A NEW type of library which allows people to borrow tools and equipment instead of books is planning to open its latest branch in Frenchay.
The first Library of Things was opened in Kingswood three years ago by charity Share Bristol.
The idea behind the concept is that there are items like garden and DIY tools, camping equipment and party decorations, which people need once in a while but don’t actually need to own.
Started with funding from South Gloucestershire Council, the Library of Things charges members a flat rate to join and they can then borrow items as often as they like with no extra fees.
Share Bristol opened a second Library of Things in Bedminster earlier this year and now wants to open a third branch in Frenchay.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “There are now over 600 Bristol households that are members of Share Bristol’s Library of Things, a number which has more than doubled since April this year.
“With at least 1,500 things available to borrow across the current two sites, the offering continues to grow, as Share Bristol’s dedicated volunteers have been sorting, cleaning, testing and adding around 100 new items to the Library of Things catalogue each month over the summer.
“Borrowing rates are reaching new highs too, with 422 loans checked out in July, many of which were popular summer items like tents and other camping gear, strimmers, lawn mowers, pressure washers and gazebos, alongside year-round favourites like carpet cleaners and drills.”
To fund the new branch the charity has launched a crowdfunding page, which had raised £8,200 of its £9,000 target as the Voice went to print.
Share Bristol has secured a pledge of match funding from the Aviva Community Fund, to effectively double the amount donated online.
People who donate are being offered vouchers towards membership of the new Library of Things if the project goes ahead.
The donation page can be found at tinyurl.com/4snxtah6.