The "Library of Things" movement is a significant and rapidly growing trend in the UK and Ireland. It is a powerful example of a circular economy in action, presenting a modern solution to pressing social and economic challenges. The core principle of borrowing instead of buying directly addresses the issues of consumerism, waste, and the high cost of living. This comprehensive overview explores the movement's foundational context, its key players, and its growing impact across the island.
The ethos of sharing is deeply rooted in Ireland's social fabric. While a modern economy has moved away from traditional neighbourly sharing, a powerful community spirit remains a strong cultural force. This ethos provides the social foundation for new initiatives, which actively revive a collaborative spirit. The movement directly addresses two major contemporary challenges: it tackles environmental issues by reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption, and it confronts the cost of living crisis by providing an affordable alternative to ownership, for some people.
The "Library of Things" model is designed for accessibility and sustainability. It operates on principles of shared access and collective ownership. Users become members (often for a small fee) and gain access to a catalogue of items, which they can borrow for a specific loan period. The process is streamlined by technology, with online catalogues and reservation systems making it easy for members to browse available items and manage their loans.
The number of "Library of Things" projects in Ireland is growing at a rapid pace, with the number now well over 20 and continuing to expand. While the movement first gained traction in urban centers where density and a high cost of living make sharing more practical, it is now becoming increasingly common in rural areas. This demonstrates the model's adaptability and its appeal to diverse communities.
The inventory of a "Library of Things" is often a direct reflection of a community's needs. The most popular items are typically tools and equipment, such as drills, lawnmowers, and power washers, which are expensive to buy but are used infrequently. This is followed by games and toys. The inventory often expands to include other non-traditional items like camping gear, musical instruments, and even specialized electronics. These collections are often funded by grants and donations and are typically staffed by volunteers, reinforcing the collaborative community spirit at the heart of the movement.
The "Library of Things" model is designed for accessibility and sustainability. It operates on principles of shared access and collective ownership. Therefore, users become members (often for a small fee) and gain access to a catalogue of items, which they can borrow for a specific loan period. Furthermore, the process is often streamlined by technology, with online catalogues and reservation systems making it easy for members to browse available items and manage their loans.
The rise of Libraries of Things and the strengthening of community spirit in Ireland are not separate trends; they are two interconnected forces that create significant benefits for people and the planet. Firstly, by encouraging people to borrow rather than buy, these initiatives directly combat consumer waste. This reduces the demand for new products and minimizes the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing, transportation, and disposal. Secondly, this model naturally encourages a culture of sharing, which is a key to building stronger communities.
When people share resources, they build connections and reduce costs for everyone. This power of connection is vital for creating an ethically focused community. Furthermore, these initiatives give people access to a wide range of new things—from expensive power tools to specialized gardening equipment—that they might not be able to afford or have the space to store. This accessibility promotes personal growth and new hobbies. Beyond that, these shared spaces and events, like repair cafés and social gatherings, help people feel more connected to their neighbors and their wider community. This combats social isolation, which can lead to a greater sense of belonging. Ultimately, the social interaction and opportunities for skill-sharing provided by these hubs can help improve both mental and physical health by encouraging people to get out, be active, and engage with others.
The "Library of Things" ethos has been widely adopted across Ireland. Projects range from small, volunteer-led efforts to large-scale institutional initiatives. The following survey highlights key projects and their roles in advancing the sharing economy.
Republic of Ireland
National Strategy: The national library strategy, "The Library is the Place" (2023–2027), has a strong focus on transforming libraries into multi-purpose community hubs that support sustainable lifestyles.
Westmeath Libraries: These libraries are developing a multifaceted Library of Things to encourage a culture of reuse. Initiatives include a seed library for gardening, an instrument loan scheme in partnership with Music Generation Westmeath, a Costume Carousel for children’s costumes, and a collection of toys and games.
Wicklow County Council Library Service: This is a prime example of a traditional library expanding its offerings. It provides a "Library of Things" with non-traditional items like musical instruments, garden games, sensory toys, and seeds.
UCD Library of Things: Located at the James Joyce Library at University College Dublin. This initiative provides household items for students and staff, such as rice cookers, air fryers, and microphones.
Enable Ireland: A highly specialized example of a lending library. The Assistive Technology (AT) Equipment Loan Library provides vital equipment and devices to people with disabilities.
Meath County Council Libraries: Also offers equipment loan to community groups, including display panels and projectors.
Scarriff Public Library: In County Clare, this library holds events like a "Clothes Swap & Repair Demos," where people can exchange clothing items and learn repair skills.
Tipperary Libraries: The Cashel Library hosts a "Cashel Craft Circle," where participants can work on their own projects. Killenaule Library acts as a community hub with social events like "Tea, Chat and a Sing-Song," which encourage social connection and resource sharing.
Little Free Library: Following the worldwide "Little Free Library" concept, this initiative operates in Barnagore, Tipperary, on a "take a book, leave a book" principle, fostering community-based sharing.
North Ireland
Repair & Share Foyle: Located in Derry, this organization operates a physical "Library of Things" and a mobile repair café. It also recently launched a "Fixing Factory" to expand its repair services for household electricals.
Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN): This network runs a mobile "Library of Things" with a large inventory of over 350 items available for loan. Its mission is to make items accessible and reduce consumption from its base in County Tyrone.
Belfast Tool Library: The first tool lending library in Northern Ireland. It provides a variety of DIY and repair tools and also runs workshops to help people develop skills.
The Rediscovery Centre (Dublin): While located in Dublin, it is a national center for the circular economy. It offers a free Repair Café where experts assist in fixing broken items, from furniture to textiles.
Repair Cafe Northern Ireland: A network of 12 groups that promotes skill-sharing and the repair of broken items.
Tullamore Repair Café: Located at the Tullamore Library, it encourages the community to repair items rather than throwing them away. It focuses on mending clothes, gadgets, and toys, and features repair experts.
Other Circular Initiatives: These initiatives promote borrowing and sharing to support the circular economy. Examples include the Circular Dress Collaborative in Letterkenny and Rebel Reads Bookshop in Cork, which host clothes swap events, and the ReLove PopUp in Maynooth, which features pre-loved and sustainable fashion, accessories, and toys.
Libraries of Things and community spirit are two key trends in Ireland. They offer many important benefits to people. These benefits include reduced waste and encouraged sharing. The initiatives provide access to new things. People can use them to save money. This helps to reduce social isolation. Community spirit can increase belonging. These projects improve mental health. They also support physical health.
Using a Library of Things is a great idea. For example, you can borrow items for special projects. In doing so, you don't have to buy them. This, in turn, saves you money and storage space. Beyond that, it is a more sustainable choice. Ultimately, it helps to protect our environment. You can get involved in your community and meet your neighbors. As a result, this will increase your social connections. Therefore, it can make you feel more connected, and a sense of belonging can grow. These are all very important for well-being.
If you want to be more sustainable, this is a great step. You can save money and reduce waste and you'll will be helping your community. You will connect with other people. Consider using a Library of Things. By helping somebody else you help yourself.
