Swiss Cottage welcomes the Library of Things
Camden recently celebrated the launch of the Library of Things at Swiss Cottage Library.
A social enterprise that rents out useful items including drills and sewing machines, the Library of Things is located at Kentish Town and Swiss Cottage libraries and plays an integral part in our drive to reduce the amount of waste that we produce in the borough.
The launch event saw members of the pubic taking the opportunity to try out for free a range of the items for hire and learn more about how they can use them for practical projects at home.
Think & Do also launched their Swiss Cottage library Sharing Space, a place to learn, share skills, and connect with others.
Reducing the amount of waste that we produce in Camden is important to the borough becoming a more sustainable place to live and work.
We want to challenge the “take-make-dispose” model of the linear economy in Camden and replace it with an alternative which values repair, sharing and reuse, while cutting consumption emissions, reducing waste, and helping residents with the cost-of-living crisis.
Councillor Patricia Leman, Deputy Mayor of Camden said:
“I’m delighted to welcome the Library of Things to Swiss Cottage and today’s event was a great practical demonstration of how anyone can cheaply borrow items for projects or home improvements.”
Since the Library of Things came to Camden, over 4,000 people from across the borough have now borrowed 7,396 items, ranging from cleaning, DIY and gardening tools to items for cooking and events.
The Library of Things has also helped people share practical skills like DIY and repair with others in the community.
The Library of Things said:
“We’re really excited to bring Library of Things to Swiss Cottage Library, and to be working in partnership with Think & Do and Camden Council, for a fantastic launch event.
“This was a chance for residents to discover what shared access to tools can unlock, from learning a new skill like repair or DIY to supporting community projects - all the while reducing waste and breaking the cycle of consumerism.
“By offering affordable access to useful household tools and equipment, alongside Think & Do’s inspiring on-site advice and workshops, we’re helping people make sustainable choices that keep more money in their pockets.
“Together with our Kentish Town lockers, this new location means fewer tools gathering dust and more out in the community helping people create, fix and connect.”
The Library of Things offers over 30 useful household, DIY and gardening items for residents to borrow for as little as £1 a day. For more information visit: www.libraryofthings.co.uk