We aim to keep the Library of Things as relaxed as possible, but there are some rules that people need to know about. 

The Library of Things (LoT) is a community resource, supported through volunteers and donations, as well as small charges for items where necessary. These charges ensure that the LoT can keep things safe, checked, clean and ready for the next person to borrow. 

The LoT is for the people of the parish of Woughton (the estates of Peartree Bridge, Eaglestone, Leadenhall, Coffee Hall, Beanhill, Netherfield and Tinkers Bridge). This is because the Community Council provides funds and support to the LoT - this is a council for Woughton and as such, MUST focus resources on people within the parish. 

People outside Woughton, especially our close neighbours, MAY be able to access the LoT, but please contact us in advance.  

Terms, Conditions, and Liability

Members’ Agreement and Items Policy 

1.     Members must be age 18 or over to borrow items from the Library of Things. The Library of Things (Woughton) will be referred to as "LoT" for the purpose of this Agreement. 

2.     Only Members of the LoT are eligible to borrow items. Prior to borrowing items, all Members must (a) complete a Membership Application Form; (b) agree the Liability Waiver and Indemnification Form; (c) have their residence confirmed by a LoT volunteer or member of the staff; and (d) Make a donation towards their annual membership. 

3.     Some items have a fee for borrowing, which refers to a specific loan period, and must be paid prior to borrowing things from the LoT. Borrowing fees pay for items maintenance, replacement parts, new tools and upkeep of the LoT’s facilities. 

4.     The LoT staff is available to assist in explaining operation of items, and can provide any available manuals upon request. However, by taking possession of any item, the Member warrants and represents to the LoT that they (a) has no mental or physical incapacity that would affect their ability to use the item safely, (b) is capable of using the item in a safe and proper manner. 

5.     Only the Member is authorized to use the LoT’s items. The Member shall not permit the use of items checked out to them by any other person unless by the express permission of the LoT. And items must not be used for business purposes.  

6.     Reservations should be made online or in person, and if the Member changes their mind, they should give the LoT at least 30 days notice in order to receive a full refund. 

7.     All items will be lent for a period that works on a weekly basis and are to be returned to the LoT on or before their return date deadline. Items may only be returned during the LoT opening hours. Late fines may be levied for each item kept past the loan period. All fines and fees must be paid in full before Members can borrow additional items.  

8.     All items are to be returned in the same (or better) condition as they were issued, barring normal wear and tear. All items must be returned clean, otherwise a cleaning fee may be charged.  

9.     The Member agrees to pay for the loss of or any item. The Member further agrees to accept LoT staff’s assessment of the condition of returned items and staff’s assessment of fair restitution for damage, delinquency and/or loss of items in part or in total.  

10. Members may renew each item for a second period if (a) the Member contacts the LoT by the day the item is due to be returned, and (b) no other Member has reserved the item. In an effort to maximize availability of items, the LoT reserves the right to refuse or limit renewals. 

11. The Member agrees that LoT is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed items. Each time you take an item out, you must check it visually before you take it, and make other checks for any faults that you may be able to identify before using it. The Member agrees that if any borrowed item becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, they must immediately discontinue use of the item and notify LoT on return. LoT will only be liable to you for damage caused by our negligence in failing to tell you about a known fault. We will not be liable for faults of which we are not aware of.  

12. When borrowing electrical equipment, the Member must check the visible wires and plug for any damage before use. The Member must take ALL necessary precautions when using the borrowed item. Personal Protective Equipment should be worn where appropriate, including but not limited to, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, appropriate footwear, etc. 

13. If one Member borrows an item and with the LoT's agreement pass it on to another Borrower before it is returned to LoT and booked in, the first Member remains liable to the LoT for the return and condition of the object until it is returned to the LoT. If a Member collects an item from another Borrower with LoT's agreement, that loan will also be on the terms of this Agreement. 

14. The Member understands and accepts that in an effort to maximize availability of items to all Members, the LoT send emails as a reminder when borrowed items’ return dates are approaching. When items are not returned by the designated due date, the LoT will issue an overdue notice by phone call, email, or letter. If the items are not returned after the notice has been sent, appropriate steps will be taken to retrieve them, including the use of a collection agency and/or legal action. Fines must be paid in full before borrowing additional items. 

15. The LoT reserves the right to limit the amount of items borrowed, refuse the loan of any item or request for membership at the staff’s discretion. We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time, and you agree to abide by the most recent version of this Terms of Use Agreement each time you borrow from the LoT. 

16. The signing Member affirms that the information provided on the Membership Application is current, true, and correct. The Member understands that this information may be subject to verification.  

17. The signing Member further states that they have read and fully understand the rules and regulations of the LoT, and they understand that failure to comply with any of these rules may result in revocation of their borrowing privileges and/or legal action against them. By ticking the box on the membership form the member also agrees to the terms and conditions laid out in the Liability Waiver and Indemnification Information section, relinquishing any and all claims against the LoT.  

Liability Waiver and Indemnification Information 

The items in our collection are for the use of the LoT members. Out of respect for future users, please take care of the items you borrow and report any damage to the LoT team immediately. Though Members are responsible for damage that they have caused, we promise not to be angry. If you feel compelled to return the items in better condition than when you borrowed them, that would be highly appreciated!