Our Library of Things (LOT) is similar to a normal Library but instead of media (books, films, CDs), it lends out other material goods. It will provide the LS6 community with affordable access to a variety of items, from small tools for the home and garden, to lawn-mowers and sewing machines. We currently have 250+ [now 500] items in the Library. Examples of Things include: tools, carpet cleaners, cookware, power washers, party supplies, ladders, holiday supplies, tents and camping supplies, gardening supplies, sewing machine/equipment.
Behind the project, is a desire to encourage waste prevention and borrowing, instead of buying. Why is a LOT beneficial to our community?
Sharing resources A great number of tools are bought and used infrequently, our LOT could make efficient use of previously infrequently used items.
Changing mindsets towards consumption ‘Where can I buy this item?’ becomes ‘Where can I borrow this item?’
Wealth redistribution Effectively a PAYF (pay as you feel) method lowers the financial barrier to entry to activities for those who are least wealthy.
Community cohesion Our project will provide volunteer opportunities and encourage a culture of sharing items, knowledge and skills within our LS6 community.
Reducing carbon footprint By borrowing instead of buying new items, resources are shared within our community which reduces the environmental impact.
Membership is pay as you feel (PAYF), with different monthly membership brackets, e.g. £0, £5, £10 etc, per month, each membership has complete access. Borrowing of individual items is also pay as you feel. Items will have a recommended donation amount but it is up to the borrower to pay it.
We opened on 8 October 2021. Opening hours are 4-6pm on Friday and 1-4pm on Saturday. We are in the Centenary Room of the Headingley Methodist Church, on Chapel Street, off Otley Road. It is a lovely spacious, well-lit room in a great central location in Headingley.
In addition to our core team of five, we are going to use extra volunteers to help run the Library. We currently have eighteen volunteers on our books.
Feel free to message us to see if you can donate anything or volunteer your time. Please follow our socials to stay updated on opening schedule and other information.
Jed Aitchison
Library of Things
Centenary Room, Headingley Methodist Church
1-3 Chapel Street, Leeds LS6 3HZ
email: lot@buynowtls6.com
https://buynowtls6.com/
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