Sharenest: Community Tool Lending Library

The Blackwood Library of Things, affectionately known as BLoT, stands as a testament to community spirit in Blackwood, South Australia. It operates through the dedication and efforts of volunteers, offering a diverse collection of items for lending to enrich the lives of residents.

At its core, BLoT operates as a membership-based organization, where individuals can join for a modest fee. Members gain the privilege to borrow from a wide-ranging assortment of items suited for various activities, whether it is indulging in leisurely hobbies, embarking on culinary escapades, enjoying cozy puzzle nights during winter, or tackling household tasks with the aid of available tools.

About BLoT

150+ Members

FAQ

Membership / Joining
Membership is open to any person who is over 18. You do not need to join to see the inventory.
Join the Blackwood Library of Things here. Fill out the form, read and agree to the Membership Agreement, Borrowing Terms and Conditions and Deed of Release, submit the form, and complete the payment. Your membership will be automatically accepted, and you will be able to access your account and reserve items immediately through our MyTurn library website.
If your settings are for automatic renewal, you will be reminded in advance. You can manage your membership yourself from your MyTurn account page.

Can I buy a gift membership?
Yes! They make a great gift, ask the volunteer in the BLoT.

Can I reserve something?
Yes! Members can use the reservation function in the online MyTurn library platform.
When you reserve an item, the following will usually happen:
1. Reservation confirmation email: You will immediately receive a reservation confirmation.
2. Ready for pickup email: When the volunteers have your things ready for pickup, they will email you. Please do not come earlier, as your things may not be ready yet - perhaps they have not been returned, or perhaps they may need some maintenance or even cleaning before we can lend them.
We cannot ensure the things you have reserved will always be available as earlier borrowers may not have returned them, or some other reason. Please wait for an email saying that all your reserved items are ready for pickup.

Do you do home delivery?
No, we cannot home deliver. However, if you have difficulty accessing our location or need assistance carrying equipment, please contact us or make a note in your online reservation in MyTurn and we can arrange to assist you at the Blackwood Library of Things based on volunteer numbers.

What about loss or damage of something?
We expect things to suffer normal wear and tear. In circumstances where damage is beyond normal wear and tear or is lost, we may charge you for replacement.

Can I help?
Yes please! We are always looking for volunteers.

What kind of volunteering can I do?
We have several positions in the BLoT. The main ones are:
· BLoT assistant: helping members borrow and return things; helping members find the right thing for the job; processing new donations etc.
· Stock maintenance: making small repairs to things; processing new donations etc (limited contact with members).
· DIY expert: this requires a thorough working knowledge of making and fixing. The whole job is about talking to members who need advice.
· BLoT supervisor: just like a BLoT assistant, but also the holder of knowledge. This position requires at least six months’ experience as a BLoT assistant, with an excellent working knowledge of our lending software.