The Institute for Community Sustainability (ICS) is looking for volunteer librarians for our Thing Library! Do you value sustainability, mindful consumption, or circular economies? Are you an avid builder, baker, DIY-er, camper or gardener? Does information management interest you? This role might be for you!
The London Thing Library operates like a regular library, but lends things instead of books! The Thing Library offers over 500 items, including kitchen appliances, gardening gear, hand and power tools, camping equipment, and event supplies. This shared inventory of tools allows for wider and more equitable access to these resources, and moves away from the traditional “take-make-waste” approach and more towards a circular model of consumption. The Library also serves as a ‘gathering place’ for creators, builders, gardeners, bakers, cooks, and other community makers to connect and learn from each another.
Thing Librarians are generally expected to:
- Commit to at least one 2-hour shift per week at the Thing Library
- Process and prepare item loans, returns, and donations
- Identify broken items or items with missing parts
- Maintain the library's physical space and online inventory
- Be comfortable lifting 20 lb (~10 kg) using proper lifting technique
Thing Librarians can optionally:
- Create newsletter and promotional content for the Thing Library
- Represent the Thing Library at events
- Organise events and workshops that showcase the inventory
- Fix items when they break
Thing Librarians have the opportunity to:
- Use the Thing Library for free!
- Have a say in how the Thing Library operates
- Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
- Share expert knowledge and skills with other volunteers and Thing Library members
If you're interested, please contact Julia at [email protected]
