A library in south London is believed to be the first in the UK to be hosting a ‘library of things’, a project that loans items such as drills, pressure washers and ukuleles at affordable rates
After a crowdfunding campaign supported by almost 300 local residents, a library in Crystal Palace, south London, has launched a ‘library of things’: a collection of 50 items that people can borrow at affordable, daily rates.
The collection of items – which is open now following a launch party at the weekend – is on display at Upper Norwood Library Hub. An ice cream maker, carpet cleaner, lawn mower, pressure washer and a ukulele are among the items proving most popular so far.
It is a project by Library of Things, a social enterprise based around the so-called sharing economy, which started in nearby West Norwood in 2014. Prices range from £1 per day for hand tools and £5 per day for a bread machine, to £20 per day for a carpet cleaner, with discounts available for regular borrowers and people who are less able to pay.
Good journalism can be about good things too.
Robert, a dad who lives nearby, said: “I’m going to borrow the hand sander to do up an old chest of drawers over the weekend, and the kids can borrow a kite and ukulele. It’s great – we don’t have space to store this stuff at home.”
Borrowers can also attend practical skill-sharing events including mending meet-ups, repair parties and DIY classes. People can volunteer their time to become a ‘host’, ‘thing fixer’, ‘ambassador’ or ‘skill sharer’, receiving discounted borrowing and training sessions in exchange.
It’s great – we don’t have space to store this stuff at home
Volunteer Stef, who is on a sabbatical from a career…
