RESIDENTS can now borrow items, from DIY tools to kitchen gadgets, at Leamington Library of Things.
The community-run initiative allows people to borrow practical items they may only need occasionally, saving money and storage space as well as reducing waste.
It is the second to be set up in Warwickshire – the first is based in Rugby – although there are over 100 across the UK.
The Leamington Library of Things is based with the new EcoHub on Bedford Street and already has around 150 items available to borrow.
These include various items such as a pressure washer, steam cleaner, circular saw, chimney sweeping rods, drain unblocker, hedge trimmer, nail gun, sanders, a range of drills, travel cots and various items of PPE.
Alongside kitchen gadgets such as a food processor, popcorn maker and a soup kettle, there are lots of useful party items too, such as lights, chairs, serving plates and bunting. And the more unusual things to borrow include a selfie ring light, a telescope and a megaphone.
Membership of the library is free of charge, and although there is a small cost to borrow each item, it still works out much cheaper than buying something new and only using it once or twice.
The Leamington Library of Things has been set up by Maurice Herson, who had a similar venture in Oxford before he moved to Leamington.
He said: “Many of us have cupboards, sheds or garages full of things we hardly ever use; it’s often said that the average drill is used for just 13 minutes each year. The Library of Things is a simple idea that just makes sense: instead of everyone buying, storing and eventually throwing away the same items, we share them.
“It saves people money, frees up space at home, and reduces waste at the same time. Every time someone borrows instead of buying, it’s good for their wallet and good for the planet.”
Visit www.leamingtonlibraryofthings.co.uk for more details.
