Membership Policy

By purchasing a membership and signing the membership policy agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the KW Library of Things (KWLOT) Borrowing Policy and Indemnification Form outlined below.

1. Membership Eligibility

  • Members must be 18 years of age or older to join KWLOT.

  • To activate a membership, individuals must:

    • Complete a Membership Application.

    • Sign the Indemnification Form.

    • Sign this Borrowing Policy agreement.

    • Verify their residence by presenting a valid government-issued photo ID with a current address.

2. Membership Details

  • Memberships are non-transferable and apply only to the household of the member on file.

  • Members must provide accurate and up-to-date information during registration and promptly update any changes.

  • Members are responsible for ensuring borrowed items are used solely by themselves or their immediate household. Members are responsible for any damages caused during the use of borrowed items.

  • There are 4 membership tiers (Base, Plus, Premium, and Community Investor) and members can upgrade between tiers for a fee.

  • Members are billed annually and are required to have their credit card on file for a) auto-renewal and b) lost or damanged item charges.

3. Borrowing Policies

  • Loan Periods:

    • Base and Plus members may borrow items for up to 7 days.

    • Premium members may borrow items for up to 14 days.

  • Renewals:

    • There are no renewals on items.

  • Returning Items:

    • All items must be returned to KWLOT during designated return hours. Members are responsible for ensuring items are returned on or before their due date.

4. Fair Use Policy

  • Members are encouraged to borrow items in a manner that respects other members and the shared nature of KWLOT resources.

  • Excessive borrowing or monopolization of specific items may result in temporary borrowing restrictions.

5. Lost or Damaged Items

  • Members are responsible for returning items in the same condition as borrowed, subject to normal wear and tear.

  • If an item is lost, damaged, or missing parts, members will be charged the repair or replacement cost, as determined by KWLOT.

6. Late Fees & Lost Items

  • KWLOT does not charge late fees. However, failure to return items on time may result in temporary suspension of borrowing privileges.

  • Items not returned within 30 days of the due date will be considered lost, and members will be charged the replacement cost. Borrowing privileges will remain suspended until the account is settled.

7. General Policies

  • KWLOT reserves the right to refuse loans at its discretion.

  • KWLOT staff are available to explain the safe operation of items, but members are responsible for using items safely and properly. By borrowing, members certify their ability to use the items safely.

  • If an item becomes unsafe or defective during use, members must immediately stop using it and notify KWLOT upon return.

Indemnification Form

I am capable of using the tools I am borrowing. I will use the tools I am borrowing in a safe and proper manner.

On behalf of myself and my successors and assigns, in consideration of being permitted to borrow tools, waive any and all claims against the KW Library of Things or Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region for any injury or injuries of any nature that I may suffer or incur in the use of the tools that I am borrowing from the KW Library of Things.

On behalf of myself and my successors and assigns, in consideration of being permitted to borrow tools, agree to release and indemnify and hold harmless the both KW Library of Things and Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, their 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 tools I am borrowing from the KW Library of Things.

I affirm that the information I have provided in the Membership Application Form is current, true and correct and may be subject to verification. I further state that I have read and fully understand the KW Library of Things Rules and Borrowing Policies (attached) 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.