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#libraryofthings

2 posts2 participants0 posts today

#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."

boulderweekly.com/special-edit

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."

Source:
msn.com/en-us/news/us/watertow

www.msn.comMSN

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."

Read more:
newscentermaine.com/article/ne

www.newscentermaine.comBefore you continue to YouTube

"“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."
ethicalrevolution.co.uk/share-
#LibraryofThings #sharing #coopertive #mutualAid

Ethical Revolution · Share Stuff - Ethical Revolution
More from Ethical Revolution

#Degrowth can work — here’s how science can help

Wealthy countries can create prosperity while using less materials and energy if they abandon #EconomicGrowth as an objective.

By Jason Hickel, Giorgos Kallis, Tim Jackson, Daniel W. O’Neill, Juliet B. Schor, Julia K. Steinberger, Peter A. Victor & Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, 12 December 2022

Excerpt: "The global economy is structured around growth — the idea that firms, industries and nations must increase production every year, regardless of whether it is needed. This dynamic is driving climate change and ecological breakdown. High-income economies, and the corporations and wealthy classes that dominate them, are mainly responsible for this problem and consume energy and materials at unsustainable rates.

"Yet many industrialized countries are now struggling to grow their economies, given economic convulsions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, resource scarcities and stagnating productivity improvements. Governments face a difficult situation. Their attempts to stimulate growth clash with objectives to improve human well-being and reduce environmental damage.

"GDP is getting a makeover — what it means for economies, health and the planet

"Researchers in ecological economics call for a different approach — degrowth. Wealthy economies should abandon growth of gross domestic product (#GDP) as a goal, scale down destructive and unnecessary forms of #production to reduce energy and material use, and focus economic activity around securing human needs and well-being. This approach, which has gained traction in recent years, can enable rapid #decarbonization and stop ecological breakdown while improving social outcomes. It frees up energy and materials for low- and middle-income countries in which growth might still be needed for development. Degrowth is a purposeful strategy to stabilize economies and achieve social and ecological goals, unlike recession, which is chaotic and socially destabilizing and occurs when growth-dependent economies fail to grow.

"Reports this year by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (#IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on #Biodiversity and #Ecosystem Services (#IPBES) suggest that degrowth policies should be considered in the fight against #ClimateBreakdown and #biodiversity loss, respectively. Policies to support such a strategy include the following.

"Reduce less-necessary production. This means scaling down destructive sectors such as #FossilFuels, mass-produced meat and dairy, #FastFashion, #advertising, #cars and aviation, including #PrivateJets. At the same time, there is a need to end the #PlannedObsolescence of products, lengthen their lifespans and reduce the purchasing power of the #rich.

"Improve #PublicServices. It is necessary to ensure universal access to high-quality #HealthCare, #Education, #Housing, transportation, Internet, #RenewableEnergy and nutritious food. #UniversalPublicServices can deliver strong social outcomes without high levels of resource use.

"Introduce a green jobs guarantee. This would train and mobilize labour around urgent social and ecological objectives, such as installing renewables, insulating buildings, regenerating #ecosystems and improving social care. A programme of this type would end unemployment and ensure a just transition out of jobs for workers in declining industries or 'sunset sectors', such as those contingent on fossil fuels. It could be paired with a #UniversalIncome policy.

"Reduce working time. This could be achieved by lowering the retirement age, encouraging part-time working or adopting a four-day working week [and hybrid or remote work]. These measures would lower #CarbonEmissions and free people to engage in care and other welfare-improving activities. They would also stabilize employment as less-necessary production declines.

"Enable #sustainable development. This requires cancelling unfair and unpayable debts of low- and middle-income countries, curbing unequal exchange in international trade and creating conditions for productive capacity to be reoriented towards achieving social objectives.

"Some countries, regions and cities have already introduced elements of these policies. Many European nations guarantee free health care and education; Vienna and Singapore are renowned for high-quality public housing; and nearly 100 cities worldwide offer free public transport. Job guarantee schemes have been used by many nations in the past, and experiments with basic incomes and shorter working hours are under way in Finland, Sweden and New Zealand.

"But implementing a more comprehensive strategy of degrowth — in a safe and just way — faces five key research challenges, as we outline here."

