The article about the future of public libraries was intended to be the final one in the series, but I have recently learned of an interesting new development that is worth highlighting.
I said previously that public libraries have changed with the times in their fight for survival. For example, some of them are providing various community educational services and calling themselves Idea Stores.
I came across another new community initiative when I went past a library on a bus and saw a notice in the window advertising items for hire. Cleaning, camping, gardening, DIY and events were among the uses mentioned.
This seemed like a great idea to me. I investigated online when I got home, and found that there is a new social enterprise called the Library of Things.
The company lends tools, equipment and other useful objects rather than books, and they do this through the public library system. Their aim is to promote community spirit and the sharing economy and reduce excessive consumption:
Why buy when you can borrow?
Borrow useful Things for your home, projects and adventures.
Affordable. Convenient. Kinder to the planet.
Of the steadily growing number of participating libraries,16 are in London. The one I saw is in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
London's first Library of Things opened in Crystal Palace in 2018. Their collection of 50 useful items included an ice cream maker, a carpet cleaner, a lawn mower and a ukulele:
Many councils are reported to be facing effective bankruptcy, which means drastic cuts in funding, slashed services and the closure of yet more public libraries.
Many campaigners are fighting to save their local branches. Guardian cartoonist Tom Gauld has some useful suggestions:
Library of Things encourages people to join or start new campaigns to bring the community borrowing service to their neighbourhood.
I really hope that this new scheme will help to keep some public libraries open.
It certainly gives 'browsing the shelves' a new meaning:
