Where is the Library of Things and when are you open ?
Please see our Contact page for our opening hours and location.
There is limited possibility to pull up outside the shop to load or unload.
How do I pay for my items?
PLease pay when you come to collect your item. We accept cash or credit card / e-pay
How long can I hire things for?
The standard hire period is for one week. If you need longer we charge in multiples of this.
What if I can’t return my item on time?
If your item has not been reserved by someone else, you can extend your hire by renewing it online, or asking us to renew it for you.
If you fail to return your item on time there is a daily overdue charge of double the daily hire rate.
Please let us know if you are having trouble getting it back to the Library on time and we will be as flexible as we can.
Will you show me how to use my item?
Our Librarians will do their best to help with questions about using the things. Please remember it’s your responsibility to use the items safely and without damaging them. We provide instructions online or on paper, and where we find useful guides and videos, we add these to the item listings. Please let us know if you find good online resources or have tips we can add to our listings to help others.
Does it come with everything I need to use it (consumables etc.)?
We aim to provide the consumables you need, such as fuel, strimmer wire, carpet cleaner tablets, a basic selection of sandpapers, saw blades and drill bits etc. Our listings will let you know what we have, and do get in touch with any questions.
We also provide some items of PPE with some of the tools if these are required to use the item.
Is this thing guaranteed to work?
We test everything works and is safe before hiring out. That said, things do sometimes break down. In this case we would of course apologise and refund what you have paid.
What happens if the thing breaks while I’ve borrowed it?
We ask that you only use things as intended and follow instructions. You will be liable for damages caused through misuse. However, we are aware that sometimes things just wear out or break unexpectedly. Please get in touch if something breaks an we’ll have an honest conversation about it and agree whether a contribution to wards the replacement cost is appropriate.
Where do you get the Things from?
The great majority of the items in the Library have been donated by kind individuals or organisations. A small number we have bought.
Do you need more Things?
We have a list of items that we are hoping to acquire at www.shareoxford.org/donate. If you have suggestions of other items that you think we should consider having, or have a better-quality version of something we already have, please let us know.
We are also always very grateful to those who choose to support us financially, as hiring fees do not cover the costs of running the Library.