Why buy an item, use it once, keep it in your garage and get rid of it in five years’ time, when you can borrow? That’s why The Sydney Library of Things was launched last year with the assistance of the North Sydney Council.
What is The Sydney Library of Things?
The Sydney Library of Things is just like a library but instead of books, you borrow things. These “things” are everyday household items or objects. It’s a collection of extremely useful but only occasionally used items which are loaned out for a period. It’s about helping to reduce landfill by giving items a new home where they can be borrowed many times.
You can borrow a drill or a disco ball, an air mattress or an air compressor, a metal detector, or a high-pressure water cleaner and more.
Are you one of those people who like to try before you buy? If you are, then The Sydney Library of Things is a must!! Don’t go out and buy all that camping gear, only to find you don’t like camping or will only ever be able to fit in one trip a year.
If you like to entertain and need a few extra household items such as a rice cooker, an ice cream machine or extra glasses or a gazebo for outdoor entertaining you will find them in the library’s catalogue.
The most popular items borrowed so far have been the food dehydrator, paper shredder, camping gear and of course an old favourite the water pressure cleaner.
But wait there’s more… you pay one low quarterly, six montly or yearly membership fee and borrow items without paying an extra borrowing fee.
Where is The Sydney Library of Things Located?
The Sydney Library of Things is located at The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, in Waverton. (a place to visit if you have not been there before – kids love it).
Who’s Behind The Sydney Library of Things?
The Sydney Library of Things is a not-for-profit run by volunteers. Everyone involved gives their time for free. Two of the founders are Lane Cove locals, Cr Bridget Kennedy and ITC. The membership coordinator is another Lane Cove North local Jackie Brighton and our donations co-ordinator is Lane Cove local Rachel Platenik. Our Maintenance Team is led by Lane Cove North Local Tim Brighton.
All running costs are funded by monies raised from membership, donations and grants received from time to time. Read about the founders and volunteers here.
How Do You Borrow from The Sydney Library of Things – It’s as easy as 1,2, 3
Browse the online catalogue to see the range of things you can borrow, if something takes your fancy just follow these three easy steps:
Join The Sydney Library of Things and pay the membership fee.
Reserve the items you would like to borrow (same as any library).
Pick up the Items from The Sydney Library of Things on Saturday between 9 am and 12 pm and return them on the date nominated when you pick the items up (between 7 and 14 days depending on membership).
You can even give the gift of sustainability by purchasing a membership for family or friends here.
The Sydney Library of Things Quick Guide
| Location | The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability
2 Balls Head Dr, Waverton NSW 2060 |
| Hours | Open Saturday 9 to 12 pm You can reserve items 24/7 on their website |
| Membership Fees |
Annual | $85 ($60 Concession) Six monthly | $50 ($36 Concession) Quarterly | $30 ($22 concession) Depending on your membership you can borrow up to 5 items at a time – there are no extra fees to borrow items returned within the loan period |
| Loan Period |
14 days (this period may be extended upon request, depending on the item) |
| Contact Details |
Email: [email protected] |
| Website |
thesydneylibraryofthings.org.au
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| @thesydneylibraryofthings | |
| @thesydneylibraryofthings | |
| Get Involved | Become a member (even if you don’t want to borrow an item straight away this will help fund The Sydney Library of Things).
Donate extremely useful household items that are in good working condition (see the wish list here) Make a Monetary Donation Contact The Sydney Library of Things if you have some contacts in the tool or appliance, camping industry that could donate some items Give a Gift Voucher to Friends or Family |
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