- Mission & vision
- What is a Thing Library?
- Why a Thing Library?
- What kinds of "things" does the library offer?
- How does it work?
- Does the Thing Library accept thing donations?
- Who is the Thing Library for?
- Where is the Thing Library located?
- Who is running the Thing Library?
- How can I get involved?
- Check out more:
Mission & vision
Our mission is to help Londoners reduce household waste and save energy, natural resources, storage space, and money; and to build community resilience and belonging.
Our vision is a city where folks can access equipment and training to share, repair, create and learn together.
What is a Thing Library?
A Thing Library (also known as a Library of Things or a Tool Library) operates like a regular library, but lends things instead of books! There are around 2,000 formally established Thing Libraries around the world, including in Toronto, Guelph, and Kitchener-Waterloo. The longest-running Thing Library is Berkeley Tool Library, Berkeley CA, which was established in 1978!
In April 2022, a not-for-profit Thing Library opened in London, Ontario, located downtown at 206 Piccadilly St.
Why a Thing Library?
A shared inventory of tools and other households items allows for wider and more equitable access to these resources, and moves away from the traditional “take-make-waste” approach of buying new, using once or twice, then throwing away. Thing Libraries support a ‘culture of sharing’ - a circular economy - that connects the community and promotes small houses, home cooking, urban gardening, DIY projects, and playing outdoors.
Pooling resources in this way also benefits the environment and community by saving energy, natural resources, space for storage space, and money. The Library also serves a ‘gathering place’ where creators, builders, gardeners, bakers, cooks, and other community makers can connect and learn from one another.
What kinds of "things" does the library offer?
When the London Thing Library launched in April 2022, we started with over 350 things for loan. Today, we have over 500 items in our inventory. Most of the things we offer fall into the following categories:
- Food preparation and processing tools
- Gardening equipment
- 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
How does it work?
For an annual membership fee, you can borrow several things at once, for up to a week at a time (with the option to renew). We offer a reduced rate for those on a low income. For information and instructions on memberships, visit our Memberships page.
The Thing Library's lending function is 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.
Does the Thing Library accept thing donations?
Yes, we are currently accepting donations!
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 join our community. If any of these resonate with you, the London Thing Library is for you!
The Thing Library is perfect for…
- The weekend warrior looking to tackle projects around the house
- The prepper, with lots of food storage equipment to store fresh foods for longer
- The gardener needing an extra shovel or equipment to turn their 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 - items that may be too expensive, heavy or large.
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 online and pick them up during Reimagine Co’s opening hours.
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?
- Become a member
- Donate things
- Volunteer with us
- Join our mailing list
- Give us feedback
- Follow us on Facebook or Instagram
If your company or organization is interested in sponsoring, donating to or partnering with the Thing Library, please email info [at] thinglibrary [dot] ca
Check out more:
