A Library of Things for Nailsworth

Community consultation

NailsworthCAN are working with The Repair Cafe* to create a Library of Things for Nailsworth. If you need a tool for your DIY project or want to borrow a carpet cleaner, you would be able to borrow these items, just like you can from an ordinary library.

As a first step, we want to find out if there is a demand for a Library of Things in Nailsworth. We also want you to let us know what kind of Library you might like to have: for example, what sorts of items you would like to borrow and on what basis. We need as much feedback as possible to support future funding applications for this project. 

Do you have 5 minutes to complete our simple survey and tell us your thoughts about a Library of Things for Nailsworth?

* The Nailsworth Repair Café is a Transition Stroud initiative

What is a Library of Things?

A library of things is a place where you can borrow DIY tools, leisure gear, toys etc. The idea is that we can all save money and resources by borrowing instead of buying.

Here are some existing Libraries of Things in the UK

Share Oxford - ITV news report

Share - a Library of Things in Frome, Somerset

A Library of Things in London

Become a panel member for the Nailsworth Library of Things

You can play an active part in the creation of a Library of Things for Nailsworth by joining our panel. The panel will meet monthly from July onwards (most likely via Zoom) to discuss and plan how to take this project forward. We might also gather your opinions through short panel surveys. We want the panel to be as representative of Nailsworth residents as possible, so people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences are welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What sorts of things will I be able to borrow?

Libraries of Things that have already been set up say that the most popular items borrowed are:

  1. Carpet cleaner

  2. Strimmer

  3. Lawnmower

  4. Hedge trimmer

  5. Pressure washer

  6. Projector

  7. Sewing machine

  8. Power drill

  9. Dehumidifier

  10. Tents

Complete our survey to let us know what items you might light to borrow.


Where will the ‘things’ in the LOT come from?

We are hoping that most of the items will come from donations from the local community or businesses.


Where will the LOT be located?

This will partly be decided by the consultation as well as what spaces are available. The main decision we need to make is whether we have a central location in Nailsworth or a few smaller locations around the local area. Devon even has Share Shed, which is fully mobile!


What happens when items get broken?

Luckily, we have the expertise of Repair Cafe Nailsworth to help fix broken items.


Will there be a membership fee?

Probably, but the amount and the question of how to make this affordable to everyone is part of our consultation. Please add your voice!


How much will it cost to borrow items?

This will form part of our consultation with the local community. We want the LOT to be affordable to everyone but also to have enough funds to run smoothly.


How can I get involved?

We would be delighted if you joined our ‘panel’ - a group that will meet monthly via Zoom and participate in more detailed surveys to discuss and shape the LOT in Nailsworth. To become a panel member, please complete the form above these FAQs.


I have a question about LOT that wasn’t answered.

Contact us at nailsworthcan@gmail.com and we’ll try to answer your question as best we can.