The Library of Things, now available at Swiss Cottage Library, is a social enterprise that lets residents borrow household tools and equipment for a small fee, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
The scheme is already in place at Kentish Town Library and offers more than 30 items for as little as £1 per day.
Councillor Adam Harrison, cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden, said: “Reducing the amount of waste that we produce in Camden is important to the borough becoming a more sustainable place to live and work.
“We want to challenge the ‘take-make-dispose’ model of the linear economy in Camden and replace it with an alternative which values repair, sharing and reuse, while cutting consumption emissions, reducing waste, and helping residents with the cost-of-living crisis.”
The launch event gave members of the public a chance to try out items for free and learn how they could use them for projects at home.
Think & Do also opened their Sharing Space at the library, offering a place for residents to connect, learn new skills, and share knowledge.
Councillor Patricia Leman, deputy mayor of Camden, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Library of Things to Swiss Cottage and today’s event was a great practical demonstration of how anyone can cheaply borrow items for projects or home improvements.”
Since the service began in Camden, more than 4,000 people have borrowed 7,396 items, including tools for cleaning, DIY, gardening, cooking and events.
The scheme also encourages the sharing of practical skills in the community, from basic repairs to DIY.
A spokesperson from Library of Things said: “We’re really excited to bring Library of Things to Swiss Cottage Library, and to be working in partnership with Think & Do and Camden Council, for a fantastic launch event.
“This was a chance for residents to discover what shared access to tools can unlock, from learning a new skill like repair or DIY to supporting community projects – all the while reducing waste and breaking the cycle of consumerism.”
