The UK's first sharing city has transformed the way we access things
From community cohesion, to tackling waste - sharing libraries provide affordable access to things and empower communities to learn the skills required to fix, mend and repair.
That's Mete
"We’re proud to be leading the way when it comes to sustainability"
– Mete Coban MBE
Deputy Mayor for Environment & Energy
The network effect makes sharing simple, convenient, joyful.
In London, we learned that a network of sharing libraries is essential to reach a critical mass of users and accelerate impact. When sharing libraries are embedded in the places we already go, they become part of everyday life, which makes borrowing easy and accessible for many. It builds the foundations for deeper shifts in how we live, connect, and consume.
Reimagining the future of our highstreets
A thriving network of location partners is essential to unlock access for citizens. Sharing libraries work best where there's high footfall and they are easily visible for people passing by.
Libraries
"Library of Things is a fantastic example of how we can innovate and build on what libraries already offer our communities - a culture of sharing. Access to shared tools helps individuals take on new projects, while fostering a culture of sustainability, shared responsibility and community connection. A win for everyone in our borough!"
Kirsty Waugh, Assistant Director for Climate and Environment, London Borough of Waltham Forest
Sharing cities grow community connection and resilience
From borrowing a drill, to building belonging - sharing libraries support communities to regain everyday agency by sharing, mending and learning together. Empowering everyone to take part in shaping a fairer, more connected society.
Saving people
money and space
With soaring living costs, local authorities want to support residents and have trialled subsidising discounts and credits
Building skills to unlock more circular behaviours
Sharing helps communities learn, repair, and revive the DIY spirit that builds confidence and resilience, in a world rendered passive by consumption.
Forging
connection
Sharing things brings people together when we face so much of what separates us - to help neighbours, start projects, and grow a movement of connection.
The network effect
Members saved
£8.6 million+
Shared
60,400+ items
Electricals reused
423 tonnes
3. Guided by our values of collaboration, regeneration
& participation
Our approach to design is rooted in our beginnings as a grassroots community project in South London. Over the last ten years, we’ve listened, experimented and built Library of Things with the communities that visit our libraries.
We combine practical tools and behavioural insights to help people form new habits around sharing, repairing, and connecting.
2. Building, testing, iterating based on feedback and learnings
1. Starts with solving a
human
problem
Interested in starting your own sharing network?
Driving behaviour change through community-first design
or if you'd like to find out more about our approach to behaviour change please reach out
At point of purchase
Livat Mall, Hammersmith
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua."
– Hammersmith Member
Library buildings
Canada Water Library
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Community connections
Hackney Baths Community Hub
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Local Hotspots
Leisure Centre, Elephant & Castle
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