Read more:
nature.com/articles/d41586-022

Archived version:
archive.ph/AtJ87
#FourDayWorkweek #RemoteWork #HybridWork #CircularEconomy #CapitalismKills #RightToRepair #ProtectMotherEarth #CorporateColonialism #BuyLess #BuyNothing #LibraryOfThings #SolarPunkSunday

www.nature.comDegrowth can work — here’s how science can helpWealthy countries can create prosperity while using less materials and energy if they abandon economic growth as an objective.

How to Turn an “#EconomicBlackout” Into an All-Out War on #CorporatePower

Friday’s economic boycott is a one-day attack on corporate interests. The #degrowth movement calls for a broader societal shift.

Jonah Valdez, February 28 2025

Excerpt: "Rooted in the work of American and European political theorists of the 1970s, the 'degrowth' movement criticizes a #capitalist system that seeks unending growth and profit, which has led to #ecological and #environmental ruin such as the impacts of #ClimateChange.

"Instead, it advocates for a system that prioritizes the needs of the #planet and its people, such as #housing, #education, and #healthcare. According to Jason Hickel, a leading advocate of degrowth and author of 'Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World,' the movement calls for reducing consumption and production of things that harm the planet such #FossilFuels, #SUVs, #PrivateJets, #mansions, #FastFashion, #IndustrialBeef, #CruiseShips, and the #MilitaryIndustrialComplex.

"While the term may be unfamiliar to many Americans, its core ideas have cropped up in the Green New Deal’s goals of a post-fossil fuel economy; the pandemic-era phenomenon of white-collar workers voluntarily quitting their jobs and working less; and the recent social media trend of '#NoBuy,' which encouraged people to purchase less and #repurpose more.

"'People are getting a sense that they’re ripped off, that they’re being taken advantage of and exploited as consumers,' said Aaron Vansintjan, co-author of 'The Future Is Degrowth: A Guide to a World Beyond Capitalism.' 'It is promising that people are responding to the current moment by showing their distrust of these corporations.'

"The boycott has drawn wide–ranging media coverage, along with the attention of some celebrities. It also caught the attention of #LindaSarsour, a progressive activist best known for organizing the 2017 #WomensMarch after #Trump’s first election.

"'It is an easy risk-free way to invite masses of people to act in reaction to the outrageousness of this Administration,' Sarsour told The Intercept in an email."

theintercept.com/2025/02/28/no
#CorporateColonialism #Corporatocracy #RepairCafes #LibraryOfThings #ReuseRepairRecycle #CircularEconomy #CapitalismKills #EnvironmentalDamage #USPol #WorldPol #CapitalismMustDie #PlannedObsolescence #ProtectMotherEarth

The Intercept · How to Turn an “Economic Blackout” Into an All-Out War on Corporate PowerBy Jonah Valdez

#Tennessee: #LibraryOfThings at the #NashvillePublicLibrary

"Why buy when you can borrow? The Library of Things features an array of useful items—including activities and games, health and fitness equipment, tools and electronics, food and party items, crafts and hobbies, and musical instruments—that you can borrow for free for up to 3 weeks."

Items include: Guitars, keyboards, ukuleles, and other musical instruments, radon detectors, baking supplies, tool kits, board games, fitness and sports equipment, and craft and hobby items.

FMI: library.nashville.org/services
#LibrariesRule #Libraries #LibrariesOfThings #SharingEconomy #SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #Degrowth #CircularEconomy

Nashville Public LibraryLibrary of Things

#Michigan: #LibraryOfThings

"Welcome to a new era of borrowing at the #WestlandPublicLibrary—where you can borrow experiences, hobbies, and tools just as easily as you borrow books.

What is the Library of Things?

"The Library of Things allows you to borrow physical objects for use at home or on the go. You now have access to a diverse collection of items that cater to your curiosity and interests. From tools to help your next household project to craft kits that awaken your artistic side, our collection is designed to inspire and enrich your life."

Who can check out Library of Things items?

"Library of Things items can be checked out by Westland residents age 18 and older."

Borrowing limits

"Eligible patrons may borrow a maximum of two items at any given time. Library of Things items have a two week loan period and cannot be renewed."

Items include: Board games, puzzles, sports equipment, outdoor recreation, tech accessories, digital tools, audio equipment, arts and crafts, gardening, ghost hunting, outdoor exploration, cooking and baking equipment, cleaning and organizing equipment, event supplies, hand tools, automotive tools, measurement and precision tools, and more!

