Library of Things expands across Catalonia to reduce unnecessary purchases

We live in a society where we buy far more than we actually use: from drills needed for a single afternoon to hang a couple of frames or shelves, to camping tents used once and then forgotten, or wheelchairs and crutches left over from an injury we’ll probably never have again.

These objects, however, are often indispensable. When we need them, we usually end up buying them simply because there are no other options, especially in growing cities, where connections with neighbors and local communities are becoming increasingly rare.

To address this problem, a new initiative, the Library of Things, La Biblioteca de les Coses in Catalan, has been expanding steadily over the past few years. It now has six locations in Barcelona and around fifteen across Catalonia.

Inspired by similar projects originally launched in cities such as London and Toronto, the idea is simple: a library where people can borrow essential objects for free and return them once they no longer need them. 

"The objects usually loaned are DIY tools, especially drills. In fact, we already have three or four because they are in high demand, as well as other tools like sanders or keyhole saws," explain Muntsa and Xavi, from the Library of Things in the Eixample.

Other popular items include camping tents and inflatable mattresses, as well as health-related equipment.

"Wheelchairs are especially popular, which are only needed from time to time and are often difficult to get through the public health system," they add.

The Library of Things in the Eixample is one of the most established in the city. It opened in 2022 and is self-organized by local residents.

"For now, we open on Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm. We work in a self-organized way, meaning neighbors take turns opening it. As the group grows, we will consider opening on more days," they explain.

As awareness of the initiative grows throughout the neighborhood, helped by recent media attention, it continues to gain momentum.

"The entire neighborhood finds it interesting, and more and more people are using it all the time," they explain.

Most of the items they offer come from donations. With the money they receive from members who choose to contribute voluntarily, they are also able to purchase additional items that are in high demand, allowing them to expand what they offer.

In fact, beyond reducing waste, one of their main goals is to build a sense of community.

"We want to create a meeting point where people can get to know not only the project, but also each other. We live in a neighborhood of 100,000 people that is generally quite hostile, and it’s hard to form meaningful connections," they add.