What Is a Library of Things?
Definition
A Library of Things is a service that lets people borrow physical items — such as tools, kitchen equipment, camping gear, and household devices — instead of buying them. It works like a book library, but for objects. Members borrow what they need, use it, and return it for the next person, reducing cost, clutter, and waste.
How a Library of Things works
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A collection is assembled — donated, purchased, or funded items are catalogued and made available to a community.
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Members join — residents, employees, or the public sign up, often for a small fee or for free.
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Members borrow items — through an app or at a sharing station, for a set period.
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Items are returned — checked, maintained, and made available again.
Modern libraries of things use software to manage inventory and bookings, and smart IoT hardware so members can borrow and return 24/7 without staff on site.
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Why libraries of things matter
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Less waste, more circular economy One shared drill can replace dozens of rarely-used private ones. Sharing extends the life of goods and keeps them out of landfill.
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Saving money Members access hundreds of items for the cost of a small membership instead of buying things they'll use a handful of times.
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Stronger communities Sharing brings people together and builds local connection around a shared resource.
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Less clutter Borrow the ladder when you need it; don't store it in your garage for the other 360 days a year.
What can you borrow from a Library of Things?
Commonly: power tools and DIY equipment, garden tools, kitchen and party supplies, camping and outdoor gear, sports equipment, and household devices. Each library tailors its collection to its community.
How to start a Library of Things
Starting one takes a collection of items, a way to manage borrowing, and ideally hardware that lets members access items around the clock. Circular Library Network provides the complete infrastructure — management software, smart IoT hardware, and white-label apps — so organisations can launch and run a Library of Things without building the technology themselves.
Whether you're a municipality, a real estate developer, or an NGO, the model adapts to your community.
Thinking about starting one?
— see how our infrastructure makes it simple. → Explore our solutions, software, and hardware.