Setting Up and Sustaining a Library of Things is a new toolkit, by the Network of Wellbeing and the Share Shed, for people inspired to run a Library of Things in their community. Mirella Ferraz, our Projects Manager and co-founder of the Share Shed, reports.
Libraries of things, such as the Share Shed, are innovative, community-led projects that enable people to access items they may only need occasionally, such as tools, household appliances, musical instruments, camping and gardening equipment. These libraries foster environmental sustainability,reduce waste, and encourage a culture of sharing and connection.
The Share Shed, a project of the Network of Wellbeing (NOW), has been lending items to the community since its inception in 2017, in Totnes (Devon, UK). It has since grown into a pioneering mobile service that visits seven towns weekly, offering over 350 useful items to borrow at low cost. To date, the Share Shed has made over 6,000 loans, helping over 3,100 individuals and families save over £420,000 and over 277 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Setting up and Sustaining a Library of Things is a comprehensive and free guide to empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to start their own libraries of things to serve their own communities. By sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire a growing movement of sharing initiatives that save people money, promote sustainability and strengthen community connections.
What the Toolkit Offers:
With years of hands-on experience, the Share Shed team has compiled a practical resource for those looking to replicate its success. The guide includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for starting a library of things, from planning to launch.
- Tips for engaging the community and building a strong volunteer network.
- Advice on overcoming challenges, including logistics, funding, and operations.
- Strategies for ensuring financial sustainability, including managing expectations when projects may run at a loss.
Alan Dalgairns, of Lend Engine and the Library of Stuff in Hull, reviewed the guide on behalf of the Share Shed. He said: “We love it! It’s a really, comprehensive guide to the movement. I really like the expectations of the users. This gets missed with so many libraries when they start out. You’ve aimed this at every size and type of library and clearly explain the steps needed, I wish we had this when we were starting out”.
You can download Setting up and Sustaining a Library of Things here.
And for further information about the Share Shed, visit www.shareshed.org.uk.
