Join us again next #SolarPunkSunday. Not sure what the topics will be... I've been thinking about ways to cool off (without using air conditioning), since it's supposed to heat up a bit in Maine next week. But, we could be posting about a variety of topics... #RepairCafes , #LibraryOfThings , #Gardening , #Rewilding, etc.! Suggestions welcome! A special TY to @BrambleBearGrrrauwling and @MaQuest for their posts, and to everyone to chimed in and shared!
Recent searches
Search options
#libraryofthings
0 posts0 participants0 posts today
So, I was pleased to learn that a small local library (in a historic building) is offering "explorer bags" to borrow! And they are right next door to an 80-acre nature preserve! #LibraryOfThings and #LearningWithNature! What a fantastic combination!
Replied in thread
That's why trends in #VisibleMending, #RepairCafes, and #LibraryOfThings gives me hope. Many of us don't mind 2nd hand stuff, fixing stuff, etc. But it's hard for most folks to find time to do that and earn a livable wage. @cwicseolfor @MatthewToadAgain @alexblock @ciggysmokebringer
Well, that was another great #SolarPunkSunday ! Thanks to @MaQuest and @BrambleBearGrrrauwling for the posts and boosts, and everyone who posted about #RightToRepair, #Rewilding, #VisibleMending, #RepairCafes, and #LibraryOfThings! Join us again next Sunday. Topic suggestions welcome! 
Share Shed
"The world’s first mobile library of things."
https://www.shareshed.org.uk/
#LibraryOfThings #SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesOfThings #LibrariesRule #UK #Libraries
www.shareshed.org.ukShare Shed – A Library of Things
"Browse the Things.
Select from our locations to see what's available near you."
https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/browse
#LibraryOfThings #SolarPunkSunday
#LibrariesOfThings #LibrariesRule #UK #Libraries #London
www.libraryofthings.co.ukBrowse the Things | Library of Things
Replied in thread
@Kayo Oh hey, many libraries are offering #LibraryOfThings these days! I've been highlighting them for a while now.
[Video] Some #NJ libraries now offer a ‘#LibraryOfThings’
February 2024
Excerpt: "[W]e're used to checking out a trove of books when we head to the library.
"But visit a local branch and you'll find you can take out so much more.
"Libraries of things are the new trend where card holders can check out a range of goods from small appliances to a power washer.
"A little something for everyone.
Ted Goldberg has the story.
We have a power washer.
Who would have thought you could borrow a power washer from a public library?
"The #HobokenPublicLibrary has books.
"But you probably knew that there were other stuff might surprise you.
"We have everything from an OG Sega Genesis video game to one of our very popular items, electric knife sharpener.
"Their library of things has all sorts of inventory that might come in handy, like a stud finder or a cornhole set."
https://www.pbs.org/video/new-jersey-libraries-offer-more-than-just-books-1709064359/
www.pbs.orgNJ Spotlight News | Some NJ libraries now offer a ‘library of things’ | Season 2024Power washers, knife sharpeners, snowshoes and more
#PelhamAlabama - Pelham Public #Library introduces Library of Things
Published 3:04 pm Monday, April 28, 2025
By Dave Domescik
"The Pelham Public Library is offering a new option for patrons who are looking for something other than a new book to read.
"The Library of Things, introduced in April, is available for adult patrons in good standing who have no overdue or lost items and no fines over $10. A Facebook post described some of the items available to patrons.
" 'Need a tool for a quick fix? Want to pump up balloons for a party? Planning a game night? Need a Chromebook or mobile hotspot for work or school? We’ve got you covered,' the post read.
"The new project encourages resource sharing and sustainability, helping the Pelham community save money and reduce waste by providing items like board games, STEM kits, tool sets and tech items. The Library of Things display is near the front desk of the Pelham Public Library on the first floor. Patrons can pick up the display case of the desired item and bring it to the Circulation Desk, where a staff member will then retrieve the real item from the storage shelf in the library.
"Melanie Carden, Pelham Public Library’s library supervisor, explained that the inspiration to launch the Library of Things came from public libraries across the country offering a similar option. These libraries could include anything from tools, electronics, recreational equipment and more.
" 'After looking around at some items we already owned at Pelham Public Library, we wanted to jump on the bandwagon,' Carden said. 'It all started with our #BoardGames. Our large collection of board games was previously used for game nights and events at the library in years past, but attendance had since tapered off. Our solution was to allow patrons to enjoy these items in the comfort of their own home.'
"More than 80 items in the Library of Things were already previously owned by the Pelham Public Library, but donations to the new entity are encouraged.
