The Sydney Library of Things has opened its doors on the Northern Beaches, offering sustainability and a helping hand during the cost-of-living crisis.
The not-for-profit organisation is exactly what it sounds like- it is a library of useful stuff. It operates the same way a normal library would, but instead of borrowing books, an array of everyday items are available to loan.
The Sydney Library of Things has opened a Northern Beaches branch at the Cromer Community Centre.
The aim is to reduce the amount of waste contributed to the landfill each year. From camping equipment to gardening tools to kitchen appliances to board games, the library provides temporary homes for items that are only used on occasion.
Going on that annual fishing trip? Then borrow a pair of rods and a blow-up mattress. Expecting company for a fast-approaching barbeque party you’re grossly unprepared for? Then pick up a gazebo, some eskies and cooking utensils.
Most of the stock in the library has been donated or sourced and refurbished by the team.
Community members are encouraged to donate, either with items they no longer use – saving them from the landfill – or with their time by volunteering.
Manly Observer visited the Library of Things on Saturday at the Cromer Community Centre and met the enthusiastic volunteers who donated their time to the worthy cause.
“I volunteered because I love the idea of things not going into landfill and being able to be used again by the general population,” Katy said, sitting beside her fellow volunteers.
“I have volunteered because I’m excited for this to be an opportunity for the Northern Beaches to work on their sustainability together, to try new things together, to try new items, to get out of their comfort zone and to meet new people,” Georgia added.
“I volunteered because I want to be part of something bigger, something that’s going to make a real impact,” Laura concluded.
The Library will not break the bank either, in fact. Members pay $85 a year to borrow up to five items for a loan period of two weeks.
A six-month membership for $50 and $30 for quarterly is also available. Members can reserve any items on the website and then pick them up during the designated times at the chosen library location.
The idea originally started in the US before making its way through the UK and eventually landing in Australia. Now Northern Beaches residents can visit 150 Fisher Rd N, Cromer Community Centre. The library is open on Saturdays from 9am – 12pm.
The Northern Beaches addition is not the first of its kind. There are two more locations for the Library of Things at The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton and another on 47 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove.
So, if you feel like doing your part in keeping our landfills emptier, or just feel like saving some cash over the holidays, then head to the Sydney Library of Things to borrow the things you occasionally need for less.
