Libraries Sharing: Amplifying Access to Essential Resources for All

The concept of Sharing Libraries is gaining traction, offering a unique solution to fill community provision gaps and reduce environmental impact. These libraries, which allow community members to borrow items without purchase, are becoming increasingly popular, especially benefiting low-income households and those with limited support networks.

The benefits of Sharing Libraries extend beyond community provision. They also help in reducing environmental impact by lessening the demand for new manufactured products, thereby lowering lifetime carbon emissions. With low-cost setup options, using repurposed lockers and relying on donated inventory, these libraries are financially accessible and can enrich social connection and resource access.

However, establishing a Sharing Library is not without its challenges. A reliable inventory-tracking system and potentially staff support are essential, both of which need funding. More complex operations require collaboration among multiple stakeholders, making setup more time-intensive. Systems and policies must be customized to local conditions and rigorously tested before public launch to ensure a positive user experience. Finding appropriate locations with high foot traffic is crucial for visibility and usage.

To get started, assessing community needs is key. Potential users should be engaged to identify which items will be most useful and appealing. Including a mix of practical and recreational items can attract wider interest. Using already available resources, such as repurposed lockers or donated items, can minimize startup costs. Choosing a high-visibility location can spark curiosity and encourage spontaneous borrowing.

A simple, manageable checkout system, such as using student IDs or library cards and paper or digital forms, should be implemented. Leveraging community networks and online tools can help gather donations and increase involvement. Planning a community launch event or social media campaign can raise awareness and build momentum.

Innovative initiatives like the Circular Library Network (CLN) are leading the way in providing a plug-and-play Lending Library infrastructure. CLN, a tech startup founded by Anna in 2022, is working with real estate, municipalities, corporations, and retailers to make lending libraries more accessible. CLN has developed a self-checkout system for lending libraries, which can be packaged and sold globally.

CLN systems are in high demand across the EU, with 45 orders currently being processed for use in eight countries by the end of 2025. However, it's important to remember that systems and policies need to meet local conditions and be tested before going public, as a single bad experience could deter users.

In Iceland, Hringrásarsetur Íslands, an NGO, took over management of Reykjavik's lending libraries and continues to do so. Anna predicts that the number of Sharing Libraries will continue to grow as organisations realise their potential.

Remember, it's not just about offering practical items - think about what they'll find fun, too. Whether it's a book, a board game, or a power tool, Sharing Libraries provide a unique opportunity for communities to come together and share resources.

For more pointers on getting started, both Shareable and Leila have compiled helpful guides. The system is modular, scalable, and can be affixed to any type of storage system, including IKEA furniture. So, get set up in a location with a lot of footfall to raise the curiosity of passers-by, and watch your Sharing Library grow into a thriving community hub.

Science has shown that community Sharing Libraries positively impact local provision and reduce environmental waste.
Chronic diseases, medical conditions, and other health issues can be a burden on low-income households, making Sharing Libraries a valuable resource.
Space-and-astronomy enthusiasts can borrow telescopes or books on astronomical topics from Sharing Libraries.
In the realm of workplace-wellness, Sharing Libraries could offer resources for stress management, fitness, and mental health.
Respiratory conditions demand specific treatment, but some can find relief through nutritious food choices as part of nutrition and cancer prevention strategies.
The lending of equipment for fitness-and-exercise can encourage healthy lifestyle choices for individuals with weight-management goals.
For those dealing with skin-conditions or aging, skin-care products and resources can be borrowed from Sharing Libraries.
Lending libraries offer resources for eye-health and hearing aids, helping to alleviate the financial burden of these medical conditions.
Health-and-wellness extends to sexual-health and practice, making Sharing Libraries a potential source of information and products.
Autoimmune-disorders require ongoing care, and patients might benefit from a lending library system for books, medical equipment, or special dietary items.
Donated resources in Sharing Libraries can include gardening tools and resources, supporting home-and-garden enthusiasts.
Environmental-science literature and sustainability resources are valuable additions to Sharing Libraries, addressing climate-change concerns.
Businesses, including those in the finance and investing sectors, can provide educational resources for boosting personal-finance and wealth-management skills.
The lending of books and resources related to climate-change, sustainable living, and environmental-science can support individuals in reducing their carbon footprint and making eco-conscious decisions.
In the realm of womens-health, menstrual products and resources on reproductive health can be borrowed from Sharing Libraries.
Sharing Libraries can also provide resources for mens-health, such as books on prostate health, nutrition, and fitness.
Resources on parenting, child development, and educational materials can be essential contributions to Sharing Libraries.
Lending libraries can also provide resources on baby gear, toys, and clothing for families with young children.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, libraries can offer computer and device resources, helping to bridge the digital divide.
The lending library concept can extend to fashion-and-beauty, allowing individuals to try out trendy or designer clothing and accessories before committing to a purchase.
Food-and-drink resources in Sharing Libraries can include cookbooks, cooking utensils, and even locally-sourced ingredients.
Therapies-and-treatments for mental-health issues can be expensive, and Sharing Libraries can provide books, resources, and tools for managing anxiety, depression, and other disorders.
The lending of tools for hobbies, such as painting, woodworking, or knitting, can be beneficial to individuals seeking creative outlets.
Sharing Libraries can offer materials for crafts, DIY projects, and hobbies, engaging the community in creative pursuits.
Resources for sports equipment, such as golf clubs, soccer balls, or basketballs, can facilitate physical activity and recreation.
In the realm of mixed-martial-arts, Muay Thai equipment or martial arts books can be borrowed from a Sharing Library.
Lending libraries can also provide resources for investigation and sports analysis, fostering the next generation of journalists, analysts, and sports enthusiasts.