Terms & Conditions

We’re so glad you’ve joined us! By borrowing from our Library of Things, you’re becoming part of a growing movement that’s all about sharing resources, saving money and cutting down on waste. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project, hosting a celebration, or trying something new, our collection of useful, fun and practical items is here to support you. We hope borrowing helps you do more with less—and feel more connected to your community in the process. Thank you for being part of something brilliant.

These Terms and Conditions govern access to and use of the Community Action Dacorum Library of Things (hereafter “the Library”). By registering as a member, borrowing, or using any facilities or resources provided, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Definitions

  • “Library” refers to the Community Action Dacorum Library of Things and any associated physical or digital spaces.
  • “Member” means any individual that has registered, paid their membership and been approved to borrow items.
  • “Item(s)” refer to any goods, equipment or resources available for borrowing through the Library.
  • “Borrowing Period” is the agreed period during which a Member may have an Item in their possession.
  • “Damage” includes any loss, malfunction or significant deterioration of Items beyond normal wear and tear.
  • “Charity” refers to Community Action Dacorum, the charity responsible for the Library.

2. Eligibility and Registration

  • Membership Eligibility:
    Membership is open to residents within the Dacorum and surrounding areas (for instance, but not limited to Chesham and Watford) who support the charitable objectives of Community Action Dacorum.
  • Members must be aged 18 years old or older.
  • Members must give: full name, current postcode, valid phone number and a valid email address so that we can contact you.
  • Verify your ID and Proof of Address on our website before collecting your first reserved Item.
  • OR 
  • Provide proof of address (for instance your driver’s licence, a letter from the bank, the council or electricity supplier) along with proof of ID, if you join in person.  If you’re joining online, bring them in the first time you borrow an Item. 
  • Pay the annual Membership fee
  • Application Process:
    Prospective Members must complete a registration form and thereby agree to these Terms and Conditions.
  • Approval and Revocation:
    Community Action Dacorum reserves the right to approve or deny memberships and to revoke membership at any time if these Terms are violated.

3. Borrowing Items

  • Item Catalogue:
    The Library provides a selection of Items available for temporary borrowing. Each Item’s listing includes a description, borrowing period, conditions of use and any associated fees.
  • Borrowing Process:
    • Members must reserve Items via the Library’s booking system online or over the phone.
    • Upon approval, the Member will be issued an Item under clear borrowing terms (including start and end dates).
    • A record of the transaction will be kept by the Charity.
  • Borrowing Period:
    • The standard borrowing period is 1 week but extensions may be requested in writing and are granted at the discretion of the Charity provided the item is available and in good condition.
    • You must return the Item by closing time on the stated Return Date. You are able to change the Item’s Return Date by logging into your account on the Library website, and editing the Return Date. Changing an Item’s Return Date is only possible if:
      • There are no reservations made by another Member starting on or before your new proposed Return Date.
  • The Item is not already overdue.
    • If you have any difficulties with changing the Return Date, you must contact the Library before the closing time on the stated Return Date. 

IMPORTANT:If you do not return the Item(s) within 24 hours of your Return Date without prior agreement from the Library, you will be charged a daily late return fee relevant to the hire fee of the Item you have borrowed. If this is not returned within a week of the original return date without an additional hire, the Item will be considered a ‘non return’ and you will be charged the full replacement cost of the Item(s).

