Membership Requirements

• Members must be at least 18 years of age.
• Members must reside in the City of Chicago and provide proof of address.
• Members must provide a form of photo identification.

Borrowing Tools

Prior to borrowing tools, all Members must:

1. Complete Membership Application and supply all required documentation (ID and address verification)

2. Sign the Waiver and Indemnification Form and agree to its terms

Members must have an active CTL membership to borrow tools.

All tools borrowed are to be returned to CTL by close of business on their due date.

CTL reserves the right to refuse renewals based on demand. Currently you may renew most tools 1x; thereby having it for a two week maximum.

All tools are to be returned in the same or better condition as they were issued, barring normal wear and tear. All tools must be returned clean.

CTL reserves the right to refuse the loan of any item at its discretion.

Late Fees / Tool Replacement

If a tool is returned late, the Member will be responsible for late fees.

Other fees may apply for missed appointments, damaged tools, or other forms of negligence.

CTL reserves the right to use appropriate steps to retrieve delinquent tools or unpaid fees including the use of a collection agency and/or legal action. The Member will be responsible for all associated costs of such. CTL also reserves the right to forgive fees due to special circumstances.

Tool Use

CTL staff is available to explain operation of tools. However, by borrowing an item, a Member is certifying that they are capable of using that tool safely and properly.

The Member agrees that if any borrowed tool becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, they must immediately discontinue use of the tool and notify CTL of the issue.

Liability

The Member agrees that CTL is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed tools.

Code of Conduct

The Member must abide by the terms outlined in the Chicago Tool Library Code of Conduct

I state that I am capable and experienced in using the tools I am borrowing, and that I will use the tools I am borrowing in a proper manner.

I do hereby for myself, on behalf of my successors and assigns, in consideration of being permitted to borrow tools, waive any and all claims against The Chicago Tool Library, its officers, agents, and employees 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 Chicago Tool Library.

I do hereby for myself, on behalf of my successors and assigns, in consideration of being permitted to borrow tools, agree to release and indemnify and hold harmless The Chicago Tool Library, its officers, agents, 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 of tools I am borrowing from The Chicago Tool Library. I am aware that The Chicago Tool Library, its partners, directors, officers, members, and employees claim no expertise and make no representation concerning the fitness of any tool for any particular use.

I affirm that the above information is current, true and correct and may be subject to verification. I further state that I have read and fully understand the rules and regulations of The Chicago 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. I have read and signed a Waiver and Indemnification form, relinquishing any and all claims against The Chicago Tool Library, its officers, agents, and employees.

Purpose

A primary goal of the Chicago Tool Library is to be inclusive to the largest number of people, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and religion (or lack thereof).

This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

We invite all those who participate in the library to help us create a safe and positive experience for everyone.

Fostering Intentional Interactions

A supplemental goal of this Code of Conduct is to encourage participants to recognize and strengthen the relationships between our actions and their effects on our community.

Communities mirror the societies in which they exist and positive action is essential to counteract the many forms of inequality and abuses of power that exist in society.

If you see someone who is making an extra effort to ensure our community is welcoming, friendly, and encourages all participants to contribute to the fullest extent, we want to know.

Expected Behavior

• Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.
• Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
• Attempt collaboration before conflict.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our physical space, at any related events on- or off-site, in any online interactions, and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of the library’s business. 

Our space is in a building with many other occupants and we host events at various locations around the city; please be respectful to all patrons of any location where the community is present.

Harassment includes: harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images; inappropriate depictions of violence; deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior from any community member, including those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.

If a community member engages in unacceptable behavior, the community organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from the community without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event).

If You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behavior

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify a community organizer as soon as possible. You can find a list of organizers to contact for each of the supporters of this code of conduct at the bottom of this page. Additionally, community organizers are available to help community members engage with local law enforcement or to otherwise help those experiencing unacceptable behavior feel safe. In the context of in-person events, organizers will also provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.

Addressing Grievances

If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify one of the community organizers with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.

Scope

We expect all community participants (employees, volunteers, and all other participants) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues—online and in-person—as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to library business.

License and attribution

This document is based on the Berlin Code of Conduct and is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license.

By signing this agreement I confirm that I am an authorized agent of the organization associated with this membership application. I confirm that I am willing and able to provide proof of my affiliation with this organization if requested.