Library of Things' story
A Library of Things is set up in a new neighbourhood by invitation only, when local residents want to start and host a centre in their community, for their community. Based on a franchise model, our social enterprise operates the fully insured Thing borrowing service, taking on the majority of risk and responsibility in the first two years while locals establish a new Library. Members of the community host and run the space. Things are borrowed at affordable (daily) rental rates, and items vary by each Library of Things location - from drills to gazebos to carpet cleaners.
Image: CC Stock Photo
Image: CC Stock Photo
Useful learnings from our research
- It's really helpful to run for local educational programming and public events, helping people learn new skills or sharing skills as well as raising awareness.
- Library of Things is an enabler, but local communities must take the lead if it's going to happen.
- Choice of venue is key to success locally, and there may be opportunities to take up vacant high street space on a short term 'pop up store' basis.
- Make sure that a centre has a sufficiently varied collection of Things (DIY, cleaning, gardening, hosting and hobbying) to appeal to a broad set of interests and needs, so that there is sufficient demand.
Read more: https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/
