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Share Bristol to open fifth Library of Things in new area
The resource-sharing group Share Bristol has announced it will be opening a new Library of Things in Easton.
Designed to save on waste and help people access things for cheap, the libraries allow people to borrow tools and equipment rather than having to buy them themselves.
For an annual membership fee of £50 (£20 for those on low incomes), users can borrow everything from pressure washers and drills to catering sets, camping kits and even musical instruments.
is needed now More than ever
Now Share Bristol has agreed a lease with not-for-profit landlord Spaceworks at The Old Co-Op on Chelsea Road.
It will be the organisation’s fifth Library of Things alongside sites in Bedminster, Kinsgwood, Frenchay and Winterbourne, and should be open shortly after the keys are handed over in September.
The libraries house everything from vacuum cleaners to musical instruments
“Our vision is that everybody shares,” said volunteer Anna Perry. “So what we are trying to do is normalise reusing things; donating things.
“Because if we normalise that, your neighbourhood will become a more sharing community.”
As well as hoping to reduce waste, the organisation provides affordable access to tools.
“It’s a lot about equality and social justice. People should have the ability to maintain their homes, maintain their gardens and go on holiday,” Perry said.
Share Bristol has launched a crowdfunding campaign for the new site in the hope of raising £5,000.
It is offering three-month trial memberships for supporters, and the donations are being matched by Aviva Community Fund.
The team will be getting the keys to the new site in September
Though the sites are largely volunteer-run, memberships and donations alone don’t cover the running costs, with money often needing to be spent on tool maintenance, repairs and replacement parts.
“We need people to support, to get behind it and join,” Perry urged. “If you want it to be there for your community you need to be there for the club.”
All photos: Molly Pipe
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