Library of Things

Check out more than just books at the library: the Thingamabrary offers tools, games, and more that can be checked out with your Clearwater Public Library card! Visit the library to learn more.

Checkout Policies & Forms

The items in the Clearwater Public Library (the "Library") Thingamabrary collection are for the use of Pinellas Public Library Cooperative ("PPLC") members and Clearwater local library card holders. The following are the policies for borrowing from the Thingamabrary:

1. Borrower must be age 18 or over to borrow Tools, Hot Spots, and Tech Kits from the Clearwater Public Library Thingamabrary.
2. Prior to borrowing Tools or Tech Kits, Borrower must:
   • Sign a Clearwater Public Library Thingamabrary Use Policy & Item Release;
   • Have their library card confirmed by staff.
3. Prior to borrowing Hot Spots, Borrower must: (a) Sign the Wi-Fi Hot Spot Use Policy; and (b) Have their library card confirmed by staff.;
4. Library staff is not available to assist in explaining the operation of items. By taking possession of any item, the Borrower is certifying that he or she is capable of using it in a safe and proper manner.
5. Only the Borrower is authorized to use Library tools. The Borrower shall not permit the use of tools checked out to him or her by any other person. It is the sole responsibility of the Borrower to ensure no unauthorized person uses Library tools.
6. Standard lending period for all Thingamabrary items, except for Hot Spots, is seven (7) days; the lending period for Hot Spots is 14 days. All items borrowed must be returned to the library location where it was first checked out by close of business on the assigned due date.;
7. Hot Spots may be reserved by calling or visiting the Library. Reservations are not available online. If a patron currently has a Hot Spot checked out, they must return that Hot Spot before reserving another one at the same location. Because Hot Spots must be serviced after each use, they may not be immediately available for checkout upon return.
8. All Thingamabrary items (excluding Hot Spots) will be considered “lost” if not returned after 10 days of the due date. The Borrower will be charged the full price of the item and a $5.00 processing fee. This will block the Borrower’s library account. Once the item is returned, the account’s fees will be cleared and the Borrower’s library privileges will be restored.
9. The Library will shut off Wi-Fi service on Hot Spots not returned by the due date. Borrower will be responsible for the full replacement and processing costs of Hot Spots not returned after four (4) days of the due date. The Library will charge a replacement fee of $20.00 for a lost or damaged charging cable, $20.00 for a lost or damaged carrying case, and $75.00 for a lost or damaged Hot Spot. The Library will charge a replacement fee of $115.00 for a lost or damaged Hot Spot kit (cable, case, hot spot).
10. The Library reserves the right to use appropriate steps to retrieve delinquent items or unpaid fees, including the use of a collection agency and/or legal action and assess the delinquent Borrower with the costs of any such action, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. The Library also reserves the right to forgive fees due to special circumstances.
11. Borrowers may renew each item once if no other patrons have reserved the item. The Library reserves the right to refuse or limit renewals and will do so based on demand.
12. The Library is not responsible for any loss of information or damage to a device that may result from using a Hot Spot, wireless network, or power sources.
13. Wireless networks are subject to security risks. The Library recommends utilizing encryption, virus protection, and personal firewalls to protect information. The Library is not responsible for compromised personal information, damaged or corrupted user equipment and configurations, internet and personal security, or personal data files.
14. Hot Spots are reliant on T-Mobile network coverage; not all areas may be covered. Roaming has been disabled.
15. The network is filtered by the service provider according to Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) guidelines. Some websites may be blocked.
16. By choosing to log onto the Wi-Fi network provided by the Library via Hot Spots, users agree to abide by the Library Code of Conduct, Internet Use Policy, this Wi-Fi Hot Spot Use Policy, and State and Federal law.
17. The Borrower agrees that the Library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed items.
18. The Borrower agrees that if any borrowed item becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, he or she must immediately discontinue use of the item and notify the Library of the issue on return, if not earlier.
19. All items are to be returned in the same (or better) condition as they were issued, excluding normal wear and tear. All items must be returned clean. The Borrower agrees to pay for the loss of or damage to any item and further agrees to accept the Library’s assessment of the condition of items and to further agree to the Library’s assessment of fair restitution for damage, dirtiness, delinquency, and/or loss of items in part or in total. This restitution amount could equal the full replacement cost of the item. Borrowers who do not pay replacement costs will not be able to check out additional items.
20. The Library reserves the right to refuse the loan of any item at its sole discretion.
21. The Library reserves the right to alter or amend any of the rules, terms, or conditions included in this agreement at its sole discretion.