Community involvement helps your Library of Things grow into something local people value, use and support. Listening to people early and keeping that conversation going will help you build a service that works for your community.

You don’t need a finished plan to get started. Share your ideas, be clear about what’s still open for discussion, and invite people to help shape what happens next.

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Start by listening

Find out what would make borrowing useful and accessible for local people. A conversation at an existing community event, a small drop-in session or a short survey can help you explore questions such as:

• What would people like to borrow?
• Where would they feel comfortable collecting and returning items?
• Which opening times would work for them?
• What might make borrowing difficult, such as cost, transport or using an online booking system?
• What skills, ideas or connections would they like to contribute?

Reach beyond people you already know. Ask local groups to help you hear from people of different ages, backgrounds and circumstances, including those who might otherwise miss the opportunity to take part.

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Shape your Library of Things together

Co-production means sharing power and working with people as equal partners. For a Library of Things, this could mean borrowers, volunteers and local partners making decisions together about the items you stock, how the service operates and how it develops.

Be clear about which decisions people can influence and any practical limits, such as your budget or available space. Give people opportunities to stay involved, and show how their contributions have shaped the project.

The Co-production Network for Wales resources include introductory guides, practical tools and case studies to help you get started.

The National Principles for Public Engagement in Wales offer a useful framework for planning inclusive engagement and checking how well it works.

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Use a mix of ways to reach people

Social media can help you share updates, ask questions and show what people can borrow. Choose channels your community already uses and that your team can manage consistently. For practical advice, explore Benthyg Cymru’s Social Media chapter.

Make space for conversations offline too. Put posters and flyers in libraries, community centres, schools, leisure centres and faith centres, with permission. Ask housing associations, local newsletters and community radio to help spread the word. Cafés, hairdressers and corner shops may also be happy to display information.

A small pop-up stall with examples of items people could borrow can make the idea easier to understand and give people a chance to ask questions.

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Build local connections

Work with organisations that already have trusted relationships in your community. They may be able to share information, host a conversation or introduce you to potential borrowers and volunteers.

Your local County Voluntary Council is a useful starting point for advice and connections. Find yours through the Third Sector Support Wales contact directory.

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Make taking part welcoming and accessible

Use plain language, choose accessible venues and offer ways to contribute without going online. Ask people what would help them take part, and consider different meeting times, transport options and communication formats. Where your budget allows, offer help with participation costs.

Disability Wales provides information and resources on removing barriers and understanding the social model of disability.

Consider offering key information in Easy Read, using simple words and supporting images. Easy Read Wales can help you make your information easier to understand

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Plan for Welsh and English

Build Welsh and English into your communications from the start, including posters, social media, surveys and signs. Ask people which language they prefer, and consider other languages used locally too.

The Welsh Language Commissioner’s support for businesses and charities includes practical guidance and advice on bilingual design, social media and developing Welsh language services.

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Keep the conversation going

Community engagement continues after you open. Ask borrowers and volunteers what’s working, what’s missing and what could improve. Share what you heard, what you changed and why some suggestions may need more time. Regular feedback helps people see the difference their involvement makes.

General Community Engagement. Use this password to access - B8RRowW1 - https://vimeo.com/1047280285?share=copy

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