- Mission & vision
- What is a Thing Library?
- Why a Thing Library?
- When did the Thing Library open?
- What kinds of "things" does the library offer?
- Who is the Thing Library for?
- Where is the Thing Library located?
- How does it work?
- Who is running the Thing Library?
- How can I get involved?
Mission & vision
The Thing Library is a space where Londoners access equipment and training to share, repair, create and learn together.
Our vision is to reduce waste and facilitate skill-sharing among community members to build resilience and belonging.
What is a Thing Library?
Just like a library is a place where you can borrow books, a Thing Library (also known as a library of things or a tool library) is a place where you can borrow things.
Thing libraries have been around for many years, and there are hundreds of them around the world, including in Toronto, Guelph, and Kitchener-Waterloo.
In April 2022, a not-for-profit Thing Library opened in London, Ontario, located downtown at 206 Piccadilly St.
Why a Thing Library?
The sharing of tools and other household items allows community members to borrow from a large inventory of items to use at home. This pooling of resources benefits the environment through saving energy, natural resources, storage space and money. At the same time giving equitable access to these items to those who would not have another means of affording them.
The Library concept promotes a circular economy, moving from the traditional “take-make-waste” approach of buying unnecessary items to an interconnected community ecosystem that provides a support network for small homes, food preparation, and garden projects.
When did the Thing Library open?
The London Thing Library launched in April 2022. We are currently accepting donations – see our Donate Things, Funds or Time page to donate. We began lending with over 350 things available for loan, with the intention of increasing our inventory steadily over time. Today we have over 500 items available to borrow.
What kinds of "things" does the library offer?
Click here to view our current inventory.
Most of the things we offer fall into the following categories::
- Food Processing Tools
- Garden Tools
- Tools for DIY and Repairs
- Important, but less frequently used, household items, such as outdoor gear and arts and crafts equipment
- Low waste community event items such as cutlery, serving plates and coffee makers.
Who is the Thing Library for?
The London Thing Library is for anyone who is looking to reclaim space in their home, save money on expensive equipment, generate less waste and be a part of this community. If any of these ideas resonate with you, the London Thing Library is for you!
The London Thing Library is perfect for the weekend warrior looking to tackle projects around the house. It is perfect for the prepper, with lots of food storage equipment to store fresh foods for longer. It is perfect for the gardener whether you need an extra shovel or equipment to turn your bounty into jam or pickles. With workshops and events, you can learn about things that interest you and borrow the things you'll need to see them through. Whatever your hobby is, the London Thing Library is here to support you!
We also strive to support those who lack access to home equipment that other Londoners may take for granted. The London Thing Library helps eliminate barriers to accessing equipment that may be too expensive, heavy or large, by allowing people to borrow it as needed.
Where is the Thing Library located?
The London Thing Library is housed in the same building as Reimagine Co's package-free grocery store at 206 Piccadilly Street in downtown London, Ontario.
You can browse and reserve our inventory of things online and pick them up during Reimagine Co’s opening hours.
How does it work?
For a monthly membership fee, you can borrow several things at once, for up to a week at a time. There is a reduced rate for those on a low income.
The Thing Library's lending function i paired with training workshops for all skill levels, repair café events, and other events and programs that facilitate skill-sharing among community members to build resilience and belonging.
Who is running the Thing Library?
The Thing Library is operated by the Institute for Community Sustainability (ICS for short), which is a federal not-for-profit.
The Thing Library is possible thanks to support from Thames Region Ecological Association, the City of London, Libro Credit Union, London Community Foundation, SSHRC, Westminster College Foundation, Tuckey Home Hardware, the Signal Boost Initiative and the Government of Canada.
The Thing Library relies on grants and sponsorships to support our work. We are in conversations with potential partners, sponsors and funders. If your organization would be interested in sponsoring or partnering with us, please email info@reimagineinstitute.ca
How can I get involved?
- Memberships are open! Visit the Membership page to learn more about how to become a member.
- If you have any things that you would like to donate to the Thing Library, please visit our Donate Things, Funds or Time page.
- If your company or organization is interested in sponsoring, donating to or partnering with the Thing Library, please email info@thinglibrary.ca
- If you would like to volunteer, donate to or become a member of the Thing Library, visit the Donate Things, Funds or Time page. Or Join our Mailing List on the Contact Us page to be the first to hear about any developments and new opportunities.
- Follow Reimagine Institute on Facebook or Instagram for news and updates
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