Sun, 28 Sep 2025

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 'At our library you can borrow drills, telescopes and life jackets'

The Library of Things is part of a growing trend for borrowing items rather than buying them.
In Skipton, North Yorkshire, residents can borrow everyday items from the "Library of Things", promoting sustainability by reducing unnecessary purchases. The top borrower is Susan Mullett, who developed a DIY habit after being made redundant and uses the library to rent tools like drills and mitre saws for her projects. Members pay £10 annually plus additional fees for more expensive equipment. Since its launch in July 2024, the library has gained 500 members with over 1,500 loans completed. Chair Angela Monaghan says popular items include hedge trimmers, dehumidifiers, and power tools, while seasonal items like high chairs and travel cots are also in demand. One member, Daniel Brown, borrowed a wallpaper stripper to decorate his new home, citing the low cost of £2 per week as a reason for not buying one outright. Larger items are stored in a garage unit, and entertainment options include musical instruments and garden games. The library offers a range of miscellaneous items, including a life jacket for dogs. The Library of Things aims to encourage people to buy fewer goods they'll only use occasionally, promoting sustainability in the community.
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