What exactly is a Thing Library?
Similar to a library, where you can borrow books, a Thing Library–also commonly known as a Tool Library or Library of Things–is a place where you can borrow things. From household tools, to blenders, to cricket sets, and Crock Pots, Thing Libraries have it all! Thing Libraries have been around for many years, with many around the world, and even some in Ontario too, including Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto! With the launch of the London Thing Library, London will have one too!
What is the point of a Thing Library?
That is an excellent question and one that people often ask when they first learn about the concept. A sharing of tools and other household items allows for members of the community to borrow and share from a large and diverse inventory, to use at home. Thing Libraries are beneficial as the pooling of resources helps the environment through saving energy, natural resources, space, and money. Not only are Thing Libraries beneficial for the sake of the environment, but they also provide an equitable means to many household items that some people might not have the means to buy.
The purpose of thing libraries is to promote a circular economy, and move away from the “take-make-waste” mindset, where we buy unecessary items that are often used only a handful of times. Thing Libraries move towards an interconnected, community ecosystem that are able to provide a network of support for small homes, food preparation, garden projects, and more!
What does this library offer?
The London Thing Library offers a variety of tools and household items. We currently offer:
- Food processing tools
- Gardening tools
- Hand tools,
- Building tools
- Household items such as outdoor gear and arts and crafts equipment
- Low waste community event items including, but not limited to, serving platters, cutlery, and coffee makers!
We are currently still building our inventory and are open to donations! Please feel free to visit our Thing Donation page on our website to learn more.
Who exactly is this Thing Library for?
That is an excellent question! The London Thing Library is for anyone who wishes to reclaim space in their home, save money on overly expensive equipment, generate less waste, and get more involved in the community. If any or all of these ideas sound like you, the London Thing Library is a place for you!
The London Thing Library is great for someone looking to tackle a quick weekend project without breaking the bank on tools or equipment. It is perfect for the ultimate meal planner, with lots of food storage equipment to store food for long periods of time. It is an excellent fit for a gardener–whether looking for an additional shovel, or tools to harvest some at-home veggies! Not only will the London Thing Library carry these items, but we will also be hosting workshops and events, where you are able to learn more about things you are interested in, and the items necessary to complete these projects. The London Thing Library is a community organization here to support you! We strive to be a support for those who lack access to home equipment that othr Londoners may take for granted. We are here to help in eliminating barriers in accessing equipment or tools that can be too expensive, large or heavy, by allowing Londoners to borrow it instead!
Where can I find the Thing Library?
If the London Thing Library sounds like the place for you, we cannot wait to meet you! We are located in the same building as Reimagine Co’s package free grocery store, located 206 Piccadilly Street in downtown London. You can reserve some of these tools online and pick them up during certain hours.
How does all of this work?
For a monthly membership fee, you have the freedom to borrow several things at once, for up to one week at a time. We will also have reduced rates for students, seniors, and those operating on a low-income. We will also have the opportunity for gifted memberships distributed through some local community organizations! Our lending model will be paired together with training workshops for Londoners of all skill levels, repair cafe events, as well as other events or programming that facilitate the concept of skill-shairng among community members.
The London Thing Library has been working super hard to get up and running and we are so excited to finally meet you! We hope that this has answered any questions you may have about our organization, but if you are curious, like many of us, please feel free to visit our website, thinglibrary.ca, to learn more about us, join our mailing list, or even donate some items from your home!