Oxford Wood Recycling Library of Things

Oxford Wood Recycling are planning to set up a Library of Things – a resource for the local community to borrow tools for DIY projects. They’ve set up a Crowdfunder to help them raise money to get things started – why not consider donating to help them hit their target. Click here to read more.  All money donated will be match funded.

What is a Library of Things?

Imagine going into a neighbourhood shop to borrow tools, kitchen appliances, camping gear, party supplies, sports equipment, musical instruments, and more. You wouldn’t have to buy, repair or store infrequently used items. You’d have access to a much wider variety of goods than you could ever own, and you could easily share things with neighbors. This is the idea behind a Library of Things.

The benefits of borrowing items from a Library of Things rather than owning them are multiple: we free up space in our homes; save money by paying a fraction of the purchase cost; and ensure items get a full life of use, reducing over-manufacturing and material usage as well as waste and carbon emissions.

SHARE Oxford for example, based in North Oxford, has been thriving for a number of years, with tools available for just about any job.

So what are Oxford Wood Recycling planning?

Oxford Wood Recycling was established in 2005 and has been collecting wood waste which is either sold on for DIY purposes or made into furniture for almost 20 years. Their mission is to care for our environment and transform lives.

When talking to customers, they regularly offer advice on their project, and the wood and tools to use. It became apparent that many customers did not have the required tools and would look to borrow from family and friends rather than buy new. They realised that hiring out tools for a short period was a service they could offer that would provide benefit.

They have spoken to the local community for their thoughts and input about the Library of Things – and have said that the response has been very enthusiastic!

The money they raise will be spent setting up the Library of Things. This will include the purchase of equipment to ensure they have the range of tools when they launch so that our community will achieve satisfaction from the start. It will also allow them to source the required technology to offer a professional and easy to use system for booking and promoting the tools they have available.

Their vision is to offer a service to the local community that provides them with a cost effective benefit of borrowing tools rather than buying new. This will reduce the need for new items to be purchased which in turn will reduce the amount of waste.