Community Guidelines

Last updated: March 23, 2026

Libraco runs on trust. We're not a library with staff, fines, or return scanners — we're a community of readers who look after each other's books. These guidelines aren't a rulebook; they're a shared agreement on how we treat each other and the books we love. Libraco is intended for users aged 16 and over.

Borrowing a Book

Fair-use limits

To keep books circulating fairly, each member may have at most 3 active borrows at the same time. You can also hold at most 5 pending requests — requests waiting on an owner's response. Once a book is returned or a request is declined, your slot opens back up immediately. These limits are enforced automatically; if you hit one you'll see a clear message explaining what to do.

Send a clear request

When you ask to borrow a book, say hello and mention when you roughly hope to have it and when you can return it. A little context goes a long way — owners are much more likely to say yes to someone who communicates clearly.

Respect the owner's answer

Owners can decline any request, no questions asked. If someone says no or doesn't respond, don't nudge repeatedly. There will be other copies.

Agree on a loan period

The default expectation is 4 weeks. That's enough time for most books. If you need more time, ask — most owners are happy to extend. If you know upfront it will take longer (a long novel, a busy period), say so in your request.

Collect and return as agreed

Coordinate with the owner on how and where you'll pick up and drop off the book. Be on time, or let them know if something comes up. If plans change, message them as soon as you can.

While You Have the Book

Treat it like it belongs to someone else

Because it does. Avoid leaving books in damp, sunny, or dirty places. Don't break the spine, fold pages, or write in the margins unless the owner explicitly says it's okay. Keep food and drinks away from borrowed books.

Return it in the same condition

Small signs of careful reading are fine — a crease here and there is expected. But noticeable damage (torn pages, water stains, broken spine) is not. If an accident happens, be honest about it. Offer to replace the book or find a solution together. A genuine apology goes a long way.

Don't pass it on

The book was lent to you, not to your friends. Don't lend a borrowed book to anyone else without asking the owner first.

Returning a Book

Return it on time

If you're approaching the agreed return date and haven't finished, check in with the owner. Most people are understanding — they just don't want to wonder where their book is. A quick message is all it takes.

If life gets in the way

Things happen. If you're travelling, ill, or going through a busy patch, let the owner know. Don't go silent. If you genuinely can't return it for a while, offer to arrange a pick-up or drop-off that works for both of you.

If the book is lost

Be honest. Offer to replace it (same edition or equivalent). Losing a book by accident happens — pretending it didn't happen is much worse.

Meeting Up Safely

Libraco connects you with readers nearby — sometimes people you've never met. Most exchanges are quick and easy, but it's worth taking a few sensible precautions.

Choose a public place

Suggest a café, library, bookshop, or other public location for your handover. The venue suggestions in the app are a good starting point. Avoid meeting at home — yours or theirs — until you have established real trust with the other person.

Keep personal details private

You don't need to share your home address to arrange a book handoff. Coordinate by neighbourhood or a landmark, not a front door. Use the in-app messaging for all communication before you've met in person.

Trust your instincts

If something about a request or a person feels off, it's completely fine to cancel or decline. A book is not worth putting yourself in an uncomfortable position. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

Let someone know

If you're meeting a new person for the first time, tell a friend or family member where you're going and roughly when you expect to be back.

Borrowing

Every borrow on Libraco is temporary. When you borrow a book, you are expected to return it to the owner in the same condition you received it — think of it like a library run by your neighbours. Agree upfront on a return timeline and stick to it. If you need more time, just message the owner and ask for an extension.

Being a Good Owner

Active-loan limit

To make sure no single member monopolises the lending pool, you can have at most 10 books on active loan at any one time. Once a borrower returns one of your books, the slot opens back up and you can approve new requests again.

Keep your shelf up to date

If a book is no longer available, remove it from your shelf or mark it accordingly. It's frustrating to request a book and find out it's gone.

Respond to requests

Try to accept or decline requests within a few days. If you're going away or can't lend for a while, a short note saves everyone time.

Mention condition honestly

If a book has a cracked spine, missing pages, or heavy annotations, say so in the listing. Borrowers appreciate knowing what to expect.

Resolving Disagreements

Most issues are misunderstandings. Try to talk it out directly and kindly first. If something goes seriously wrong — a book damaged or not returned despite repeated requests, or any behaviour that makes you feel unsafe — you can report it using the in-app report function on a user's profile, or contact us directly at hello@libraco.app. We take all reports seriously and may take action on accounts that repeatedly breach these guidelines, including suspension or permanent removal from the platform.

Libraco does not mediate financial disputes between users. If a book is lost or damaged, we encourage users to resolve it between themselves. We are not able to recover or replace items on your behalf.

The Short Version

That's really it. Libraco works because readers are decent to each other. We trust you to keep it that way.