FMI:
westlandlibrary.org/featured-c
#LibrariesRule #Libraries #LibrariesOfThings #SharingEconomy #SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #Degrowth #CircularEconomy

westlandlibrary.orgLibrary of Things – Westland Public Library

#Missouri: #JoplinMO #PublicLibrary Shares Spring Ideas of Books and Things

by: Wendi Douglas

Posted: Mar 10, 2025 / 04:41 PM CDT

"SPRING" LIBRARY RESOURCES - Cleaning/Organizing, Gardening & Donating!

SPRING CLEANING

"With Spring around the corner, Joplin Public Library can help you get your home and garden prepped for the new season!

"Spring is the time to tackle the cleaning and repairing you've put off all winter. Check out a book on decluttering, a complete guide to cleaning the whole house, or handy hints on storage, repairs, and maintenance.

"Need a tool for spring cleaning? Check out the #LibraryOfThings for a professional carpet cleaner, a household tool kit, or a dryer vent cleaning system.

"Just need something to listen to while you clean? Libby and hoopla have great audiobooks you can stream from your devices!

SPRING GARDENING

"If you have a garden you want to get ready for Spring, you'll want to be certain to use Library resources as well!

"The annual plant swap on March 29 is a great place to meet fellow plant lovers and get new plants, cuttings, and seeds!

"Browse the book selection for instructions on vegetable gardening, flower gardening and more. If you're more of a visual learning, stream Great Courses How to Grow Anything on Kanopy using your JPL card!

"Just dipping your toes into gardening? Check out our gardening set from the Library of Things and try before you buy!

DONATIONS ACCEPTED

"Also, if you`re decluttering and wondering where to go with your gently used books, movies, and magazines. Bring them to the Library.

"The Joplin Public Library accepts donations of GENTLY USED books, DVDs, CDs and recent issues of popular magazines. As part of their volunteer duties, Friends of the Joplin Public Library manage the donated items and the sale shelf. Funds raised will help to support the Friends in their mission of enhancing and supporting the Library. They would love to have your items to sell."

fourstateshomepage.com/news/li

For details: Joplin Public Library | www.joplinpubliclibrary.org/

#Florida: Donations wanted for #OrlandoFL and #JacksonvilleFL #LibraryOfThings!

"The #CenterForBiologicalDiversity fights not only to protect wildlife and wild lands in Florida but also to address the underlying causes of the extinction crisis, including the excessive production and consumption of new products.

"That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re working with #Shareable and other partners to establish Library of Things pilot projects in Orlando and Jacksonville.

"A Library of Things is a shared community resource where useful items can be borrowed just like books that are in circulation for years, reducing the demand to produce new goods that destroy habitat, generate greenhouse gases, create pollution, and harm wildlife.

"Sharing also disrupts the current U.S. economic model that demands endless growth through the constant purchasing of new things. It challenges the traditional consumerist mindset that drives overproduction and leads to items getting thrown away after only a few uses.

"You can support this effort by donating items from the library’s wish lists. Whether it's a bicycle repair kit for someone who bikes for transportation, kitchen items for a new university student, or a generator for emergency preparedness, every item counts. By donating, you’ll help neighbors save money and push back against the culture of consumerism.

Here's how it works

"The Jacksonville Library of Things pilot, located at University of North Florida dormitories, is looking for donations of board games, kitchen items, phone chargers and tools to be used by students living in the dorms, based on a needs assessment conducted with students in partnership with the University.

"The Central Florida Tool Library (serving Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties) is seeking donations related to disaster preparation and response, as well as home repair and maintenance. These items were identified based on conversations between community members and our partner, #CentralFloridaMutualAid.

"Each wish list notes whether the item can be gently used or refurbished or must be new. (Certain products must be new for the libraries to ensure they meet safety and fire code standards. But purchasing these items once to be shared among the community prevents each future borrower from buying more.)

"Links to secondhand and refurbished sites are included where possible. The wish lists also provide a desired quantity of each item. Once the maximum number of items is claimed, you’ll see the request has been fulfilled. The mailing address to send the products for inclusion in the Library of Things can be found in the wish list."

Original article:
biologicaldiversity.org/progra

#CentralFlorida #ToolLibrary Wishlist:
sokindregistry.org/registry/CF

Jacksonville Library of Things Wishlist:
sokindregistry.org/registry/Ja
#LibrariesRule #Libraries #LibrariesOfThings #SharingEconomy #SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #Degrowth #CircularEconomy #LibraryOfThings

#UK: New #LibraryOfThings offers help in #ToughTimes'

Ben Mellor, 8 March 2025

"A new Library of Things will 'reduce waste' and help people struggling for money, organisers say.

