Many of these questions are also answered elsewhere on the website and in other documents available from the library. This page is a place where we hope that most questions people may have can be answered in one place.
MEMBERSHIP
Why should I become a Member?
Becoming a member makes a difference to the community, it saves you space, and it saves you money. You will be in the company of fellow makers and volunteers that are sharing, learning, building, and creating a better, more sustainable Penicuik.
Only Members are able to borrow things from PLoTs. The Library of Things helps to bring people together in the community. Sharing is good for the planet too.
In what way does the planet benefit?
Most borrowers want to get better at up-cycling and repairing. They enjoy sharing ideas, skills and knowledge with others. It is fun and one of the ways that PLoTs generates environmental benefits.
However, the sharing of items and equipment itself makes a significant contribution. Sharing more, and buying less, saves on the materials, packaging, water, fuel and rare earth minerals that go into producing each new item.
How much is annual membership?
We offer standard membership for all of our users, with a price structure designed to make the library accessible to every member of the community.
You can find more information about our membership prices here.
What is “Pay It Forward” membership?
The Pay it Forward option is buying a Standard Membership for yourself plus an additional membership as a gift for someone else. You can tell us who it is for, or it can be put into a Paid Forward pot to be used at our discretion to support those who might otherwise struggle to afford to join PLoTs.
Please note that if we do not hear from you about who the paid forward membership is for, it will be added to our fund to use at our discretion.
Can I have a look at the Library to see what’s available before paying membership?
Yes. The Library is available to view on our Library page.
But you will not be able to reserve or borrow items until you sign up and pay for library membership and agree to the Member Agreement and Library Use Policy. We’ll also complete your ID checks when you pick up your first item.
What are the Terms & Conditions?
To become a member, you must:
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- Be aged 18 or over. We regret Junior/child memberships are not currently available.
- Complete your personal information and date of birth
- Confirm your email address so that we can contact you
- Live in Penicuik or no further than approximately 15 miles from Penicuik
- Have your residence and identity verified by a PLoTs volunteer.
All members must also accept the PLoTs Member Agreement and Library Use Policy.
Where do I buy my membership?
Membership accounts can be created online, and can also be purchased in person at the Pen-y-Coe Press during PLoTs opening hours and pay with cash and complete your ID checks.
You can also sign up and pay online, and your ID checks can be completed when you borrow your first item.
More details, including the types of ID required, are available on the membership page.
Will I also be a Member of the PCDT if I join PLoTs?
No. But we offer PLoTs members the opportunity to join the PCDT free of charge. Please contact us if you would like to do so.
For more information about other initiatives run by the PCDT, visit the PCDT website.
Do memberships auto-renew?
By default, accounts do not auto-renew but you can set whether your account will auto renew on your account when you sign up, and in your account settings.
Whether or not you have autorenewal enabled, you will receive several emails when your membership is about to expire. Your continuing support for PLoTs is hugely appreciated. You can renew online or at the Pen-y-Coe Press Building during any of our pick-up and drop-off sessions.
Even if you don’t think you will use PLoTs much this year, by supporting us annually you help to make PLoTs a robust resource for everyone; and there when you do need us again!
How do I cancel my membership?
We don’t refund memberships mid-year. If your membership is set to auto-renew and you don’t want it to, you can change that in your PLoTs account.
You need to un-tick the box “Renew Automatically” – or contact us and we can edit your account for you.
Membership revenue is one of the biggest ways our programs thrive as we are a charity. However, we also understand that life is unpredictable and we would never want to lock someone into a membership they can’t afford – if you’re worried about paying for your membership, email us at things@penicuik.org.uk and we will see how we can help.
You can check your membership renewal settings in your account settings.
BORROWING
When and where can I collect and return items?
We have a standard weekly pattern for the collection and return of items – details can be found on our borrowing page.
All items must be collected and returned to the Pen-y-Coe Press located at 7 Bridge Street, Penicuik, EH26 9EE unless you have arranged otherwise with us.
Is borrowing only between Saturday and Tuesday/Wednesday?
Yes, but if the items aren’t in high demand, we’ll happily extend the loan for another week, but please only ask if you really need the extra time. Ask the volunteers when you reserve, or when collecting, or contact us to discuss your needs. We will set the due date for not the coming Wednesday, but the one after (i.e. 11 days).