" 'We hope that our Library of Things, much like our regular library collection, promotes #sustainability by encouraging sharing and the ability to try items before you buy,' Carden said. 'If you need a tool set for a one-time project, we have one for you. If you have friends coming over for game night but don’t want to spend a lot of money on new games, you can put a game on hold to pick up before the event.'
"According to Carden, the Library of Things is based on the 'lend instead of buy' principle and reduces the environmental impact of #OverConsumption. Furthermore, the new option promotes community belonging and mutual learning. Carden briefly described some of the most popular and unique items currently available at the Library of Things.
" 'Our most popular items so far have been the kid-friendly board games, such as Battleship, Guess Who? and Candyland,' Carden said. 'The unique items range from a floppy disk reader to a portable electric balloon pump.'
"To browse the collection in the Library of Things, visit Tinyurl.com/PelhamLOT. Those interested in donating to the Library of Things can email Carden at mcarden@pelhamalabama.gov or call the library at 205-620-6418."
https://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2025/04/28/pelham-public-library-introduces-library-of-things/
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/YYHWy
Shelby County Reporter · Pelham Public Library introduces Library of Things - Shelby County ReporterThe Pelham Public Library is offering a new option for patrons who are looking for something other than a new book to read.
#Caturday began at 5:30am this morning. Calling it a night. Looking forward to #SolarPunkSunday tomorrow. I hope folks will join me (between 11am and 5pm EDT). I'm hoping @BrambleBearGrrrauwling and @MaQuest will chime in. And anyone else who wants to post about such topics as #Degrowth, #Rewilding, #GreenCities, #Gardening, #Sustainability, #CircularEconomy, #LibraryOfThings, #RepairCafes, #Bicycles, #VisibleMending, #DIY, and more! Ideas and posts welcome!
“No Tariffs on Sharing”: Tool Libraries Offer Resilience Amid Federal Chaos
https://truthout.org/articles/no-tariffs-on-sharing-tool-libraries-offer-resilience-amid-federal-chaos/
#library #libraries #libraryofthings #toollibraries #tools #bibliotheques #partage
Truthout · “No Tariffs on Sharing”: Tool Libraries Offer Resilience Amid Federal ChaosAs Trump imposes tariffs, tool libraries can serve as a sustainable alternative to consuming more products.
Willst du auch so eigene Chläber? Dann komm Sa 20.4.25 ins @humbug.club an die @slapmebaby4057 Stickerconvention! Designe vor Ort am Compi und drucke mit unserem Zebraprinter!
Wir feiern unseren 5. Geburtstag! 
Und 
du bist herzlich dazu eingeladen! 
WANN: Sa 26.4.25, 15:00 - late
WO: Horburgstr. 105, 4057 Basel
Wir freuen uns auf dich! :))
Alrighty then! Thanks to everyone who tuned into #SolarPunkSunday, and @MaQuest and @BrambleBearGrrrauwling , and everyone who chimed in about #GuerillaGardening and #PeanutGardening (do at your own risk!). Tune in next Sunday (assuming there's still an internet) with more about #Rewilding #RepairCafes #Degrowth #Sustainability #LibraryOfThings #Makerspace, etc! Suggestions welcome! 
#Colorado - #Libraries and the ‘economy of sharing’
An ode to the palace of the people
By Kaylee Harter - Apr. 9, 2025
"Visit one of BPL’s #makerspaces, a feature that’s become a staple in many libraries, and you can use #3DPrinters, #looms, #LaserCutters, #ScreenPrinting equipment and more.
" 'It’s a collaborative learning environment,' Farnan says. 'We’re learning together. If you were to go into the makerspace today and ask, like, ‘I’m thinking about doing this,’ then they would say, ‘I don’t know how to do that, but let’s figure it out.’
" 'That is inherently resilient.'
"He recalls a blind artist who came in with a unique challenge: 'She wanted to be able to see her drawings.'
" 'They worked with her with 3D printers, with the laser cutters and that kind of thing, in order to transfer her drawings into dimensional objects, because they were abstractions, so that she could then see them with her fingers.'
"Despite the always expanding array of programming and services, the books themselves — and literacy for all ages — are ever important."
https://boulderweekly.com/special-editions/libraries-and-the-economy-of-sharing/
Boulder Weekly · Libraries and the 'economy of sharing' - Boulder WeeklyLibraries are "that safe place,” says Jon Solomon, director of Longmont's library. “If you’re feeling attacked, that’s what we’re here for.”
#WatertownMA - Watertown's "#LibraryOfThings" offers creative #community #workspace. Here's a look inside.
