Like many of you reading, I’ve got a cupboard stuffed with only once-used items collecting dust. There’s the iron I bought for a friend’s wedding, garden sheers I used to trim back a few tree branches, and a drill that’s helped me put up exactly one bookshelf. But what if there was a better way?
Well, there is, and you’ve probably already heard of it. Everyone in this city is already crazy about Share Bristol’s Library of Things concept – with locations already in Kingswood and Bedminster. Now a third location has been announced in north Bristol at the University of the West of England. Next to the main bus stops at UWE Bristol, will be open to students, staff and members of the public.
Having raised over £10,000 so far, its Crowdfuner will help them open this new site in the coming months. They’ve also secured a ‘match fund’ from Aviva Community Fund – for every pound you donate, Aviva will donate a pound.
The small charity has run a Library of Things on Kingswood High Street since 2021 but opened a new location on East Street this June. More recently, they announced the launch of the Bedminster Community Hub in partnership with Bristol City Council and WECA. The new site will be accessible by public transport and have short-term parking for those picking up or returning bulky items, like carpet cleaners, mitre saws, lawnmowers, or gazebos.
How does a Library of Things work?
It works a lot like a normal library. You need an annual membership (which costs £50 per year) and then everything is free to borrow. Many of the most popular summer items were things like tents and other camping gear, strimmers, lawnmowers, pressure washers, and gazebos, alongside year-round favourites like carpet cleaners and drills.
There are also concession memberships for people receiving benefits at £20 for a year. And, with over 1500 things available across the current two sites, the offerings continue to grow – adding around 100 new items to the Library of Things catalogue each month over the summer.
As of September, there are now over 700 households now active members of their sharing community, and nearly 1,700 items are available to borrow. To donate and support this new Library of Things in Frenchay via the Crowdfunder today and claim membership as one of the rewards. You can do this by heading here.