Please note that it is only our volunteers who are able to extend the four day loan so you will need to contact us to arrange this.
What if I can never make your normal pick up or return days?
Please contact us and we’ll do our best to make arrangements to enable you to use the library. Arrangements will need to be made on a loan by loan basis as we’ll need to work around the availability of our volunteers.
Alternatively we allow our members to have a designated second person who can pick up and drop off items on their behalf. Please note that you as the member are responsible for the item when it is in the care of your designated second person. This must be arranged with us in advance but you can request a second designated person is added to your account using the form on our website, or by contacting us to arrange.
How many items can I borrow and for how long?
You may borrow as many items as you require, but to assist us in preparing for pickup, please include all the items you wish to borrow each week in the same reservation request.
Most loans are just from Saturday until Tuesday or Wednesday. Please talk to us if you require the items for longer and if we can, we’ll extend the loan.
Please note that it is only our volunteers who are able to extend the four day loan so you will need to contact us to arrange this.
Are there additional fees for borrowing?
No, you just need to return items on time and clean, ready for the next borrower. Returning items on time and clean is vital for successful sharing. Because this is so important, there are additional fees to pay if you don’t do it.
Details of late and cleaning fees are available here.
While you have unpaid cleaning charges or late fees, you may not borrow anything else.
What can I do to avoid a fine?
Always clean items, ready for the next borrower, before you return them before the due date.
If you know in advance that you can’t return items on time because circumstances have changed, contact us before they are overdue, and if no one else is waiting for the item we can renew your loan.
If you have realised you missed the return day, contact us at the first available opportunity. If it’s the first time and we haven’t had to disappoint someone else or chase you up, you might be forgiven.
How do I pay any late return fees I have on my account?
You’ll be able to pay the late fees online or in person at drop-off. Cash or card payments are accepted.
You will not be able to borrow another item until all fees are paid.
Can I renew a loan myself?
You can’t renew the loan yourself at the moment. You can do so by contacting us, and if we agree to your request, we will do it for you.
What if I damage something I borrow?
We understand that this can happen. Please let us know as soon as you can so that we can be prepared for a repair, and limit inconvenience to others who may be waiting to borrow the item. At the latest, please inform us when you bring the item back.
RESERVATIONS
Are reservations required?
No, you can pop by on Saturday morning Saturday 10am to 11am, see what items are available then and borrow on the spot. Reserving items allows for smoother collection.
How long in advance can I reserve items?
Reservations can be made from the Saturday one week before pick-up, up until to 9am on the pick-up Saturday.
If you wish to reserve items further in advance, please contact us explaining the circumstances and we can reserve the items for you for your preferred dates.
How many items can I reserve?
You may reserve as many items as you require, but to assist us in preparing for pickup, please include all the items you wish to borrow each week in the same reservation request.
Where can I browse the items?
You can browse the tools online on our library page, or call in during one of our pick up or drop off sessions to browse the library in person.
How do I reserve items?
A how-to guide to reservations and borrowing is available.
How do I know my reservation has gone through?
You will receive an email confirming your reservation has been submitted and detailing the items you’ve asked to book. You’ll also be able to see the information on your library account.
We’ll email you again to confirm your order is ready for collection. Please note that your reservation is not confirmed until you receive this email.
Details of what emails you might receive from us, and what they mean, are detailed within the Borrowing and Reserving How To Guide.
VOLUNTEERING
Why does PLoTs need volunteers?
PLoTs cannot run unless there are volunteers to make sure the items and equipment are well maintained; and the borrowing is properly managed along with a wide range of other tasks that help us meet the needs of the community the best ways that we can.
Why pick PLoTs
A successful Library of Things helps individuals, communities and ultimately the planet.
A great local example is The Edinburgh Tool Library, ETL. It started small, like PLoTs is now. After just seven years, in 2022, ETL had 1,350 members, of whom a third were on benefits, and had achieved an estimated carbon saving of over 220 tons.
By helping to run PLoTs, you help Members save money, have fun developing skills, and achieve the satisfaction of repairing, recycling and reusing to go easy on the planet.
What does a PLoTs volunteer do?
We have a number of different tasks that our volunteers can sign up for:
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- would you like to be part of the leadership team seeking to expand PLoTs?