  • The Item(s) remains at all times the property of the Library and dishonestly retaining an Item(s) or any part of it is theft, which is a criminal offence.
  • You can only pick up or drop off Items when we’re open. There’s nowhere to leave items safely outside when we’re closed. 
  • You can renew the item for a second week, as long as no one else has reserved it.
  • If something is returned late, this means someone else may not be able to borrow it, so we’ll charge a daily late fee relevant to the hire fee of the Item you have hired.   Late fees need to be fully paid before you can borrow again.
  • You can reserve and pay for items up to 3 months in advance.
  • Usage and Restrictions:
    Items are for personal or community use only and shall not be used for commercial purposes or sublet to third parties unless expressly permitted.
    • Making sure the Item is used for what it’s meant for, in line with any safety advice. 
    • Use the Item safely. We visually check the condition of each item before it gets loaned out, but you should:
      • Look over the item for any defects or faults when you pick it up, and if you encounter any problems while using it, immediately stop using it.
      • Ensure you don’t have any problems that would stop you using the item correctly and safely (e.g. using a ladder while you have a broken ankle). 
    • Look at the manufacturer’s advice provided on our catalogue, on our website and listen to any instructions provided by the Library team or volunteers when you pick up the item. If it’s recommended by the manufacturer, it is your responsibility to wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE), like goggles, gloves, ear-defenders and so on.
    • Let us know if something goes wrong. We want you to have a good time with the item. If you get it home and it doesn’t work or it becomes unsafe, stop using it, get in touch and we’ll try to figure something out. If it breaks, let us know - we understand that accidents happen. 
    • Give it a clean before you bring it back otherwise a cleaning fee maybe charged (please see 5. Payment and Fees below).
    • Do not take any Items out of the United Kingdom.
  • Use for Ethical and Non-Harmful Purposes
    • All items borrowed from the Community Action Dacorum Library of Things must be used responsibly, lawfully, and for ethical and non-harmful purposes only. Members agree not to use any borrowed items in a way that:
    • causes harm to themselves, others, animals, or the environment;
    • supports or facilitates illegal activity or violence;
    • promotes discrimination, hate, or harassment of any kind;
    • is inconsistent with the values and charitable objectives of Community Action Dacorum.
    • The Charity reserves the right to suspend or terminate borrowing privileges where use of items is believed to breach this clause.

4. Member Responsibilities

  • Item Care:
    Members are responsible for the proper use and care of borrowed Items. They must inspect items upon collection and immediately report any pre-existing damage or discrepancies.
  • Damage or Loss:
    In case of damage, loss or theft the Member must report immediately. The Member may be held responsible for repair costs or replacement fees as determined by the Charity.
  • Return Conditions:
    Items must be returned in the same condition as received, with allowances for normal wear and tear.
    • The Library will charge for any missing parts not noted by you as missing on collection. The charge for any replacement parts (missing or damaged) will be charged to the hirer on return of the Item. 
    • If the Item is returned to Library in a state deemed unacceptable to the Library, then the Library reserves the right to charge a Cleaning Fee determined by the Library to cover any cost incurred. If you collect the Item(s) in an unacceptable state but do not report this to the Library upon your collection, you risk being charged a Cleaning Fee if the Item(s) is found unacceptable upon your return.
  • Misuse and Liability:
    Members are liable for any misuse of Items, including any secondary damage arising from improper use. The Charity disclaims all liability for accidents or injuries arising from the use of Items.
  • Cancellations:

Members must cancel hires by 9am the day before a reservation starts. If not, the Items hire charge will be applicable.

5. Payment and Fees

  • Fees:
    The Library may charge fees for borrowing, late returns, damage repair, cleaning or loss. All fees will be clearly communicated in advance (please see 4. Membership)
  • Payment Terms:
    Any hire fee must be paid in advance of borrowing and any additional charges immediately upon notification of damage or loss. Non-payment may result in suspension or termination of Membership.
  • Cleaning fees:

If you have not cleaned the Item before you return if, depending on how dirty the item is, a minimum cleaning fee of £10 will be charged.

6. Insurance and Liability

  • Limitation of Liability:
    The Charity is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the Items. Members use Items at their own risk. Only Members are insured to use the Item(s) they have borrowed.
  • Indemnification:
    Members agree to indemnify and hold harmless Community Action Dacorum from any claims, damages or losses arising from their use of borrowed Items.

7. Data Protection and Privacy

  • Data Collection:
    Personal data collected during membership registration and borrowing transactions will be used solely for the legitimate purposes of operating and expanding the Library and ensuring Member safety.
  • Confidentiality:
    The Charity will maintain strict confidentiality of Member data in accordance with data protection legislation. Our privacy policy can be found on the Community Action Dacorum website.

