Library of Things Liability Wavier and Borrowing Policy

Overview

The “Library of Things” is a collection of non-traditional items that complement the Genesee Area Library’s mission to provide materials that enable, empower, and encourage lifelong learning and discovery. “Things” are purchased and maintained in accordance with the library’s Collection Development Policy. The “Library of Things” items are subject to the Library of Things borrowing policy, as well as the Telescope Borrowing Policy and any other item specific borrowing agreements. Please note that this is a lending program only and library staff is not available for instructional use of the items.

Borrowing Policy

  • Must have a valid GAL Library card or a library card from a library within the PTLS system in good standing (no outstanding fines, lost items, etc).
  • Patrons must be 18 years of age or older to borrow “Things” with a few exceptions (must be 13 or older):
    • Kindles
    • Board games
    • Puzzles
    • Other items to be named later
  • Loan period is 7 days and there are no renewals.
  • Late fees are assessed at $5/day. If the “thing” is not returned within 7 days after the due date, the full replacement cost will be charged. Replacement costs of “things” are available upon request, and in some cases will be provided along with the “thing.”  
  • “Things” will not be shared via delivery with other libraries.
  • The “Library of Things” Loan Agreement and Liability Wavier must be signed yearly and accompanied by a photocopy of a current driver’s license or other state identification.
  • By taking possession of an item, the patron certifies that they are capable of using the item in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Only the patron who has checked out the item is authorized to use it. Borrowers shall not permit the use of items to any other person. If the borrow allows others to use the “thing,” the borrow assumes all liability for such use.
  • All “Things” must be borrowed and returned to the circulation desk during the library’s open hours. No items are to be placed in the outside drop box.
  • Patrons may have up to 3 “things” checked out at one time. New patrons may only check out 1 “thing” until a good lending history has been established.
  • The library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed “thing.”
  • If a “thing” becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, the patron must immediately discontinue the use of the item and notify the library of the issue upon return.
  • All “things” are to be returned in the same condition as they were issued, barring normal wear and tear. The patron agrees to pay for the loss of or damage to any “thing.”
  • All “things” must be retuned clean. Kitchen items must be thoroughly hand washed according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • The library reserves the right to refuse the loan of any “thing” at its discretion.
  • The Telescopes have their own lending policy that must be followed in addition to the “Library of Things” policy.
  • The library reserves the right to take a “thing” out of circulation temporarily for library use purposes (workshops, demonstrations, or other programs), or to repair a damaged item.
  • The borrower agrees that failure to comply with any of these rules and guidelines may result in the loss of borrowing privileges.

Use and Liability

Use care when handling the “thing.” The borrow is solely responsible for the “thing” and will be billed for reasonable repair costs or the full replacement cost associated with damage or loss of the “things” and/or due to neglect or abuse. The library director has sole discretion in making these decisions.

A list of replacement costs is maintained by the library and available upon request.

Items with a replacement value of $100 or more will be labeled with replacement cost details and may require a separate borrowing agreement form.

The “Library of Things” lending agreement is available online and upon request. Patrons may be asked to sign a copy of the agreement each time they borrow a “thing.”

The Genesee Area Library, its officers, agents, and employees are not responsible for any loss, damage, and/or injury that may occur from use of a “thing.” The responsibility to protect again loss belongs to the borrow.

Library staff will inspect “things” prior to borrowing and again upon return. “Things” should be returned in the same condition as when borrowed. Kitchen items and other things that have gotten dirty will borrowed should be cleaned before returning. Patrons returning items that need to be cleaned will be assessed a $5 cleaning fee.

The Genesee Area Library can not guarantee the security of data transmitted over the internet and does not guarantee that any username, password, email, credit card number, financial, or any other information entered is private and/or secure. We recommend that you do NOT use public devices for any financial, confidential, or private transactions. Genesee Area Library, its officers, agents, and employees assume no responsibility for loss or damage arising from such activities.

Approved: March 2023

Library of Things Loan Agreement and Liability Waiver

I, __________________________________ (print name), state that:

  • I understand that this agreement must be signed yearly and is accompanied by a copy of my current driver’s license or other state identification.
  • I agree to accept full responsibility for the material while it’s checked out to me.
  • I accept full financial responsibility for the materials and accessories while in my possession.
  • I agree to pay all costs (including full replacement costs) associated with damage to, loss of, or theft o the materials and accessories while it’s checked out to me.
  • I agree to return the “thing” to a staff member inside the library and not in the outside book drop.
  • I agree to abide by all the terms set forth in the “Library of Things” borrowing policy.
  • I am 18 years or older.
  • I do hereby for myself, on behalf of my successors and assigns, in consideration of being permitted to borrow items, agree to release and indemnify and hold harmless the Genesee Area Library, its officers, agents 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 of items I am borrowing from the Genesee Area Library. I am aware that the Genesee Area Library, its partners, directors, officers, members, and employees claim no expertise and make no representation concerning the fitness of any item for any particular use.

I affirm that the above information is current, true and correct and may be subject to verification. I further state that I have read and fully understand the rules and regulations of the Genesee Area Library 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 have read and signed this consent form relinquishing any and all claims against the Genesee Area Library, its officers, agents, and employees.

Print Name: ________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________________
Library Card # _______________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________________

For Staff Use Only:

Staff Initials Processing Liability Waiver ________ Date: ________________
Stall Initials Updating Patron Record with waiver ________ Date: ________________