Library of Things (LOT) for Tideswell & District

Do you ever wonder whether you should buy that thing that you may only use once or once in a while? You wonder, can I afford it? Where would I store it? And ultimately, is it worth it? What if you could borrow it?

The Tideswell and District Environment Group would like to establish a Library of Things in Tideswell, to allow residents and neighbors to borrow items that they may need on rare occasions. Such “things” could be power tools, gardening equipment, cooking or cleaning appliances, folding chairs, travel cots, etc. There are many known benefits to a Library of Things, such as:

• saving money by borrowing rather than buying;

• saving the planet from avoidable manufacturing and waste by promoting reuse;

• saving storage space in people’s homes and sheds;

• improving quality of life by enabling home repair and improvements;

• improving skills and self-confidence through demonstrations and training;

• strengthening community ties.

We are looking for volunteers to help start up this library, either short term or longer-term. If you have ideas about how this could or should work, come and join us! If you know anyone who has items to donate, please contact us. If you have experience forming a community-based organization or fund-raising, we can use your help. For more information, and/or to volunteer, please contact:

Laurie Wonnell lauriewonnell@gmail.com, 07466 719341 or Philip Haves phaves2117@gmail.com, 07879 576007