1.      Members must be age 18 or over to borrow items from the High Bickington and Atherington Library of Things. The High Bickington and Atherington Library of Things will be referred to as “HBALOT” for the purpose of this Agreement.

2.      Only Members of the HBALOT 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 HBALOT volunteer; and (d) Make a donation towards their annual membership.

3.      Items have a fee for borrowing, which refers to a week-long loan, and must be paid prior to borrowing things from the HBALOT. Borrowing fees pay for items maintenance, replacement parts, new tools and upkeep of the HBALOT’s facilities.

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

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

7.      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 will be charged. 

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

9.      Members may renew each item for another period if (a) the Member contacts the HBALOT 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 HBALOT reserves the right to refuse or limit renewals.

10.  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 HBALOT on return.  

11.  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.

12.  The Member understands and accepts that in an effort to maximize availability of items to all Members, the HBALOT sends emails as a reminder when borrowed items’ return dates are approaching. When items are not returned by the designated due date, the HBALOT 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. Late fees must be paid in full before borrowing additional items.

13.  The HBALOT reserves the right to limit the amount of items borrowed and refuse the loan of any item at the staff’s discretion.

14.  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 HBALOT.

15.  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. 

16.  The signing Member further states that they have read and fully understand the rules and regulations of the HBALOT, 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. The signing Member has also read and signed a Waiver and Indemnification Form, relinquishing any and all claims against the HBALOT.

Liability Waiver and Indemnification Form

The items in our collection are for the use of the HBALOT members. Out of respect for future users, please take care of the items you borrow and report any damage to the HBALOT team immediately. If you feel compelled to return the items in better condition than when you borrowed them, that would be highly appreciated!

Your Statements – READ THIS CAREFULLY EVERY TIME YOU BORROW ANYTHING

I am capable of using the items I am borrowing. I will use the items I am borrowing in a safe and proper manner. I am aware that the HBALOT, its partners, directors, officers, members, volunteers and employees claim no expertise concerning the fitness of any item for any particular use.

I, do hereby for myself, on behalf of my heirs, successors, and assigns, in consideration of being permitted to borrow various items, waive any and all claims against the HBALOT, its officers, agents, volunteers and employees for any injury or injuries of any nature that I may suffer or incur in the use of the item that I am borrowing from the HBALOT except those caused by a defect known to the HBALOT and not made known to me.

I agree to release and indemnify and hold harmless the HBALOT, its officers, agents, volunteers and employees from any and all liability, loss, claims, and demands, actions or causes of action for the death or injury to any persons and for any property damage suffered or incurred by any person which arises or may arise or be occasioned in any way from the use or possession of items I am borrowing from the HBALOT.

I have read and fully understand and agree to the HBALOT’s Members’ Agreement and Items Policy, and I understand that failure to comply with any of these rules may result in revocation of my borrowing privileges and/or legal action against me. 

I affirm that the information that I have provided on the Membership Application Form is current, true, and correct. I understand that this information may be subject to verification.