Where is the Library of Things and when are you open ?
Please see our Contact page for our opening hours and location.
There is some 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. We may consider adding online payments in the future if there is a big demand.
How long can I hire things for?
The standard hire period is for one week. Some items have a longer period, such as musical instruments.
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 an overdue charge of the standard daily hire rate plus a 25% penalty.
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 basic consumables you need, such as fuel, strimmer wire, a basic selection of sandpapers, saw blades and drill bits etc. If you are doing a big job you may need extras. We can usually provide these for you at cost price. We also provide some items of PPE with some of the tools if these are required to use the item. Our garden power tools are usually supplied with an RCD device (www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/rcds-explained)
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 individuals or organisations. We have bought some of the newer items.
Do you need more Things?
We have a list of items that have been requested by members. If you have any unwanted items you think we might like, please get in touch before you bring it down to the library. We are also very happy for offers of finances to buy items we have not been donated - hiring fees do not cover the costs of buying new items for the Library. See our Wish List