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-them
If 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-symposium
Center for New American Dream Webinar
www.newdream.org/resources/webinars/webinar-start-a-tool-library
Guide 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.pdf
Australian Examples
Brisbane (QLD)
www.brisbanetoollibrary.org
www.facebook.com/BrisbaneToolLibrary
Brunswick, Melbourne (VIC)
www.brunswicktoollibrary.org/php/index.php
www.facebook.com/BrunswickToolLibrary
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-01/brunswick-tool-library-moves-premises-seeks-new-members/7210570
Blue 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.html
Toronto, 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-share
Edinburgh, Scotland
www.edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk
www.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-town
London, 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-tips
War on Waste - Toy Libraries
www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-23/toy-libraries-keep-plastic-treasures-from-landfill-war-on-waste/8538574
Sharing 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-coop
MamaBake
www.mamabake.com
big 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.htm
Benefits of being a toy library member include saving money and space, and also reducing impact on the environment.
© 2018