A Library of Things, which rents out anything from leaf blowers to baking pans could soon be open in Cardiff thanks to a group of social entrepreneurs.
The Library of Things is a concept which was developed in London from systems of sharing across the world. For a small membership fee, and nominal prices attached to items for rent, this lending library aims to reduce waste and bring communities together. Last September Jane Booty brought this idea to the attention of the Cardiff Urbanistas, a women-led network aiming to make urban space more social, and the project has quickly grown.
The group behind the Library of Things project
Emma Smillie, who has been involved in both the Cardiff project and the London Library of Things, highlighted that, “Being able to borrow items when you need them means that you can cut down on messy cupboards and crammed sheds,” while also combatting the destruction of natural resources and saving money.
In Cardiff there are plans to include practical instruction, skill swaps and a programme of repairs. The group behind the project has made clear the importance of constructing a library which is individual to a community in Cardiff, separate to the London model. In support of this Sally Hughes, one of the Cardiff Urbanistas, has acknowledged that, “What works in London may not work in the same way here.”
A similar project has already been launched in Somerset. (Photo provided by Share: A Library of Things)
With informal sharing systems already in place on smaller scales, ranging from borrowing a neighbour’s lawnmower to more formal renting schemes, this new library aims to simplify and extend the process. Premises still need to be found, funding located and there remains much to organise. However, for Cardiff communities a greener, friendlier, less wasteful way to use consumer products is on its way.
