"This is [also] about sharing skills and sharing knowledge."

Before the first dremels and sanders were signed out Saturday morning, CBC'sIn Town and OuthostGiacomo Panico got a sneak peek atthe library's collection. Listen below.

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