Have a question? We're here to help.

How does it work?

Your local Library of Things will have a website with an online catalogue that you can browse through. First you will need to register for a membership online. If you don’t have access to a computer, they can help you register in person. Once signed up as a member you will be able to reserve items in the catalogue online, in advance. The first time you borrow you will need to bring some ID with a photo and proof of your address, and you will need to sign the borrower’s agreement and liability waiver. You can then borrow your item/s.

What can I borrow?

Almost anything…the libraries in the network have a wide variety of items including DIY equipment, gardening equipment and kitchen equipment, plus event and entertainment equipment such as gazebos, disco lights, and giant garden games. You will find everyday items as well as more specialist things.

Why should I borrow instead of just buying it?

Save yourself some money - do you really need to own a drill that you use a few times a year? Save space - free up some cupboard space and let someone else worry about storing the stuff you hardly ever use. Reduce environmental impact - the things we use are made from finite resources, the longer we can keep items in use the better. Borrowing can also decrease the demand for new items in the first place.

Where do the items come from?

Most of the items in libraries of things are donated by people in the community. The items will be checked over to make sure they are safe and in good working order. Some of the libraries have had some grant funding to help pay for some newer items. If you have items at home that you would like to donate to your local Library of Things contact them directly. Generally your local Library of Things will only accept useful items in good condition, most will be picky but polite. Before donating ask yourself if you would want to use the thing in the condition that its in?

How much does it cost?

It will depend on your local Library of Things as they are all run independently. Some may charge a small membership fee to join, most offer a free membership. Loan fees are kept as low as possible – often considerably less than you would pay for the item second hand. (NB: For larger items there may be a small refundable deposit required.) The idea is to ensure borrowing is as accessible as possible to everyone in the community. Some Library of Things will offer the option to pay in volunteer time. Ask your nearest one what options they have available. The loan fees help with local ongoing running costs, including maintenance and spare parts for the items . One of Benthyg Cymru's core values is that borrowing should be available to everyone no matter the circumstances.

Why do you charge? Libraries don't charge for books..

Many Libraries of Things projects have funding to get set up but need to generate some income to keep the project going. The loan fees help with local ongoing running costs, including maintenance and spare parts for the items, similar to how book libraries might charge for DVDs or photocopying.

Are the items safe to use?

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What happens if something breaks while I’m borrowing it?

Each Library of Things will have their own way of managing these situations without penalising borrowers but the most important thing is to be open and honest about any faults in an item you are returning so that it can be fixed and made safe for the next borrower. Sometimes an item will be beyond repair, in which case your local Library of Things will dispose of it, safe in the knowledge that it has been used and shared as much as it possibly could have been. Check out the terms and conditions or borrowers’ agreement on each Library of Things online borrowing platform to find out their specific policies.

What happens if someone doesn’t return an item?

This happens very rarely as most borrowers appreciate the sharing ethos that underpins the Benthyg Cymru network. In the unlikely event that someone doesn’t return an item, the Library of Things that they borrowed from will make every effort to contact them with reminders. If the member does not respond, it is likely to become a police matter. Check out the terms and conditions or borrowers’ agreement on each Library of Things online borrowing platform to find out their specific policies.

How do I donate an item?

Contact your nearest Library of Things to find out if they need/want the item. Items should be in good working order and useful. Most Libraries do not accept items for babies under 6 months. If you don't have a venue near to you drop us line and see if we can help info@benthyg-cymru.org.

Can I volunteer?

Yes! Volunteers are the bedrock of libraries of things... there's plenty to do from PAT testing to social media. Get in touch with your local library to find out how you gain gain skills, meet new people and be part of the borrowing revolution.

I want to borrow something but there is no Library of Things near me

Try asking your friends and neighbours, social media can be a great way to share things informally in your community. If you'd like to have a Library of Things near ask your elected representatives to contact us and we'll see what we can do. If you would like to set up a Library of Things in your area check out our Start Something page

How do I start a Library of Things?

The beauty of the network is that no 2 Library of Things are the same - some are run but community groups, some by local authorities, some by bigger organisations and partnerships. We have learnt that you need paid staff, volunteers and a space. In our experience few LoTs can survive being run solely on volunteers. This simple concept can become complicated but we're here to guide you through the steps and give you the support you need to not only set one up but to grow.

What is a library of things?

A Library of Things is a community space where you can borrow items for a small fee (the fee could be time, money or something else) – anything that you might need to use now and again. By signing up as a member of your local Library of Things, you can reduce the environmental impact of purchasing and owning items, as well as saving money and saving space. It's about sharing in your community - making use of the abundance of stuff we already have keeping things circular and in use for as long as possible, it's about meeting friends and neighbours and supporting each to live with less impact. It's about everyone having access to the things they need.

What does Benthyg mean?

Benthyg (ben-thig) is the Welsh word for borrow or lend. We want it to become part of everyday language in Wales even if you don't speak Welsh, a bit like cwtch.

What is Benthyg Cymru?

Benthyg Cymru is a community interest company (CIC) set up to support and develop Libraries of Things in Wales. We are not-for-profit, meaning that all our resources are used for our goal of making borrowing as easy as popping out for a loaf of bread.