The "Library of Things" movement is transforming public spaces across Australia. These innovative lending services go beyond books and media to offer communities access to a vast array of practical and educational items. From urban hubs to regional towns, these libraries are built on a simple yet powerful idea: that by sharing resources, we can create stronger, more connected communities and help people save money. This national trend is redefining the purpose of a library and proving that access to a diverse collection of items, not just ownership, can empower individuals and neighborhoods.
Victoria
Victoria is at the forefront of the "Library of Things" movement in Australia, with a number of innovative programs in both urban and regional areas. These libraries offer practical and educational items, promoting a culture of sharing over buying.
Melbourne
In Melbourne, several public library services have embraced the concept:
- Yarra City Council Libraries: This program is part of the "Electrify Everything" campaign, and focuses on items that help with home efficiency and sustainability. Items available for checkout with a library card include portable induction cooktops, energy efficiency kits that measure electrical use, and thermal imaging cameras that connect to a smartphone to find drafts.
- Monash Public Library Service: This library's collection is chosen to encourage a "try before you buy" approach. The items, available for free to members aged 18+, range from handy tools to cake tins and induction cooktops. Patrons can borrow up to three items at a time for a two-week loan period.
- Bayside City Council: The "Library of Things" at the Beaumaris Library offers a collection of home appliances, electronics, and tools. They emphasize a goal to promote resource sharing and reduce waste. To access the collection, members must complete an in-person induction session.
Regional Victoria
The movement is also strong outside of Melbourne, with programs dedicated to tools and community.
- Wyndham Park Tool Library (Werribee): This community-led initiative is supported by local councils and offers a large selection of tools for a small annual subscription fee. Their inventory includes hundreds of items, from gardening tools and DIY supplies to woodworking and carpentry tools.
- Ballarat Tool Library (Ballarat): This volunteer-led library provides access to over 1,000 tools. The library operates on a small annual membership fee, with all funds going back into the library's operations. The collection includes woodworking, metalworking, and gardening tools.
- Brunswick Tool Library (Brunswick): This is a volunteer-run, membership-funded organization. It operates on a yearly membership, with no cost for individual tool borrowing. The library’s goal is to support DIY, gardening, and repair projects by providing tools and a forum for sharing knowledge and expertise.
New South Wales
New South Wales is home to a number of prominent lending libraries, with many initiatives driven by local councils and community organizations. These services focus on providing residents with access to a wide range of useful items, fostering a culture of sharing and local community bonds.
The Sydney Library of Things
This is a leading not-for-profit service with multiple locations, including Waverton, Lane Cove, Cromer, and Randwick.
'Libraries of Things' are springing up across Australia | 9 News Australia
It operates much like a traditional library, with members paying a small annual fee for access to a vast online inventory. The collection includes hundreds of items for various needs.
- Items to loan: The inventory has over 700 items, including hand and power tools, kitchen and dining appliances (like bread makers and food dehydrators), camping and sports gear, party supplies, and vehicle accessories like car racks.
- Loan Policies: A standard membership allows members to borrow up to five items at a time for a two-week period.
Inner West Tool Library
Located in Petersham, the Inner West Tool Library is a community-driven organization that has been operating since 2019. It aims to provide residents with access to a variety of equipment that would be impractical to buy for one-off use. The library is membership-based, with annual fees that support its operations.
- Items to loan: The collection is diverse, covering a wide range of needs. It includes essential tools like drills and hedge trimmers, as well as other useful items such as tents, marquees, and pressure washers.
- Loan Policies: Tools can be borrowed for a 7-day period, from Saturday to Saturday. A government-issued photo ID is required for borrowing.
Queensland
Queensland has a vibrant and growing "Library of Things" movement, with several key programs that operate on a community-first model.
- Brisbane Tool Library: Located in Brisbane, this is Queensland's first "Library of Things" and is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. It operates on a membership model and offers a vast inventory of items. Their collection includes hand and power tools, camping gear, kitchen appliances, and party supplies. The library's goal is to give residents access to tools they only need for one-off projects, saving them money and reducing the need to buy and store items.
- Mackay Regional Council: This program is part of the local public library system and offers a diverse range of items for free to members. Their collection includes robotics kits, musical instruments, sewing machines, and board games. They also lend out yoga mats, Cricut machines, and even oral history kits to help preserve local stories.
South Australia
South Australia has a strong network of "Libraries of Things" that are often part of local council initiatives or independent community groups.
- Adelaide Sustainability Centre: Located in Adelaide, this volunteer-run library operates on a pay-what-you-can donation model. Their focus is on items that help with home projects and connecting with nature. Their collection includes sewing machines, camping gear, and energy testing kits to help residents understand their home's power use.
- City of Prospect: This library has a "Library of Things" that encourages residents to try new equipment before they buy it. Their collection is available for a two-week loan period and includes a variety of items such as kitchen utensils, party accessories, and tech gadgets.
- City of Burnside: The Burnside Library offers a "Library of Things" with an emphasis on household items. It launched with a collection of kitchen items, such as various bakeware, with plans to expand based on community feedback.
- City of Onkaparinga: This library has a "Library of Things" at the Woodcroft Library that is part of a two-year trial. The collection focuses on items for one-off jobs, including baking and party items, outdoor gear, and even a chocolate fountain.
Western Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT
The "Library of Things" movement extends to every corner of Australia, with a number of unique and community-driven initiatives in the nation's remaining states and territories.
Western Australia
Perth has a prominent example in the Tools n Things Library, a volunteer-led, non-profit organization located in Leederville. It operates on an affordable membership model, giving members access to a large inventory of items. The collection includes over 1,500 items, from hand and power tools to gardening equipment like lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and even camping and recreational gear. Other similar libraries have also emerged in Perth, such as the Bassendean Share Shed.
Tasmania
Tasmania's movement is often a collaboration between local councils and community organizations.
- Launceston Tool Library: This is a key project being developed in partnership between the Youngtown Rotary Men's Shed and the City of Launceston. Its goal is to provide a new service where expensive tools, such as those for home repair, can be lent out to the public in the same way books are borrowed from a library.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT has a notable program that is a model for community resource sharing.
- Community Toolbox Canberra: This is Canberra’s first tool and equipment library. It's an important community resource that provides a wide range of tools for home, garden, and community projects. The library also runs Repair Cafes and workshops to teach residents how to fix items and build their own skills.
Conclusion
The rise of "Libraries of Things" across Australia signifies a growing movement toward a more sustainable and community-focused way of life. By providing access to everything from household tools and gardening equipment to party supplies and recreational gear, these libraries are helping people save money, reduce waste, and build stronger local connections.
Whether it's a dedicated non-profit like Tools n Things in Perth, a council-led initiative like the City of Onkaparinga's program, or a community collaboration like the Community Toolbox in Canberra, these initiatives prove that a sharing economy is not just a concept, but a thriving reality. They are fostering a culture of reuse and repair, and empowering individuals to take on projects without the burden of ownership. As these libraries continue to grow and evolve, they are sure to become an even more vital part of Australia's sustainable future.
