Sprout Village
Sustainable community from the ground up
A library of things, sometimes known as a lending library, is a community resource where people can borrow items they need instead of buying them.
The Rochester Library of Things (RLOT) is a new project currently in the planning phase. We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about the community, sharing and sustainability, to help us set up and run the library.
Why have a library of things?
The Rochester Library of Things (RLOT) will improve the community in multiple ways, which are outlined in our current Mission Statement and Objectives. This framework is a work in progress, and will develop as committee members come on board and help shape the progress of the project.
Mission Statement
Empowering our community through shared access to diverse tools and resources, fostering sustainability and creativity.
Objectives
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Sustainability: By facilitating the borrowing of items rather than ownership, the library will reduce waste and encourage the reuse of resources. This approach minimises environmental impact and promotes a culture of conservation and efficient resource use within the community.
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Community Connections: The library will strengthen local bonds by creating a shared space where individuals can interact, exchange ideas, and support one another. The library not only facilitates the exchange of physical items but also encourages dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support among community members.
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Financial Benefits: The library will offer significant financial advantages by providing access to high-cost items at a low membership fee. This model helps reduce personal expenditures on infrequently used items, making resources more accessible and manageable for individuals and families within the community.
What sort of things will I be able to borrow?
The RLOT's inventory might include:
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Hand and power tools: plane, saw, drill, orbital sander
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Gardening equipment: whipper snipper, mulcher, pruning shears
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Camping and leisure equipment: camping chair, fold out table, tent, swag
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Kitchen and party equipment: electric mixer, icecream maker, drinks dispenser, crockery set
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Toys and games: slip and slide, jumping castle, bocce, cornhole, board games, jigsaw puzzles
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Entertainment and audio-visual equipment: karaoke machine, microphone and amp, guitar
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Medical and family: wheelchair, crutches, car seat, travel cot
Do any other communities have a library of things?
The RLOT will join more than 30 other Libraries of Things and Tool Libraries around Australia. The Australian Library of Things Network (https://www.alotnetwork.org/) formed in 2022, responding to a need for existing libraries of things and tool libraries to connect with and support each other.
Some libraries focus on a single category of item, like tools or children's toys. Tthe Echuca Moama Toy Library is a great example of this. Other libraries are joined with a Repair Cafe or Men's Shed, like the Bendigo Repair and Share Shed.
Whose idea was this anyway?
This project is being spearheaded by local community member Emma Solomano. Emma is the owner of Twist and Sprout, a shop in Rochester that sells eco-friendly food and home products. At the shop, she runs the collection of hard-to-recycle items, as well as being Rochester's drop off point for Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme. She runs monthly community clean ups in town where a small group picks up rubbish to keep the town tidy. She is passionate about reducing waste, sustainability, and improving connections within the community, and she wants YOU to get on board!
How do I get involved?
Volunteer: RLOT is currently in the early planning phase. The plan is to become an incorporated assocation, which requires five members to be involved. An incorporated association is a not-for-profit entity, designed to be run by volunteers for the benefit of the community.
Funding: If you have knowledge regarding funding bodies or grants that would be applicable to RLOT, please get in touch.
Donations of items: Once we secure a site and funding, we will be looking for donations of inventory items at that time. Donations of money to assist with the purchase of library items will also be very valuable.
Get in touch: If you'd like to find out more about RLOT, receive updates about our progress, or get involved, contact Emma Solomano at the following details:
0427 707 018