Following the success of the first site in Canada Water, the sharing initiative has now launched at Dulwich Leisure Centre and Castle Leisure Centre.
Residents of Southwark now have even more opportunities to save money and reduce waste, as the borough’s innovative Library of Things expands to two new locations. Following the success of the first site in Canada Water, the sharing initiative has now launched at Dulwich Leisure Centre and Castle Leisure Centre, providing affordable access to a wide range of useful items.
Southwark Council, working in partnership with the community-powered social enterprise Library of Things, is making it easier than ever for residents to borrow rather than buy. The expansion means that most Southwark residents are now within 1.5 miles of a Library of Things location, reinforcing the council’s commitment to a greener, fairer, and more sustainable borough.
A Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Solution
The Library of Things offers an array of rentable items, from household essentials like carpet cleaners and drills to leisure and event equipment such as sound systems and projectors. By allowing people to borrow items instead of purchasing new ones, the initiative has already saved Londoners more than £8 million, with nearly 60,000 rentals recorded to date.
This scheme has also played a significant role in environmental conservation, preventing approximately 379 tonnes of waste from ending up in landfills—the equivalent of 30 double-decker London buses. The service encourages a shift towards a circular economy, promoting reuse, repair, and recycling while reducing unnecessary consumption.
Community Engagement and Skill-Sharing
Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the Library of Things fosters community engagement. Many users have taken the opportunity to develop new skills, such as DIY and repair techniques, by borrowing tools and equipment. A recent survey by Library of Things revealed that 58% of members borrow items primarily to support sustainability, while 60% reported being more inclined to reuse and recycle after using the service.
Eleanor Storey, a Library of Things member, expressed her enthusiasm: “I love Library of Things. I used it all the time when I lived in east London and have been looking for the nearest one since I moved. I would be a regular at the Dulwich site! Amazing initiative for saving space, money, and reducing waste.”
Leading the Sharing Economy in London
Southwark Council has been a key driver in pioneering the sharing economy across London. Cllr John Batteson, Southwark Council’s Lead Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs, and Business, highlighted the significance of the expansion: “We are thrilled to expand Library of Things in Southwark with two new locations, which means most of our residents now live in close proximity to a site they can use. We have seen in Canada Water how community borrowing can save residents money, help them pick up new skills, and foster a greater sense of community – all whilst reducing their own carbon footprint and helping the planet.
“That’s why we’re proud to be leading the way for the sharing economy in London with this expansion, showing how tackling the climate emergency and becoming more sustainable is something that can be fun, convenient, and allows people to save money at the same time.”
A Model for the Future
The Library of Things initiative is quickly becoming a model for other cities across the UK and Europe. Rebecca Trevalyan, co-founder of Library of Things, praised Southwark Council for its leadership: “We celebrate Southwark Council for pioneering the global Sharing Cities movement with us. Now nearly every Southwark home is within 1.5 miles of a Library of Things!
“Southwark Council and other councils across London have helped create the first city-wide network of sharing libraries in the UK. Thousands of residents are benefitting from lower living costs and are reducing waste and emissions by preventing unnecessary purchases and adopting reuse and repair behaviours.
“We’d love to hear from other cities in the UK and Europe who’d like to be the next.”