Story by Jordyn Jagolinzer
"The library in Watertown, Massachusetts is providing the tools and a space for people to get creative and learn new skills.
" 'A lot of libraries have started a 'library of things' collection, but they don't have necessarily a space to allow people to just make and create and build community,' Watertown Public Library director Kim Hewitt said. 'We have a big Hatch-maker space and that was one of the first in the area.'
"The 'Hatch' facility on Summer Street is right around the block from the main library. The workshop is stocked with tools, materials and expertise for everyone to learn in a venue that fosters #creativity.
"We have scraps of material to play around with, the #SewingMachines, or create something, #JewelryMaking. It doesn't have to be prescriptive. You can go there and see what appeals to you," Hewitt said.
"The #Hatchspace is a standout amongst similar programs in Massachusetts, and it just celebrated it's tenth birthday. It has #ButtonMakers, #LaserCutters, and even #3DPrinters.
"Talented expert volunteers are on hand to assist patrons with their projects, which is how Seth Deitch first started making things in the space.
" 'We're very lucky to have the people that we have who volunteer here. Many of them are extremely talented. Lots of people with advanced degrees,' Deitch said.
"Hatch also offers workshops that more and more people in the community are getting involved in.
" 'It's nice having a space for the entire community that's free to come to and work at,' Deitch said. 'Nowadays, people spend a lot of their time staring at screens, not enough working with their hands.'
"The best part is, anyone in the state can get in on the fun.
" 'As long as you're a #Massachusetts resident, you can get a library card at the #WatertownPubliclibrary,' said Ran Cronin, the library's access services supervisor.
"The library is hoping to expand the Hatch space. It also has one of the largest English language-learning programs, called #ProjectLiteracy, which serves 900 students per year."
www.msn.comMSN
So, in other news, this week's #SolarPunkSunday will focus on #Rewilding -- especially #GuerillaGardening! Also, #RepairCafes and #LibraryOfThings (because #LibrariesRule despite budget cuts. Every week should #LibraryWeek!)
#ReduceReuseRepair! #BuyLess! #FixIt! #Borrow! #Share!
So yeah. This REALLY pisses me off! I have friends who work for the #MaineStateLibrary. Grrrrr....
Maine State Library issues layoffs, cites inability to access federal funding
The Maine State Library announced Wednesday 13 staff members, whose positions are supported by federal funding, were laid off.
April 9, 2025
"The Maine State Library announced layoffs on Wednesday, citing an ongoing inability to access federal funding.
"The announcement comes after President Donald #Trump signed an executive order in March deeming the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 'unnecessary' and slated to be dismantled, later placing the entire agency's staff on administrative leave.
"The Maine State Library said in a news release that IMLS funding represents 30 percent of its annual budget and has not received any communication from IMLS on if or when funding might be restored.
"The state library said it last received funds from its 2025 federal award advance through the IMLS on March 24.
"Thirteen employees whose positions are supported by federal funding have been laid off, the state library said. Those employees represent approximately 30 percent of Maine State Library staff.
"The Maine State Library said the layoffs could be rescinded if funding is restored.
"Starting on Thursday, the Maine State Library will close for a two-week reorganization period where its location at 242 State St. in Augusta will not be open to the public.
"'Losing access to this Federal funding harms Maine residents and will have negative consequences in communities across the state," Maine State Librarian #LoriFisher said in the release. 'Despite these significant cuts, the Maine State Library remains committed to advancing the mission of libraries in Maine and to serving every library patron to the best of our ability.'
"In 2024, the Maine State Library says it received $1,526,754 from the #IMLS Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States program which supports services including #HighSpeedInternet for public libraries; #InterlibraryLoans, #EBooks, and #audiobooks; services for #VisuallyImpaired patrons; and professional development for library staff.
"The library says it is continuing to evaluate the range of impacts on library services from the funding cuts and hopes to provide further updates as they become available.
"Following Trump's executive order, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey joined 20 other attorneys general in a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from dismantling a handful of agencies, including the IMLS."
WCSH · Maine State Library issues layoffs, cites inability to access federal funding
"“The average drill is used for only 13 minutes in its entire lifetime.”
Think about that for a moment. Think about the amount of carbon emissions used to manufacture the product. Think about waste disposal. Think of the value of that compared with the use it gets. Then imagine the difference in that value if instead of a whole street owning a drill each, they all shared one! That is what a Library of Things / Lending Library / Tool Library offers."
https://ethicalrevolution.co.uk/share-stuff/
#LibraryofThings #sharing #coopertive #mutualAid
Ethical Revolution · Share Stuff - Ethical Revolution
More from 
Ethical Revolution