"It will operate from #BeestonLibrary in #Nottinghamshire and open in the coming weeks, although an exact date has not yet been set.

"The service will allow people to borrow #HouseholdItems, rather than books, such as carpet cleaners, sewing machines, and children's party sets.

"Fiona Hartley, an organiser, said: 'These are typically things that might be a bit more expensive, and then you only use them once or twice, and then they sit in your cupboard unused.'

"She said times were tough at the moment and "this is just something that helps people save a bit of money and a bit of space in their homes".

"The project has received funding from the Beeston Civic Society and Broxtowe Borough Council to help with the purchase of items - totalling £1,500.

"This money will be spent on purchasing supplies and items to stock the library.

"Ms Hartley said there was a 'growing movement' behind Libraries of Things nationwide. Similar projects have been set up across the wider #EastMidlands.

"Peter Cribb, the district manager at Inspire, which runs Beeston Library, said he was 'excited at the potential'.

"'It's not something we've done before, you know we do loan out non-book items, but they're on a one-off basis,' he said.

"When the service starts, people will use an app to book an item they wish to use. Library staff will then retrieve the item.

"The maintenance of the items and the app will be operated and paid for by the volunteer groups, Mr Cribb said, and the library's role is to act as storage.

"Karrie Stainer is the chairwoman of the volunteers and said she first had the idea for the Library of Things over one year ago.

"However, she struggled to secure funding for the project until recently.

"'The underlying motivation really comes from #environmental issues, not being wasteful of stuff, not throwing stuff away,' she said."

Source:
bbc.com/news/articles/c5y4pyl7
#LibrariesRule #Libraries #LibrariesOfThings #SharingEconomy #SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #Degrowth #CircularEconomy

The entrance to Beeston library
www.bbc.comNew Library of Things in Beeston offers help in 'tough times'The service will allow people to borrow household items such as carpet cleaners and sewing machines.

#MattapoisettMA Library #SeedExchange

March 10, 2025

"The #MattapoisettLibrary is excited to announce the return of our well-loved #SeedLibrary Program! As the days get longer and the snow melts away, it’s the perfect time for local gardeners and nature enthusiasts to prepare for spring planting. Whether you’re starting a brand-new garden or looking to expand your collection, our Seed Library is restocked and ready for you.

"This season, we’re offering a hearty selection of staples such as herbs, beets, tomatoes, kale, peas, and corn. We also have flowers to enhance any landscape! Supplies are limited. Please take only what you need so we have plenty for everyone.

"Seeds do not need to be returned. However, we encourage patrons to bring in any seeds they’ve collected or no longer need when they come by to check out new ones. And while you’re here, visit our #LibraryOfThings for all the tools and kits you need to dig in and grow your garden, including Soil Testing Kits, Soil Block Kits, Tillers, and more!

"The Seed Library is free and open to everyone, regardless of gardening experience. Patrons only need an active SAILS library card to participate!

"Don’t have a library card yet? No worries! Just bring your ID, and you can sign up for one when you visit to browse our seed selection. Library cards are free and provide access to resources offered at the MFPL and surrounding SAILS libraries.

"Come by 7 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett and borrow what you need to start your garden today! For more information, visit the library, email mfpl@sailsinc.org, or call us at 508-758-4171."

Source:
wanderer.com/happenings/mattap
#SeedySunday #SeedLibrary #LibrariesRule #Massachusetts #SolarPunkSunday

www.wanderer.comMattapoisett Library Seed Exchange

All UK Libraries of Things

Share Stuff’ is step ‘S’ in my 26 steps A-Z to a better world, and Libraries of Things are a perfect resource to for us to do just that. Find a Library of Things near you.

I’m extremely proud to have played a part in the explosion of the Library of Things movement in the UK. During my three years as manager of the UK’s first ever high street Library of Things I helped instigate a national network and acted as a direct consultant to 30+ new libraries who are now part of a thriving sharing culture across the country.

It is now highly likely there is a Library of Things near you. Scroll through the Library of Things directory I created for Ethical Consumer magazine to find yours.

[Via Ethical Revolution]

Ethical Revolution · Share Stuff - Ethical Revolution
More from Ethical Revolution