Join the West Philly Tool Library

Register online, then visit us in person to activate your membership and start borrowing tools. Not sure which membership is right for you? View membership options and pricing.

Tool Lending Policy, Waiver & Indemnification

Please read the entire policy before continuing.

1. Members must be age 18 or over to borrow tools from the West Philly Tool Library ("Library") Inc.. 2. Prior to borrowing tools, all Members must (a) complete a Membership Application; (b) be current with Membership fees (including any fines accrued); (c) sign the Waiver and Indemnification form; and (d) sign this Tool Policy form. Completing a Membership Application includes the completion of the Membership Application form and verification of the Member's identity. Verification of the Member's identity is accomplished by presenting a valid government-issued photo ID and a second form of identification that includes a current address. AUTOMATIC RENEWAL TERMS. Eligible annual memberships are enrolled in automatic renewal unless the Member cancels automatic renewal. Lifetime memberships do not renew. Before processing an automatic renewal, the Library will send the Member an email notice identifying the scheduled renewal date, the selected annual membership dues, and any applicable transaction processing fee or eligible outstanding account balance that may be included in the charge. The Library will not attempt the renewal charge earlier than seven (7) calendar days after the notice is successfully delivered. Before processing begins, the Member may review or select the next annual membership tier and may cancel automatic renewal through the member portal or by contacting the Library. Removing, replacing, or allowing a payment method to expire does not by itself cancel automatic renewal. If the Member re-enables automatic renewal or changes the selected renewal tier or price, the Library will send a fresh notice and wait at least seven (7) calendar days before attempting the charge. On the scheduled renewal date, the Member authorizes the Library to charge a stored payment method for the disclosed annual membership dues, any applicable transaction processing fee, and any eligible outstanding account balance. If the Member's outstanding balance exceeds the renewal-policy limit then in effect, the Library may collect that balance without renewing the membership. A membership may not renew if the Member has no valid stored payment method, is not eligible to borrow, or otherwise does not satisfy the renewal policy then in effect. Canceling automatic renewal does not end the current membership, which remains active through its existing expiration date. A new or manually renewed membership may be canceled for a refund if no tools have been borrowed and the Member gives notice within seven (7) days after payment. A processed automatic-renewal charge is final and non-refundable. 3. Library staff is available to assist in explaining operation of tools. However, by taking possession of any item, the Member is certifying that he or she is capable of using that item in a safe and proper manner. 4. Only the Member is authorized to use Library tools. The Member shall not permit the use of items checked out to him or her by any other person unless by the express permission of the Library. 5. Members will generally not be charged for borrowing any tool. However, the Library reserves the right to charge fees for a select number of tools with consumable parts. 6. All tools borrowed are to be returned to the Library no later than seven days after the tool is borrowed. This applies to tools checked out during any of our open hours, including weekday hours when available. Tools may only be returned during the Library's open hours. 7. If a tool is returned after they are due, the Member be responsible for a late fee. This late fee for most tools will be $1 per tool for every day the Library is open until the tool is returned. Late fees are capped at the full replacement cost of the tool plus a $50 administrative fee per tool. The Library may replace delinquent tools (over 30 days late), holding the Member responsible for full replacement cost plus a $50 administrative fee. Fines must be paid in full before borrowing additional items. 8. The Library reserves the right to use appropriate steps to retrieve delinquent tools or unpaid fines and fees, including charging the payment method on file, the use of a collection agency, and/or legal action and assess the delinquent Member with the cost of any such action. The Library will provide at least two email notices of overdue tools, and one email notification of the charges in advance of the fines and fees being assessed. If no response is received by the member in seven (7) calendar days, the Library will proceed with the steps above and the transaction cannot be reversed. As part of this membership agreement, no member is permitted to challenge the fines and fees assessed once transacted, either with the Library or with their card/payment issuer. Additionally the Library may also ban members based on the severity, frequency, and quantity of tools not returned, regardless of the fines and fees paid. 9. Power tools and ladders may not be renewed. Other tools may be renewed if (a) the Member contacts the Library prior to the date the tool is due, and (b) no other Member has reserved the tool. The Library reserves the right to refuse or limit renewals and will do so based on demand. 10. The Member agrees that the Library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed tools. 11. The Member agrees that if any borrowed tool becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, he or she must immediately discontinue use of the tool and notify the Library of the issue on return, if not earlier. 12. All tools are to be returned in the same condition as they were issued, barring normal wear and tear. All tools must be returned clean and empty if applicable, including shop vacs, pressure washers, carpet cleaners. The Member agrees to pay for the loss of or damage to any item and further agrees to accept the Library's assessment of condition of items and fair restitution for damage, dirtiness, delinquency, and/or loss of items in part or in total. Restitution may equal the full replacement value of the item plus a $50 administrative fee. Responsibility for replacement value has no fixed dollar cap and is not limited by the Member's membership dues, membership tier, or the total value of other tools the Member has borrowed. 13. The Library reserves the right to refuse the loan of any item at its discretion. Additionally, the Library reserves the right to ban any member, regardless of membership status, for any reason including frequent delinquent or lost tools. The member has an opportunity to appeal this ban by sending a mailed letter to the Board. 14. I affirm, as a member, that the information that I have provided on the Membership Application is current, true and correct. I understand that this information may be subject to verification. I further state that I have read and fully understand the rules and regulations of the West Philly Tool Library, and I understand that failure to comply with any of these rules may result in revocation of my borrowing privileges and/or legal action against me. WAIVER AND INDEMNIFICATION 15. I am capable of using the tools I am borrowing. I will use the tools I am borrowing in a safe and proper manner. 16. On behalf of myself and my successors and assigns, in consideration of being permitted to borrow tools, waive any and all claims against the West Philly Tool Library and the Urban Affairs Coalition for any injury or injuries of any nature that I may suffer or incur in the use of the tools that I am borrowing from the West Philly Tool Library. 17. On behalf of myself and my successors and assigns, in consideration of being permitted to borrow tools, agree to release and indemnify and hold harmless the West Philly Tool Library Inc., their officers, agents, volunteers, and employees from any and all liability, loss, claims, and demands, actions or causes of action for the death or injury to any persons and for any property damage suffered or incurred by any person which arises or may arise or be occasioned in any way from the use or possession of tools I am borrowing from the West Philly Tool Library.

Scroll to the bottom of the policy to continue.

Personal Information

Use a valid email and phone number — we need these to activate your membership.

Address

Two References

Provide two references (friends or family in the Philly area) who can vouch for you. We will call them during your first visit, so let them know to expect a call.

Reference 1

Reference 2

Choose Your Membership

Sliding-scale memberships start at $20/year.

The West Philly Tool Library exists so that our neighbors can build, fix, create, and care for their homes and communities. We keep our doors open through membership dues and the generosity of our members.

As a guideline, we suggest $10 for every $10,000 of annual household income, up to $150/year. If you earn $30k, a $30 membership keeps us running. If you can afford more, choosing a higher tier helps cover our operating costs.

If $20 is the right level for you, please choose the $20 tier. We are not able to activate individual memberships below $20, so please be prepared to pay at least $20 online or at your first visit.

Loading membership options...

Already a member? Log in