Share the joy: Introducing the Edinburgh Library of Things!
In a world grappling with the cost of living crisis and the climate crisis, a brilliant new idea has landed in Edinburgh, offering a practical and powerful solution: the Edinburgh Library of Things (ELoT).
ELoT is a non-profit social enterprise that’s radically challenging the way we think about ownership. Forget buying a fancy kitchen gadget you’ll use once, or an expensive cleaner you only need for a spring deep-clean. Now, you can simply borrow it.
What Exactly is the Library of Things?
ELoT is a collection of high-quality items—primarily kitchenware, cleaning tools, outdoor, household, and events equipment—that members can borrow.
"We differ from traditional libraries in our inventory," explain Phoebe and Alix, the library’s founders, "and from commercial rental stores in our business model as people pay for a membership that gives them access to our inventory rather than paying per day per item."
The inspiration came from a desire to take practical, on-the-ground action. "We had spoken a lot about all the ways in which the world feels insurmountably difficult," the founders said. "That’s where a library of things came up. It would directly help people as well as provide a convenient avenue for people to combat these issues."
Their core mission is clear: as the founders put it, "Our core mission is to reduce waste, increase community wealth, and improve community agency. We want to provide people access to the things they want and need without having to sacrifice their income or the environment."
An Affordable Alternative
For a small annual fee, you can access items that cost hundreds of pounds to buy new. This offers huge savings!
"Most of our inventory costs more to buy individually than it does for an annual standard membership," they noted. "For example; the carpet cleaner costs £299 the standing mixer costs £900, and our gazebos cost £99. For £60 a year, members get access to borrow all of these, plus even more things in inventory."
This is how ELoT combats the culture of excessive ownership. They focus on items you need sometimes but not all the time, like pasta makers, camping gear, air mattresses, or even bonsai tree pruning scissors (a result of an "outstanding request" in their initial survey!).
Part of an Incredible Sharing Ecosystem
ELoT joins Edinburgh's already impressive library scene, working alongside organisations like the fantastic Edinburgh Tool Library. "They have been so helpful and supportive and we love that we get to work alongside them," they shared.
While the Tool Library has you covered for all your DIY and power tool needs, ELoT complements them by offering a broad range of household and leisure items.
The Practicalities: How to Borrow
The community's response has been heartwarming. "We’ve had some good support from the community that has been a nice jumping off point," the founders said.
The borrowing process is simple:
Become a Member: Sign up online for a standard or concession membership. "Accessibility was a priority," the founders stressed, which is why concession memberships are offered at monthly and annual frequencies with no conditions and no evidence required.
Browse and Reserve: Use the online library to reserve items.
Collect/Return: Pick up and drop off your items at their current location at Griffen Fitness, just off Leith Walk, every Friday. Delivery via CADi Cargo Bike Deliveries is also an option!
The inventory is acquired primarily through kind community donations, second-hand finds, and some new items bought with funding. "Most of our items are currently donations from community members which we’re very grateful for," they said. Every item is cleaned, tested, and PAT tested where necessary to ensure it's in good, safe working order.
Building Community and Challenging Waste
ELoT is about more than just loans; it's about building a stronger community. They run workshops focused on repairing and upcycling things, helping people become less reliant on buying replacements.
"Part of community wealth building is community knowledge sharing," the founders explained, adding that the sessions help people meet others who can offer assistance if they find repairs too difficult.
The very premise of a library of things radically challenges the idea of individual ownership. "When people first hear about ELoT, we can almost see the seed being planted in their heads and a light bulb flashing on as they consider the implications of sharing things," the founders observed. "If people aren’t ready to participate, the fact it exists is enough to start a mindset shift in people."
This sharing model has a real environmental impact. "ELoT is reducing the number of duplicate items that get used and eventually thrown away," they stated. For example, a single second-hand juicer has been borrowed three times, used by four different people, saving 15kg of plastic and metal waste in just one month of opening!
Join the Movement!
As a new member of the ECCAN network, ELoT hopes to collaborate with other groups on events and workshops. You can help by signing up as a member, donating items, and spreading the word.
The long-term dream is ambitious: "Multiple locations, city-wide service, free deliveries, and a mini-library of things inside every City of Edinburgh library."
The founders' final pitch is compelling: "We really believe that people are ready for real change... It’s time to build something better together, and we think ELoT is a really good start."
The absolute best way to support this incredible new venture is to sign up as a member today! Not only do you get access to the growing stock, but your membership fee helps ELoT grow, secure a permanent premises, and buy more highly-requested items.
Visit the Edinburgh Library of Things website at elot.org.uk today!