A NEW library has opened in Caversham, not for readers, but for doers.
Sometimes an expensive piece of equipment is required for a job, but it’s likely to be used just once.
Buying it may feel like a bad choice
Reading’s new Library of Things offers borough residents the opportunity to borrow a wide range of household items, including garden equipment, and DIY tools, that they would otherwise have had to buy – and store.
“Lending libraries have been set up all over the place,” said organiser Tony Cowling.
Mr Cowling also heads Reading group, DraughtBusters, and is author of home improvement book, Draught Proofing and Insulation.
“They’re brilliant, and they work really well.
“Before we started this venture, we had a chat with the organisers of a Brussells library of things.
“It turned out that it’s not too difficult to set one up.
“It’s all about sharing, not owning.”
Readers may be asking how likely it is that borrowed items will be returned.
“The Brussells organisers told us that of their 22,000 pieces of equipment, only four haven’t been returned,” said Mr Cowling.
“That’s down to a simple borrowing system.
To be able to use the library, members pay an annual fee, which allows them to borrow for free.
If they return an item, they can choose another from the library.
If they don’t, they may not borrow any further equipment.
“We’ve got all sorts of things: bike trailers, pressure washers, a projector and screen, a microscope – things you just don’t want to have to buy for a one-off occasion,” continued Mr Cowling.
“How often would you use a pressure washer, for example? Maybe twice a year?
“And if you live in a flat without a garage, isn’t it better to borrow than to have to store a bulky item of equipment you’ve bought and don’t have room for?”
Mr Cowling says that in the past people were much more accustomed to sharing.
That changed over the years, but Mr Cowling senses a return to previous generations’ lending habits.
“Neighbours always used to lend things to each other,” he said.
“It’s a great thing to do, it saves money, it’s good for the environment, and there’s now a real hunger for this kind of community activity.
“People are becoming greener, and they’re more willing to share.
“It really feels as though the wind is behind us, and I’m loving that the library has actually happened.”
Mr Cowling is grateful for the help he has received to get the venture up and running..
“Greenways in Caversham have been super supportive,” he said.
“Two of their group are also on our steering committee, and they’ve been so helpful.
“They collect lots of items for refugees – clothes, furniture, all sorts of things, and they’ve donated lots of items to the lending library.
“My friend, Stuart, from Reading Repair Cafe, is a great help, too.
“Now that he’s retired, and he and I both have some time, we’ve been able to get this up and running together.”
The Reading Library of Things, in Caversham, is run entirely by volunteers.
Members pay £25 per year, with a concession rate for low income families, and can then borrow for free.
Tools and equipment can be viewed on the organisation’s website, but people are invited to suggest additional items not yet stocked by the library.
Late returned items are charged at £2 per day.
Donations are welcomed, with free membership offered for the first year to useful donors.
The library is also looking for volunteers to help operate the library, to give their expertise, and to advise borrowers how to use the tools.
“It’s brilliant to share, and lending libraries offer a great way to lift people out of poverty,” added Mr Cowling.
“We’re hopeful that this will grow.
“We’re looking to open a second library in Tilehurst by the end of next year, and we’d love to open another in Wokingham, too, eventually.”
For more information, to join, donate, or volunteer, visit: www.lotreading.myturn.com/library
