The launch of Cranleigh Library of Things on Saturday 7 March was a great reminder of why community projects matter so much. A brilliant idea, brought to life by people who care about their community and the planet. The ribbon cutting is only the beginning.

At the grand opening celebrations we were pleased to welcome honoured guests including Tim Hall, Chairman of Surrey County Council, David Munro, Deputy Mayor of Waverley Borough Council, and County Councillor Liz Townsend, as well as other local supporters.

The idea is beautifully simple. Instead of buying tools or equipment which might only be used once or twice a year, you borrow them. Items like carpet cleaners, pressure washers or electric screw drivers in the Library of Things inventory, are stored and loaned out when needed. 

New items will be added to the catalogue regularly, as funds are raised. The aims are practical: to cut down on waste, to reduce cost and clutter and save CO₂ emissions into the bargain. 

The Library of Things is a happy collaboration between Cranleigh Climate Action and Cranleigh book Library (Surrey County Council). Borrowers collect the items from Cranleigh library and return them to there; the library staff act as front of house; another collaborator, Elmbridge Retirement Villages, provides the storage. Volunteers run the online system and make sure items are available to be collected from the library.

Members of the Library of Things team are at Cranleigh Library most Friday afternoons to explain how the system works and hear people’s ideas on what might be useful additional items.   Please pop along and have a chat.To find out more go to the library-of-things tab on this website: 

Photos credit: Martin Bamford Photography.