Sharing Stuff
Tools + Equipment
A tool library is just like a regular library, except you can borrow tools instead of books. Tool libraries may be located in a shed, a regular library, a community centre or anywhere that can be accessed by the public.
Libraries vary in how they operate – they may be free to use, require an annual membership, or a gold coin donation per hire.
Why clutter up your shed, and spend money on rarely-used tools and equipment?
More broadly, a Library of Things could offer musical instruments, sports equipment, fashion and more to borrow:
www.shareable.net/blog/the-library-of-things-8-spaces-changing-how-we-think-about-stuff
www.fastcompany.com/3045366/change-generation/at-this-fashion-library-you-check-out-clothes-instead-of-buying-themIf there isn't a tool library in your area, you could contact your local council or ask around at various community groups, or find others who are interested to start one in your community networks or on social media.
How to Start a Tool Library
www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-start-a-tool-library
www.shareable.net/blog/16-tips-to-crowdfund-a-tool-library-in-your-town
www.shareable.net/blog/8-lessons-from-the-second-annual-international-lending-library-symposiumCenter for New American Dream Webinar
www.newdream.org/resources/webinars/webinar-start-a-tool-libraryGuide to Starting a Lending Library
www.sharestarter.org/tools/Tool Library Management Software
http://localtools.org
http://toollibrarian.com
Tool Libraries in Australia (2003 study)
www.changedesign.org/Resources/EDFPublications/Articles/Papers/Tool%20Libraries%20in%20Australia_contents.pdfAustralian Examples
Brisbane (QLD)
www.brisbanetoollibrary.orgwww.facebook.com/BrisbaneToolLibrary
Brunswick, Melbourne (VIC)
www.brunswicktoollibrary.org/php/index.phpwww.facebook.com/BrunswickToolLibrary
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-01/brunswick-tool-library-moves-premises-seeks-new-members/7210570Blue Mountains (NSW)
www.facebook.com/tooloBlueMountains
Marrickville, Sydney (NSW)
www.facebook.com/iwtoollibrary
International Examples
Berkeley, US
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/locations/tool-lending-library
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/locations/tool-lending-library/tool-lending-library-brief-history
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/sites/default/files/201328_bpl_tool_broch10_rev.pdf
Sacramento, US
www.saclibrary.org/Services/Library-of-Things
www.shareable.net/blog/sacramento%E2%80%99s-library-of-things-shares-more-than-books
www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article8920145.htmlToronto, Canada
www.shareable.net/blog/sharing-depot-brings-library-of-things-to-toronto-0
www.shareable.net/blog/new-sharing-depot-opening-reflects-success-of-torontos-library-of-things-movement
www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/services/borrow-a-musical-instrument.jsp
www.wehatetowaste.com/toronto-tool-library-shareEdinburgh, Scotland
www.edinburghtoollibrary.org.ukwww.shareable.net/blog/edinburgh-tool-library-creativity-community-and-cutting-resource-use
Frome, UK
www.shareable.net/blog/a-library-of-things-puts-frome-on-the-map-as-a-sharing-townLondon, UK
International Map of Tool Libraries
localtools.org/find/Toy Libraries
Toy Libraries enable children to access a wider range of toys and games, without the expense and storage space required as they get tired of, or outgrow them. Toy Libraries may be free to use, or require a gold coin donation to cover the cost of mending or replacing lost or broken toys.
Resources
Toy Libraries Australia Directory
www.toylibraries.org.au/find-a-toy-library
How to Start a Toy Library
www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-start-a-toy-library-12-quick-tipsWar on Waste - Toy Libraries
www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-23/toy-libraries-keep-plastic-treasures-from-landfill-war-on-waste/8538574Sharing Resources for Parents and Carers
How to Share A Nanny
www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-share-a-nanny
www.shareable.net/blog/how-i-saved-17000-in-one-year-by-sharing (#5)How to Start a Neighbourhood Childcare Co-operative
www.shareable.net/blog/webinar-how-to-start-a-childcare-cooperative
www.newdream.org/resources/webinars/babysitting-coopMamaBake
www.mamabake.combig batch baking in a shared context that frees time up from cooking dinner every evening
www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-host-a-mamabake-food-swap-session
www.shareable.net/blog/sharing-the-cooking-gives-mamas-free-time
www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/04/12/3475837.htmBenefits of being a toy library member include saving money and space, and also reducing impact on the environment.
© 2018