Outings > Equipment Lending Library

We are pleased to announce the creation of the THB Equipment Lending library.

Donations: Items needed, but not limited to, are as follows:

  • Backpacks, all sizes, both internal and external frame
  • Cat hole trowels
  • Hiking boots, water crossing shoes, all sizes needed
  • Hiking clothing (no cotton)
  • Hiking poles
  • Rain gear, ponchos, rain pants, rain jackets, gators
  • Sleeping pads
  • Sleeping bags (no cotton bags)
  • Sleeping bag liners
  • Stoves, fuel bottles, pots, pans, cooking accessories
  • Stuff sacks
  • Tents, tarps, shelters
  • Water containers, Nalgenes, collapsible buckets
  • Water filtration, purification

To access library catalogue, go to http://missouri.sierraclub.org/thb/, and click on Outings, then Equipment Lending Library Catalogue.

Donations to the Equipment Lending Library, can be made by calling Paul Gross at 816-228-6563 or email –wildwoodp@hotmail.com

Contacts: Paul Gross 816-228-6563.

Mission: To increase the opportunities for individuals and families to more fully connect to the natural world.

Objectives:

  1. To create an equipment lending library by collecting, categorizing, maintaining and lending outdoor equipment to Sierra Club members for exclusive use on local TBH and Kanza group outings.
  2. To increase the backpacking opportunities of members who can’t currently afford the cost of outdoor equipment.
  3. To attract new Sierra Club members whose resources preclude the up-front purchase of costly outdoor equipment.
  4. To offer prospective Sierra Club members a vision of how to experience the joys of backpacking without undo cost.

Policies:

  1. Equipment collecting, housing, categorizing, maintenance, and loaning to be coordinated, by current THB outings chair.
  2. Outings chair has the authority to delegate any or all of these duties to Sierra Club volunteers.
  3. Equipment, both used and new will be accepted as donations to THBELL (Thomas Hart Benton Equipment Lending Library)
  4. Equipment may also be loaned to the THBELL. The loaner fully accepts that equipment may not be returned in the same condition as when it was originally loaned to the Equipment Lending Library.
  5. The loaner also accepts that THB/Kanza groups are not liable for cost of repairs to equipment loaned to THBELL.
  6. The THB Excom can authorize the purchase of new equipment for the THBELL
  7. A portion of donations collected from outings will be appropriated for maintenance and repairs of equipment

Hours of operation: By appointment only; call 816-228-6563 or by email - wildwoodp@hotmail.com

Rules & Regulations:

  1. Only Sierra Club members with current membership, and over the age of 18 are eligible to borrow equipment from Equipment Lending Library (ELL). If a minor needs to borrow equipment then parent or legal guardian must sign for equipment. No more than twelve (12) items may be borrowed at any one time.
  2. Borrowers must register with the ELL prior to borrowing equipment. Registration will be complete upon verification of the borrower's Sierra Club membership status.
  3. Additional verification is required by presenting current photo identification.
  4. All equipment lent by the Equipment Lending Library is the property of the Thomas hart Benton group of the Sierra Club, hereby referred to as THBELL. Only the borrower is authorized to use the equipment. The borrower shall not permit the use of said equipment by any other person except by the written permission of the THBELL.
  5. The borrower agrees that neither the Sierra Club, nor the THBELL is responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed equipment.
  6. The borrower agrees that if the borrowed equipment becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, the borrower will immediately discontinue use of the equipment and return it to the THBELL.
  7. Before borrowing any equipment, the borrower shall sign a form or WAIVER AND INDEMNIFICATION to be provided by the library, which will be kept on file at the THBELL. The borrower acknowledges that he or she is capable of using the equipment in a safe and proper manner, and that instruction in the proper use of equipment is available from the THBELL staff. Special instruction is required for borrowing of any stoves.
  8. Loan periods for equipment are as follows: Equipment may be checked out no earlier than one week prior to outing, and must be returned no later than one week after outing ends. The borrower agrees to return equipment on or before the due date, in the same condition (normal backpacking wear and tear excepted), as when it was borrowed. The borrower agrees to pay for the loss or damage to any equipment on loan to him or her. Repeated failure to return equipment on time may result in revocation of borrowing privileges. The library reserves the right to limit the amount of equipment borrowed and to alter the maximum loan period.
  9. All equipment shall be returned clean and dry, no exceptions. Failure to comply can result in revocation of borrowing privileges.
  10. When equipment is not returned by the designated due date, the THBELL will issue an overdue notice. If the equipment is not returned after the notice has been sent, appropriate steps will be taken to retrieve them, including by collection agency and/or legal action.
  11. The Equipment Lending Library retains the right to refuse the loan of any item for failure to comply with any of the above rules and regulations, or for falsifying any information.