8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

  • Governing Law:
    These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with [insert applicable jurisdiction, e.g., English Law].
  • Dispute Resolution:
    Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to mediation or arbitration before resorting to litigation.

9. Amendments to the Terms and Conditions

The Charity reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Members will be notified of any changes via the quarterly Membership newsletter. Continued use of the Library following the amendment constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

10. Termination of Membership

  • Termination Rights:
    Community Action Dacorum may terminate a Member’s borrowing privileges for non-payment of fees, misuse of Items, or repeated failure to comply with these Terms.
  • Member-Initiated Termination:
    Members may choose to terminate their membership at any time. Outstanding fees or unresolved damage claims must be settled before termination is final. No pro rata portion of Membership fees will be returned.

11. Miscellaneous

  • Severability:
    If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
  • Entire Agreement:
    These Terms and any policies referenced herein constitute the entire agreement between the Member and the Charity regarding the Library's use.

12. Library of Things Responsibilities

  • Maintain a Library that members can borrow throughout the year.
  • Ensure that clear user instructions are available with each Item. 
  • We will send you a reminder for the return date of your Item 
  • Notify you as soon as possible if an item you reserved may not be available in time. 
  • Taking reasonable action to ensure the quality and safety of its Item(s), including:
    • Sourcing brand new Item(s), or fully refurbished Item(s) that have passed a PAT test.
    • Carrying out annual PAT tests on all electrical Item(s).
  • Provide public liability insurance for hiring Item(s) to Members and making clear that this only covers Members when they are using Item(s) for personal use. Insurance does not apply if Members lend or rent Item(s) to other people.
  • Handle any issues and complaints relating to borrowing in a timely manner, including making a direct refund to a Member's payment method if for any reason the Member has been overcharged for the Item(s) borrowed. This refund takes up to 10 days to reach the Member's bank account from the time of discovery.
  • The Library reserves the right to reject a reservation when deemed to be against Member responsibilities, our mission and/or values - and will clearly communicate our reasons for doing so. This includes if you have previously breached these terms and conditions or if the Library has reason to suspect that you have or will do so.

Library of Things – What You Need to Know

Welcome to the Library of Things! By becoming a member, you're joining a community that shares useful items to save money and reduce waste. Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know before borrowing:

Getting Started

  • Membership costs £12/year and is open to anyone 18+ living in Dacorum.
  • You’ll need to provide proof of ID and address (online or in person).
  • Items can only be borrowed once your registration is approved.

Borrowing Items

  • Browse and reserve items on our website.
  • Most items are hired for 1 week. You can extend if no one else has booked it.
  • Pick-up and return must be during opening hours – there’s no safe place to leave things outside.
  • Return items on time: Late fees are £1/day and must be paid before you borrow again.
  • Items can be reserved up to 3 months in advance (or longer for group events).

While Using Items

  • Use items safely and for personal or community use only – not commercial or illegal purposes.
  • Check items for damage before use, follow instructions, and wear safety gear if needed (we may be able to lend some).
  • Clean items before returning, or a cleaning fee may be charged.
  • If something breaks or isn’t working, let us know straight away. We understand accidents happen.

Returns & Responsibilities

  • You’re responsible for damaged, lost or unreturned items, and may be asked to cover repair or replacement costs.
  • If you don’t return an item within 24 hours of your due date (and haven’t told us), you may be charged the full replacement cost.
  • Return items in the condition you got them (minus normal wear and tear).
  • You can cancel a booking up to 9am the day before to avoid charges.

Other Useful Info

  • The Library provides insurance only for personal use, and you must not lend borrowed items to others.
  • Your personal data is kept safe and used only to run the Library.
  • We’ll send you return reminders and contact you if an item becomes unavailable.

Important Reminders

  • Only Members are insured to use the items they borrow.
  • Repeated late / uncleaned returns may lead to suspended membership.
  • Use items ethically and responsibly—no harm, hate, or illegal use.
  • If you’re not happy, let us know—we’ll do our best to resolve issues quickly.

Thanks for borrowing with us—you’re helping your wallet, your community and the planet. 🌍