Transform your Ideas into Reality.

Your Creativity.
Our Tools.

We make it easy to borrow tools for your next creative home renovation, garden project, or outdoor adventures! With nearly 1,000 items in our inventory, we’ve helped members transform over 5,000 ideas into reality since 2018.

A KW LOT member standing with a red tent from our inventory.

How the KW Library of Things Works:

  • KW LOT Membership

    1. Choose your Membership

    Select the plan that works for you and unlock your creative potential.

  • A Computer Screen with a Cursor Selecting an Item

    2. Browse & Reserve

    Browse our growing inventory and reserve the tools you need online.

  • A Person parachuting

    3. Pick Up & Get Started

    Drop by during your pick up time and get started on your next adventure!

  • A Person feeling accomplished

    4. Return Feeling Accomplished

    Return your tools to KWLOT. Bonus: snap pics with our tools in action!

Our Commitment to KWLOT Members

When you become a KWLOT Member, here’s what you can expect out of your membership experience.

Power tools on a wooden shelf in a workshop, including a miter saw and a blowtorch, with a label reading 'Palm Sanders' in front of the shelf.
  • Every time you borrow and return a tool, you’re contributing to a community built on sustainability and sharing. Together, we’re reducing waste, saving resources, and creating opportunities for everyone to bring their ideas to life. It’s not just about tools—it’s about creating a sharing economy that works for us and our planet.

  • All KWLOT membership and borrowing costs are clear and upfront—no surprises. You’ll know exactly what to expect when you have a membership, so you can focus on bringing your ideas to life without worrying about hidden fees. You can learn more about our membership tiers on our Memberships page here!

  • Our team of expert volunteers and staff inspect every item upon return and replace any necessary components so our tools are ready to use again. When you borrow from us, you can trust that your tools will perform reliably, helping you bring your ideas to life without delay.

  • Accidents happen, and we understand. If a tool is damaged, we’ll work with you to find a fair, stress-free solution so you can move forward with confidence. The replacement cost is listed for every tool and our process is designed to prioritize repair, fairness and equity. Click here to see our Membership Policy.

  • Whether you’re tackling a project for the first time or exploring new tools, we’re here to guide you. Feel free to email us and ask for helpful tips or attend our beginner workshops. We want to make it easy for you to feel confident and empowered.

Trusted by Waterloo Region Since 2018

With a proven track record and deep community relationships in the tri-cities, we’re your trusted partner for tools and creativity.

1,392


Members since February 2018

13,997


Items Borrowed and Not Purchased

5,198


Completed Projects by Members

Backed by Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region

We are an employment project of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, a leading nonprofit organisation that champions an inclusive community for all by working with people with disabilities, their networks and the broader community.

Woman wearing glasses, a face mask, and an apron working with a power saw in a workshop with tools on the wall.

“There are amazing stories that come out of KW Library of Things. I am inspired by all of the volunteers and staff that make this important project possible through their dedication and shared passion for sustainability.”

— Kim Sproul, Community Development Program Manager,

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

Logo for KW Library of Things, part of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region project, featuring colorful abstract human figures holding hands.

Become a Member Today

Bring your ideas to life. We offer a membership tier for all types of users, from casual to professional.

If you are a non-profit organization or a person facing financial barriers, you can reach out to us for our reduced community rate.

Let’s Stop Overconsumption.

Your creativity shouldn’t be limited by the tools you own.

We created KWLOT because we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their ideas and passions without feeling the guilt of overconsumption and overspending on tools they’ll only use once.

So let’s choose a path that’s better for you, your community, and the planet. With a KWLOT membership, you can have the best of both worlds.

A collection of cardboard boxes with recycling and handling symbols, some sealed with blue tape, arranged on a surface.