Terms of Use
Last updated: February 1, 2026
Overview
These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of BookCircl (https://bookcircl.com) and all associated services. By using BookCircl, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you don't agree, don't use the platform.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By creating an account and using BookCircl, you represent that:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You have the right to enter into this agreement
- You will comply with all applicable laws and these Terms
- All information you provide is truthful and accurate
2. Account Registration and Responsibility
Google OAuth Authentication
- You must authenticate via Google OAuth. We never store your password.
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your Google account.
- You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account.
Account Deletion
- You can delete your account at any time from Settings.
- When you delete your account, your personal data is deleted immediately.
- Your posted books are anonymized but remain on the platform to preserve exchange history.
- All future access to your account will be blocked.
Accurate Information
- You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information.
- You agree to update your information as needed to keep it accurate.
- Deliberately false or misleading information may result in account suspension.
3. Acceptable Use
You agree NOT to use BookCircl to:
- Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
- Impersonate or mislead others about your identity
- Post books you don't own or have permission to share
- Spam, scam, or defraud other users
- Distribute malware, viruses, or harmful code
- Circumvent security or access controls
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Engage in any activity that harms BookCircl or its infrastructure
Reporting Abuse
- If you encounter abuse, use the flag icon on a user's profile to report them.
- Reports are reviewed manually. False reports may result in action against your account.
- You may be contacted to provide additional information about a report you filed.
4. Books and Exchanges
Listing Books
- You may only list books you own or have permission to share.
- BookCircl uses Open Library to verify book existence. Books must be real, published books.
- Spam or misleading listings may be removed, and your account may be suspended.
Book Exchanges
- BookCircl is a platform for coordinating exchanges. We don't handle logistics, payment, or disputes.
- You are solely responsible for arranging pickups, drop-offs, or shipping.
- You agree to transact in good faith with other users.
- BookCircl is not liable for disputes over condition, authenticity, or non-completion of exchanges.
Disputes
- BookCircl does not mediate disputes between users.
- If you have a dispute with another user, resolve it directly or contact us at bookcircl@gmail.com.
- We may suspend or remove users who repeatedly engage in bad-faith exchanges.
5. Content and Intellectual Property
Your Content
- You retain ownership of any content you post (book descriptions, photos, profile information).
- By posting content, you grant BookCircl a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it.
- You agree that your content doesn't violate anyone else's intellectual property rights.
BookCircl's Content
- All BookCircl branding, design, and code is owned by BookCircl.
- You may not reproduce, distribute, or modify BookCircl's content without permission.
Third-Party Content
- BookCircl uses Open Library API to display book metadata and covers.
- See Open Library's terms for details on their content.
6. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- BookCircl is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind (express or implied).
- BookCircl is not responsible for disputes, lost items, broken agreements, or personal injury resulting from exchanges.
- BookCircl is not liable for unauthorized access, data loss, or third-party actions.
- BookCircl is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
Your sole remedy for dissatisfaction is to stop using BookCircl.
7. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BookCircl, its owners, and employees from any claims, damages, or costs arising from:
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your use of BookCircl
- Your exchanges with other users
- Your infringement of anyone's intellectual property rights
- Your violation of any law
8. Suspension and Termination
BookCircl may suspend or terminate your account if you:
- Violate these Terms
- Engage in harassment, fraud, or illegal activity
- Post spam or misleading content
- Have repeated disputes or bad-faith exchanges
- Violate applicable laws
Suspension vs. Termination
- Suspension: Temporary restriction of your account access.
- Termination: Permanent deletion of your account (after 30 days notice in serious cases).
We will attempt to notify you before suspension or termination, but reserve the right to act immediately if necessary for safety or security.
9. Modifications to BookCircl
BookCircl may modify, discontinue, or change the platform at any time without notice. We are not liable for any modifications or discontinuance of service.
If we discontinue BookCircl entirely, we will make reasonable efforts to provide notice via email.
10. Modifications to Terms
BookCircl may update these Terms at any time. Changes are effective when posted. Your continued use of BookCircl constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.
If we make material changes, we will notify you via email.
11. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Netherlands, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
12. Dispute Resolution
Before initiating legal action, you agree to attempt resolving disputes informally by contacting bookcircl@gmail.com.
If informal resolution fails, either party may initiate legal proceedings as described in Section 11.
13. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, that provision is severed, and the remaining Terms remain in full force.
14. Entire Agreement
These Terms (along with our Privacy Policy) constitute the entire agreement between you and BookCircl regarding your use of the platform. No other statements or representations are binding.
15. No Waiver
BookCircl's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.
16. Contact Us
Questions about these Terms?
Email: bookcircl@gmail.com