- would you like to start a workshop for the local community?
- would you like to run a PLoTs newsletter?
- Maybe you know how to use and maintain tools?
- would you like to be there to assist Members collecting and returning items?
A full list of tasks is available on our volunteer page, but if theres something else we’ve not thought of that you feel you can offer, do get in touch!
You can also say how much time you are able to commit and how much responsibility you would be comfortable taking. We’ll appreciate whatever contribution you can make towards the running of PLoTs.
What do people get from volunteering?
People choose to be volunteers for all sorts of reasons. It is well known that volunteers get a lot of satisfaction from being appreciated as part of a team that is making a positive difference in their community. Also, volunteers develop their own skills. This includes career-building transferable skills gained by performing your voluntary role. In addition, for PLoTs volunteers, you can enhance your practical tools use and craft skills by arranging and joining in PLoTs activities.
For many there is pleasure and companionship in being a volunteer.
Do I need previous experience to volunteer?
Enthusiasm, commitment and team spirt, plus some time, are the only essentials for being a great volunteer!
How do I apply?
You fill in the online application form or pop into the Pen-y-Coe Press to pick up a paper copy of the form.
Alternatively, if a conversation would be helpful before you apply, get in touch by emailing things@penicuik.org.uk
DONATING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Would you like to give tools and equipment a second life?
We are always delighted to be offered good quality tools and equipment that is in working order and ready to be shared. Our “priority wish list” will evolve and change, depending on members’ demands and sometimes because things break.
What tools and equipment do you accept?
Unfortunately, we cannot take everything. Our current wish list and “Sorry, but we can’t” list are available on our donations page may also change if we work out ways to handle the challenges.
We would always like to hear about anything you think members will use, that is in good working order and you are happy to donate. Do not hesitate to get in touch by filling in the online form, or email to things@penicuik.org.uk, preferably with a picture and your description of the item’s condition.
Offers are always appreciated! Even if we can’t take it, we might know of another group that need it.
Thank you for your support!
DO YOU SELL STUFF?
Do you sell any surplus tools and equipment?
We are still building up the inventory of tools and equipment available for loan. In future we may have an excess of a certain item. However, items are donated to us out of good will. We don’t plan sell any that are surplus. Instead, if we have a surplus, we will look to give them to other community groups or other charities that need them.
Do you sell PPE (e.g. ear defenders, goggles, dust masks)?
Not at the moment. Although we do strongly recommend you use ear defenders and goggles and dust masks. They can be bought locally in Penicuik e.g. from Screwfix.
Do you sell any consumables?
Not at the moment. Like the PPE mentioned above, consumables can be bought locally in Penicuik.
We try our best to provide any essential consumables with the item you’re borrowing (like blades, sanding sheets, etc.) and if you use them, a donation for replacement when picking up or dropping off the item would be much appreciated.
DO YOU RUN CLASSES?
Not at the moment. However, we hope to soon offer sessions on tools use and craft skills to enable people of all ages to do more projects and enjoy the satisfaction of making, repairing, recycling and reducing waste.
The classes we have in mind include: using power tools, printing, book-binding, paper making, sewing, and children’s crafts. We would be delighted to hear your suggestions for classes you would like to attend or could lead.
DO YOU SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROJECTS?
Yes, we do. Long term loans have been agreed with several local groups that need equipment to deliver a specific service. Enquiries from other groups are always welcome – even if we don’t have the equipment ourselves, we may be able to help with appeals to source what you need.
More information about projects we support is available on our Community Projects page.
IS THIS A PENICUIK CARBON CHALLENGE LEGACY?
Yes! The Penicuik Carbon Challenge project, which was run by the Storehouse for the first year and the PCDT for the second year, finished in March 2022 kick-started PLoTs, Penicuik’s Library of Things.
The Carbon Challenge project funding came from Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) and left the PCDT with a wide range of tools and equipment. We wanted to ensure it was all made available for community use and we decided the best way to do that was to set up PLoTs.
CAN I SUPPORT IN OTHER WAY?
Yes, of course, please get in touch!
One suggestion might be to adopt a tool with a £5 per month direct debit?
OTHER QUESTIONS?
If you have any other questions not addressed in these FAQs, please use our contact form or email us at things@penicuik.org.uk.