How the Guildford of Library of Things works

Join Guildford Library of Things, the free borrowing service run by the community for the community.

 

The Guildford Library of Things is a free borrowing service run by volunteers from Zero Carbon Guildford and staff at the Guildford Library. It works exactly like a library, except instead of borrowing books, it's things!

 

You can create an account and start borrowing in just a few minutes. It's quick and easy, but if you have any problems, you can ask the library team or email us at contact us.

Create a free account

Explore our library of 100+ items online or in person.

(Requires a valid photo-ID and bank card)

Reserve

Reserve the item(s) you'd like to borrow using our booking system in person or online with same-day collection available.

Collect

Collect your item from Guildford Library, 77 North Street, Guildford GU1 4AL. Show your ID to the friendly library staff and you'll be in and out in no time.

Use and enjoy

Put your item to use, whether tackling a DIY project, embarking on an outdoor adventure or simply trying something new

We have a catalogue of over 100 items and counting! Power tools, event equipment, home/office/gardening tools, and even board games. You can check out the full list by clicking here.

 

A screenshot of the Guildford Library of Things Inventory shoing a 15-Piece masonry drill bit set, an extension lead, 130 piece it and socket set, the board games Apples to Apples and Articulate

Borrowing items is free! We only need your card details in case something gets damaged or lost.

Our items are checked regularly by maintenance volunteers, but if something doesn't seem right, please stop using the item and contact us. 

We're proud to say that since 2021, we've never charged a member any fees.

 

Mistakes can happen, and as a free service, we're not going out of our way to charge people unfairly. That said, we may charge a repair fee or up to the full replacement cost of the item if it has been lost, used improperly or unreasonably damaged. The most up-to-date guidance is in the Hire Agreement.

 

We do not charge late fees at this time, and as long as people keep returning things on time, we don't plan to change that!

Absolutely! We welcome donations of things in good working condition. We're mainly interested in items that people only need occasionally to avoid buying them. If you'd like to donate, please contact us.

Yes you can! If an item is listed as 'In Stock Now' you're welcome to reserve it and head straight to Guildford Library to collect.

To avoid disappointment we recommend reserving items in advance before making the journey to Guildford Library. However, if you find yourself in the Library with a strong urge for an impromptu borrowing, just chat to the friendly team on reception and they may be able to lend you an item there and then.

To make sure we're giving out things to the right person, we require photo ID when collecting items. The name on the ID must match the name on the account.

 

However, we understand that sometimes it's super handy to have someone else collect your item(s) for you. If you're going to send someone else to get your item(s) they must either be the second person on your account, OR, you must have informed us beforehand via email to info@guildfordlibraryofthings.org, including the name and address of the authorised person. 

 

Please note that anyone who collects item(s) from Guildford Library must have photo ID that matches the information we have, and they must be over 18.

Yes, you can! You can have up to two individuals named on a single account. Handy if you you and your significant other/housemate/emtional support human/friend would like to collect each other's item(s).

 

To add a second user go to your 'Account' page, then select 'Personal Info' and then select 'Secondary Info' (see image below). Fill in the information and then click 'Save' at the bottom. 

 

Please note that in order for your second person to collect your item(s) they must have photo ID that matches their information on your account, and they must be over 18.