Terms and Conditions

Joining & Membership

Membership is required to borrow from the Zero Carbon North Somerset (ZCNS) Library of Things. To become a Member, you must:

1. Be part of a Community Group.

2. Be aged 18 or over.

3. Provide accurate personal details, including your full name, current postcode, a valid phone number, and email address, so we can contact you.

4. Link a valid debit or credit card to your borrowing account, ensuring sufficient funds are available for any reserved items.

5. Confirm that you have read and agreed to these Terms and Conditions of Borrowing.


Borrowing Member Responsibilities

These terms exist to protect the items in our Library and the community we serve. Our mission is to make borrowing a better alternative to buying by being more affordable, convenient, and sustainable. Members are expected to return items clean, complete, on time, and in working order for the next borrower. If this is not possible, members must promptly report issues and take responsibility for replacement or repair costs where applicable.


As a Member, you agree to the following responsibilities:

1. Return Items Clean:

  • All borrowed items must be returned in a clean condition.
  • If an item is returned in an unacceptable state, the Library reserves the right to charge a Cleaning Fee to cover any costs incurred.
  • If you collect an item that is not clean but fail to report this at the time of collection, you may still be charged a Cleaning Fee upon return if the item is found unacceptable.

2. Return Items on Time:

  • Items must be returned to the same Library location by closing time on the agreed Return Date. You may adjust your Return Date by logging into your Library account, provided:
    • No other reservations are scheduled for the item before your new proposed Return Date.
    • The item is not already overdue.
  • Late returns will incur a Late Fee.

3. Return Items Complete:

  • All parts of the borrowed item must be returned.
  • If any parts are missing and this was not reported upon collection, you will be charged the replacement cost for each missing part.

4. Report Damage Immediately:

  • Notify us immediately of any damage, so we can address the issue promptly. Reasonable wear and tear will not incur charges, provided it is reported honestly and immediately.
  • Damage caused by improper use or negligence may result in repair or replacement charges, determined at the Library’s discretion after inspection.

5. Safe Use of Items:

  • You are responsible for using borrowed items safely and only for their intended purpose.
  • You should inspect items upon collection for completeness and safety (e.g., checking for missing parts, damaged wires, or unsafe components).
  • Report any issues before use.
  • Do not use items in inappropriate conditions, such as near water or outdoors, unless specifically designed for such use.

6. Keep Items Secure:

  • Borrowed items are your responsibility from the moment of collection until they are securely returned.
  • If an item is lost or stolen, it will be treated as a non-return, and you will be charged the full replacement cost.

7. Cancellations:

  • Please cancel your booking if you no longer need the item.
  • Cancellations made as soon as possible will enable other groups to book the item after.

8. Insurance:

  • Borrowed items are insured for use only by you as the registered Member.
  • If another group uses the borrowed item, they are not covered for damage to themselves or their property.
  • For events or third-party use, you will need to arrange separate public liability insurance.

Important Notices

  • Borrowed items remain the property of the Zero Carbon North Somerset Library of Things.
  • Retaining items dishonestly or failing to return them is considered theft and may result in legal action.
  • The Library of Things is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in borrowed items.
  • We aim to make borrowing a positive experience for all members of our community. Thank you for helping us achieve this by adhering to these Terms and Conditions.
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